Can I still claim unpaid wages if I've already left my job in Cerritos?
Yes, you can still claim unpaid wages even if you are no longer employed. Leaving your job in Cerritos does not erase your right to compensation for hours you worked or benefits you earned. California law protects your right to recover wages that were wrongfully withheld.
Where do I file a wage and hour claim in Los Angeles County?
Wage and hour claims in Los Angeles County are typically filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. For incidents occurring in Cerritos, cases are generally filed in the Southeast District, and often proceed through the Norwalk Courthouse. The Norwalk Courthouse is located at 12720 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650.
In Los Angeles County, a case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. It is then assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department, as outlined by LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024. This applies to many employment-related claims, including those involving unpaid wages.
How long do I have to file a wage and hour claim?
For most wage and hour claims in California, you have two years to file a lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) from the date of the wage violation. However, if your claim involves a public entity in Cerritos, such as the City of Cerritos or a county agency, you must present a written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit. If you were a minor when the wage violation occurred, the deadline is generally paused under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, but this pause does not apply to the six-month government claim deadline.
What you can recover depends on the specific violation. California law allows recovery for unpaid wages, overtime, meal and rest break penalties, and other benefits. Penalties can also apply for employers who willfully fail to pay wages.
What should I do next if I believe my employer owes me wages?
- Gather Your Records: Collect any documents related to your employment, such as pay stubs, time cards, employment contracts, emails, and employee handbooks. These records can help prove your hours worked and wages due.
- Document the Details: Write down specific dates, times, and descriptions of when wage violations occurred. Note who you spoke with, what was said, and any other relevant details about your claim.
- Understand Your Rights: Educate yourself on California's wage and hour laws, which cover minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest breaks, and final pay. Our wage and hour practice area hub has more information.
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact a California wage and hour attorney to discuss your specific situation. An attorney can evaluate your claim, explain your options, and help you determine the best course of action. You can reach Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529.
- Avoid Retaliation: California law protects employees from retaliation for asserting their wage rights. Be aware of your rights against wrongful termination or other negative employment actions.
What kinds of wage and hour cases does Casa Legal Los Angeles handle?
Casa Legal Los Angeles helps employees in Cerritos with various wage and hour disputes. This includes claims for unpaid minimum wage, unpaid overtime, and failure to provide proper meal and rest breaks. We also assist with claims involving unpaid commissions, bonuses, and severance pay. If your employer misclassified you as an independent contractor to avoid paying benefits, we can help. Our firm also handles situations where employers fail to pay all final wages upon termination. We serve clients across Los Angeles County, including those in Bell Gardens and Cypress, addressing their specific employment law needs. We also help with employee rights and severance issues in Cerritos.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we start by listening to your story and understanding the specifics of your wage and hour situation. We will review your employment documents and any evidence you have collected. Our attorneys then explain your legal options clearly, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. We pursue the full compensation available under California law, whether through negotiation, administrative claims, or litigation. Our goal is to recover the wages and penalties you are owed. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your life. Our firm takes wage and hour cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a wage and hour attorney?
Hiring a wage and hour attorney at Casa Legal Los Angeles costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney's fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We also cover all case costs, so you are not responsible for those either if there is no recovery.
Can my employer fire me for reporting wage theft?
No, California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report wage theft or other violations of labor laws. This protection extends to actions like termination, demotion, or reduction in pay. If your employer retaliates against you, you may have an additional claim for wrongful termination or other damages.
What records do I need to prove my unpaid wage claim?
To prove an unpaid wage claim, useful records include pay stubs, timekeeping records, employee handbooks, employment contracts, emails, text messages, and any written communications with your employer about your wages or hours. Even if you do not have all these documents, an attorney can help you determine what evidence is available and how to obtain it from your employer or other sources.
How long does a wage and hour case usually take?
The duration of a wage and hour case can vary significantly depending on its complexity, the amount of evidence, and whether the employer chooses to settle or fight the claim in court. Some cases resolve quickly through negotiation, while others can take several months or even years if they proceed to litigation. An attorney can give you a more specific estimate after reviewing the details of your situation.
If you are a worker in Cerritos dealing with unpaid wages, overtime issues, or other employment law concerns, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today. Call us at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.