Wage fraud can severely impact workers, stripping them of their rightful earnings. In a city like Manhattan Beach, employees in various industries face challenges that sometimes include underpayment, misclassification, or unauthorized deductions. If you believe you’re a victim of wage fraud, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced Manhattan Beach wage fraud lawyer who can help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
What is Wage Fraud
Wage theft, also known as wage and hour violations, refers to any employer practice that denies workers their legally mandated wages. This can take many forms, including:
- Miscalculating overtime: California law requires overtime pay (one and a half times your regular rate) for hours worked beyond 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.
- Failing to pay minimum wage: All Californian employees are entitled to a minimum wage, currently $15.50 per hour, for non-exempt workers in large businesses (those with 26 or more employees).
- Denying meal and rest breaks: California law mandates meal breaks and rest breaks depending on work hours. Employers must provide unpaid 30-minute meal breaks after working for five hours and a 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked.
- Off-the-clock work: Employers cannot require you to work “off the clock,” meaning working without being paid.
- Misclassifying employees as exempt: Certain employees, such as salaried professionals, may be exempt from minimum wage and overtime rules. However, employers cannot misclassify employees to avoid paying them what they deserve.
- Wage deductions: Employers can only deduct from your paycheck for authorized purposes and within legal limits.
Signs You May Be a Victim of Wage Fraud
Unfortunately, wage theft is a common problem. Here are some red flags that might indicate wage fraud:
- You consistently work overtime hours but aren’t paid overtime pay.
- Your employer discourages you from taking a meal or rest breaks.
- You are paid a flat salary regardless of the number of hours you work.
- Your paychecks are often inaccurate or inconsistent.
- Your employer pressures you to sign documents related to your wages that seem unfair.
How a Manhattan Beach Wage Fraud Lawyer Can Help
When wage fraud occurs, the affected employee may feel powerless. However, with the help of a Manhattan Beach wage fraud lawyer, you can take legal action to recover your lost wages and hold your employer accountable. Lawyers have extensive experience representing employees in wage fraud cases, and their team understands the complexities of labor laws.
Your wage fraud attorney in Manhattan Beach will guide you through the legal process, from gathering evidence to filing a lawsuit if necessary. The attorney will help determine if there has been a violation of state or federal laws, negotiate with employers, or take the matter to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Why Choose Rager & Yoon
Rager & Yoon is a well-respected law firm dedicated to defending the rights of employees throughout Manhattan Beach and the greater Los Angeles area. Their expertise in wage fraud cases has made them a trusted resource for workers who face exploitation by their employers. With years of experience, the attorneys at Rager & Yoon have successfully recovered millions of dollars in unpaid wages and compensation for their clients.
When you work with Jefferey Rager and his team, you can expect personalized attention, thorough case evaluation, and aggressive representation in your wage fraud case. The firm’s commitment to justice and its extensive knowledge of labor laws make Rager & Yoon the right choice for handling wage fraud claims.
Schedule a Case Evaluation
If you suspect you’re a victim of wage fraud, don’t wait. Reach out to a skilled wage fraud lawyer to protect your rights. Contact Rager & Yoon today for a free case evaluation at 310-527-6994 or via email at jeff@ragerlawoffices.com.