When is it Time to Call an Attorney for Unpaid Wages?

Posted on Thursday August 12, 2021

Unpaid wage concerns are common in California, but many employees hesitate to contact an unpaid wages attorney for help. There are times when you should definitely reach out for legal assistance from an employment lawyer.

You may know that many employees bring unpaid wage claims against their employers, and you might wonder if you are in this position. Further, you might wonder if it is necessary to call a California unpaid wages attorney to bring your complaint. Read on to learn when it might be the right time to consult with a lawyer about your situation. 

You Think a Violation Might Have Occurred

Most employees do not have a concrete understanding of all of their rights under the law. This is understandable, especially since so many laws protect employees in California. You might have a feeling that your employer did something wrong, but you might not be sure. 

The good news is that an unpaid wages attorney will evaluate your case at no cost to you. You can explain the situation, and they can seek more information and assess whether your employer violated your wage rights. Some common violations include:

1. Not paying minimum wage
2. Not providing proper break times
3. Not paying you for all hours worked or requiring off-the-clock work
4. Not paying proper overtime or double time rates
5. Not compensating you for accrued and unused vacation when you leave the company
6. Not reimbursing you for reasonable business expenses

Most of these are not clear-cut situations, and our attorneys can sift through what happened and advise you whether you can take legal action. 

Your Employer Was Unresponsive to an Internal Complaint

In some cases, an employee will report a suspected wage violation to their boss or the HR department. If a violation was inadvertent, an employer might be voluntarily willing to settle the problem and pay any unpaid wages right away. Companies often want to avoid legal action, so they might rectify the problem directly with you. 

However, if you complain of a wage concern and your employer ignores you or denies the problem, you should contact an unpaid wages attorney right away. In this situation, you might be in for an adversarial dispute, and you want the right legal professional protecting your rights. 

Sometimes, even getting a lawyer involved and sending a demand letter to your employer is enough to solve the issue. If you have legal representation, your employer will know you are serious about your complaint, and they might offer to make the situation right to avoid escalating the matter. 

Do Not Hesitate to Seek Help from a California Unpaid Wages Attorney

At Mara Law Firm, we help employees at every stage of unpaid wage claims. Whether you want to discuss concerns you have about unpaid wages, or you know that your employer violated your rights, our legal team is ready to help. 

Our consultations are always free and confidential, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out so we can evaluate your rights. Call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online to learn more about our services and whether or not you have a valid claim.