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At KJT Law Group, we have over a decade of experience. When you hire us, you will work directly with your Van Nuys wage and hour lawyer to achieve your goals, and we will remain committed to you and your case throughout the entire legal process. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.
Our Wage and Hour Attorneys Will Fight for You
Many employees hesitate to file lawsuits for wage and hour issues because they fear retaliation from their employer or don’t think it’s a “big deal.” However, we believe not receiving even a small amount of money or another benefit that you rightfully earned is a very big deal—especially if it happens multiple times and starts to add up.
Our wage and hour lawyers are not afraid of going up against intimidating corporations and their legal representatives. We limit our caseload to ensure we can provide personalized attention to every client. We also know that no case is too large or too small for us to handle.
Our case results include several six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts for employees who faced issues such as unpaid or underpaid wages, denied breaks, and mandatory off-the-clock work. If you experienced any of these issues, we hope you’ll let us roll up our sleeves and get to work for you.
Types of Wage and Hour Cases Our Van Nuys Employment Law Lawyers Accept
Our employment law attorneys handle cases based on several types of wage and hour issues, including:
Wage Theft
In general, wage theft occurs when an employer does not give an employee the wages or benefits they have earned. Specific examples include:
- Withholding paychecks
- Failing to give an employee earned tips or bonuses
- Asking employees to work off the clock
- Giving employees shorter breaks than they deserve or forcing them to be “on call” during breaks
- Asking employees to purchase things on behalf of the company without being reimbursed
If your employer is guilty of one of these or another similar violation, you can report them to the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and file a legal claim.
Minimum Wage Violations
All employees in the U.S. have a right to earn no less than the established minimum wage, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2009. However, minimum wages in California are higher. In Van Nuys (and the rest of Los Angeles), the current minimum wage will be $17.87 as of July 2025.
If you make less than the established minimum wage in your area, you can file a legal claim against your employer.
Unpaid or Underpaid Overtime
The Fair Labor Standards Act mandates that employees receive at least 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for any hours worked over 40 in a week.
According to the DIR, some employees are exempt from this law, such as outside sales representatives, airline employees, taxi drivers, and administrative or executive employees. If you’re unsure whether your employer must pay you overtime, your Van Nuys wage and hour violations lawyer can answer your questions.
Lack of Breaks
According to the DIR, an employee must receive one or more meal or rest breaks, depending on the length of their shift. Specifically, they are entitled to:
- One 10-minute rest break for every four working hours
- One 30-minute meal break when working more than five hours in one day
- Two 30-minute meal breaks when working more than 12 hours in one day
- Reasonable restroom breaks as needed
Meal breaks can be unpaid, but rest breaks must be paid. These breaks should also generally be spaced as evenly as possible throughout the workday (so, for example, you generally cannot work through two rest breaks and then leave your shift 20 minutes early).
Misclassification as an Independent Contractor
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, independent contractors have much more control over their working conditions, hours, and business-related decisions than employees do.
Some companies classify workers as contractors instead of employees to avoid giving them paid time off, workers’ comp insurance, or other benefits. If you believe you deserve the benefits of an employee but your employer has classified you as a contractor, we can help you. Contact KJT Law Group today to learn more.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Wage and Hour Lawsuit in California?
The deadline for filing a lawsuit against your employer varies depending on the employment law violation you are suing for. In general, most wage and hour lawsuits must be filed within three years of the violation. However, some exceptions may apply, and you may face other deadlines if you are suing for multiple employment law violations.
Employment law cases can get complicated quickly. We encourage you to contact our law firm as soon as possible so we can gather all necessary documentation and evidence before the appropriate statute of limitations deadline passes.
Let Our Van Nuys Wage and Hour Lawyers Help You Today
You may qualify for various damages in an employment law lawsuit, such as lost wages and benefits, any expenses associated with finding a new job, legal fees, and emotional pain and suffering. Our wage and hour lawyers in Van Nuys, CA can help you fight for the fair treatment you deserve and a financial award that fairly compensates you for the harm you have endured.
Contact KJT Law Group today for your free consultation.