Milford Law Firm

24007 Ventura Blvd Suite 200, Calabasas, ca 91302, United States

Main office: 818-222-2227

Call 24/7: 855-765-0871

Overtime Wages

southern California attorneys apc

Overtime Wage Attorneys in Southern California

If Your Employer Has Not Paid You Fairly for Overtime Work, We Can Help You Recover the Wages You Deserve!

California law is clear: employees must be paid fairly for every hour they work, including overtime. Overtime pay applies when an employee works more than 8 hours in a single workday, over 40 hours in a workweek, or more than 6 consecutive days in a workweek. Workers are entitled to 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for overtime hours and double-time pay for hours exceeding 12 in a single day or 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday in a week.


Unfortunately, many employers intentionally misclassify employees or fail to compensate them properly in an attempt to cut costs. If your employer has refused to pay you fairly for overtime work, this is illegal and unethical—and you have the right to take legal action.


At Southern California Attorneys, A.P.C., we fight for employees who have been denied the overtime pay they rightfully earned. Whether you are undocumented, misclassified, or unsure of your legal rights, our skilled overtime wage lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Overtime Violations

Our experienced legal team regularly handles cases where employers:

  • Misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime
  • Wrongfully classify employees as exempt (salaried) workers when they should be entitled to overtime
  • Fail to include bonuses and commissions in overtime pay calculations
  • Keep inaccurate records or fail to track employee work hours
  • Intimidate or retaliate against workers who try to claim overtime pay
  • Refuse to pay for unauthorized overtime—even though California law requires it to be paid

If you have encountered any of these unfair practices, you may be eligible to file a wage claim or lawsuit against your employer.


Why Unpaid Overtime Matters

Being denied overtime wages can cause serious financial strain. For many workers, unpaid overtime means losing out on thousands of dollars per year—money that could be used to pay bills, support family members, or invest in the future. Even if you are financially stable, being underpaid for your hard work is fundamentally unfair and illegal. No employer has the right to withhold wages that are legally owed to you.


Your Rights Under California Law

The California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provide some of the strongest worker protections in the country. Employees who have been denied overtime pay may be entitled to:

  • Unpaid overtime wages
  • Interest on unpaid wages
  • Penalties against the employer
  • Compensation for retaliation or wrongful termination
  • Attorney’s fees and additional damages

Employers cannot retaliate against workers for asserting their rights. If your employer has threatened, demoted, or fired you for requesting overtime pay, they may face severe legal consequences.

Are You a Victim of Wage Theft?

If your employer has engaged in any of the following actions, you may have a legal claim:

  • Unpaid Overtime: California law requires time-and-a-half pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week, and double pay for hours exceeding 12 in a day.
  • Failure to Provide Meal & Rest Breaks: Employers must provide meal and rest breaks for employees working over certain hours.
  • Misclassification of Employees: Some employers label workers as independent contractors or salaried employees to avoid paying overtime and benefits.
  • Illegal Tip Sharing: Your employer cannot force you to share tips with management or take a portion of your gratuities.
  • Unpaid Wages or Late Paychecks: Employers must pay employees on time and in full, including final wages upon termination.
  • Off-the-Clock Work: If your employer requires you to work before or after your shift without pay, it is a violation of wage laws.

These practices are not only unfair but illegal. If you suspect that you have been underpaid in San Francisco, we encourage you to take action immediately.


How Wage Theft Affects You

When employers fail to pay their workers properly, it can cause significant financial strain. You may struggle to pay bills, provide for your family, or save for the future. Wage theft can prevent you from reaching financial stability, making it crucial to take legal action to recover what you are owed.


Your Legal Rights Under California Law

The California Labor Code and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protect workers from wage and hour violations. Employers in San Francisco who fail to comply with these laws may be required to pay back wages, penalties, and legal fees. Additionally, California law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who assert their rights. If your employer has fired, demoted, or harassed you for demanding fair pay, they may face further legal consequences.

Overtime Wages Law FAQ's

Still have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable attorneys for the assistance you need. Whether you prefer to call us directly or use our convenient online contact form, we are here to help address your concerns and provide you with the guidance you're looking for. Your inquiries are important to us, so please feel free to get in touch!

  • What are my rights as an employee in California regarding wages and overtime?

    In California, employees are entitled to fair wages and overtime pay under both state and federal laws. Employers must pay at least the state-mandated minimum wage, which may be higher in certain cities. Overtime pay is required at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for any work over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week and double pay for work exceeding 12 hours in a day. Employees should also receive proper meal and rest breaks. If your employer is violating these laws, you may be entitled to compensation for unpaid wages, overtime, and penalties.

  • What qualifies as wrongful termination in California?

    California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees at any time without cause. However, wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or violating an employment contract. If you were fired because of your race, gender, age, disability, or for reporting workplace violations (whistleblowing), you may have a case for wrongful termination. An employment law attorney can help determine your legal options and pursue compensation.

  • What should I do if I experience workplace discrimination or harassment?

    If you are facing discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected characteristics, you have legal protections under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Employers are required to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. If you experience unfair treatment, document incidents, report them to HR or management, and consider seeking legal counsel to explore filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

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