San Diego Unpaid Wages Attorney

As an employee, you work hard to earn a living and expect to be fairly compensated for your time and effort. Unfortunately, wage theft is a prevalent issue that affects many workers across various industries. If you believe you’ve been a victim of this unethical practice, it’s critical to seek legal help as soon as possible. Contact Browne Employment Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego unpaid wages attorney.

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Why Choose Us?
How a San Diego Unpaid Wages Lawyer Can Help?
What is Wage Theft?
Taking Action Against Wage Theft
San Diego Unpaid Wages FAQs
Contact Us Today

Why Choose Browne Employment Lawyers For Your Unpaid Wages Case?

Working with the San Diego employment law attorneys at Browne Employment Lawyers for your unpaid wages case guarantees efficient and professional service. Here’s why you should work with us: 

No Upfront Fees: When you work with us, financial pressure is eased. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid upon securing you a favorable outcome from the case. 

Legal Experience: We have more than a decade of legal experience handling all types of unpaid wages claims, so we have the experience to handle whatever comes our way.

Track Record of High Recovery: We have an impressive track record having obtained millions of dollars for our clients, proving not just experience but also effectiveness.

Good Communication and Aggressive Advocacy: We are known to be proactive communicators who believe honesty serves as the best policy when dealing with clients. We will keep you informed throughout the process and advocate zealously to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.  

No matter what the circumstances are, we’re here to help.

Meet Our Attorney and Founder: David Browne

Client Testimonials

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Great attorney! He is very personable and will answer all of your questions. David does not leave a single stone unturned and will make you feel safe and comfortable. He offers great advice and truly cares for his clients.“

– JAKALA OWENS

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Best Law firm hands down, everyone listens to you and if they can’t help you they will refer you to someone who can. All about results and will make sure that’s you are heard!! Hopefully I won’t need him again but if I need a good lawyer or any legal advice I know who do go to!!“

– ELLEN BURNSIDE

See More Client Testimonials

How a Lawyer Can Help With an Unpaid Wages Claim

When you work with an unpaid wages lawyer, they can assist in several ways to ensure fair compensation for your labor. Here’s how:

Case Evaluation: They’ll initially review all aspects of your case including employment contracts, payroll records, and more to determine a suitable course of action.

Legal Advice: Based on initial evaluations, they’ll provide comprehensive legal advice detailing best next steps.

Negotiating With Employers: Where appropriate, a San Diego unpaid wage attorneys may negotiate directly to try to procure unpaid back wages without stepping into the courtroom.

Filing Complaints or Lawsuits: If necessary, our unpaid wage lawyers will file formal complaints and initiate a lawsuit if it becomes necessary.

Representation During Court Proceedings: Should the case arrive at a point where a trial is unavoidable, your unpaid wages lawyer will represent you in all hearings and present your case to a judge and/or jury to help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

What is Wage Theft?

Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay their employees, either fully or partially, for the work they have performed. This can manifest in many different ways. Unfortunately, this unscrupulous practice is quite common and can cause significant financial upheaval for those affected.

There are several ways in which employers may attempt to skimp on their responsibilities. 

Common examples include:

1. Not paying overtime: Employers may not correctly compute the total hours their employees have worked, skipping overtime pay or paying an improper rate. 
2. Misclassifying workers: Some employers will purposefully classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees, thereby avoiding paying certain benefits or fair wages.
3. Illegal deductions or fines: Employers may deduct expenses or fines from employee paychecks that are illegal or unauthorized.
4. Withholding tips or commissions: Employers might unlawfully withhold or otherwise shortchange employees on their rightful tips or commissions.

New Wage Theft Law in California – AB 1003 

In 2022, California enacted a new law, AB 1003, aiming to curb wage theft – the withholding of wages owed to workers.

This piece of legislation implemented the following: 

1. Grand Theft of Wages: The act of wage theft becomes grand theft if an employer deliberately fails to pay amounts surpassing $950 to a singular worker or more than $2,350 accumulated between multiple employees during any given year.
   
2. Affects All Employers: This law isn’t only for conventional employers; it extends its scope to include independent contractors too, leaving no room for potential loopholes in terms of job classifications.

By tightening regulations and raising penalties involved with wage theft offenses like these instances, the intent behind introducing such measures is quite clear: to prevent unlawful acts leaving workers without hard-earned incomes and ensuring every person’s right to fair payment is respected and maintained.

Taking Action if You Suspect Wage Theft

If you suspect wage theft, the first step is to bring your concerns to your employer’s attention if you feel comfortable doing so. This could involve speaking directly to your employer, or making a complaint to the Human Resource department.

In some cases, the issue may be a simple misunderstanding or accounting error that can be quickly resolved. However, if your employer is dismissive or unresponsive, you may have to consider taking more formal action. Consult with a unpaid wage lawyer in San Diego who specializes in employment law or contact the appropriate government agency to file an official wage theft complaint.

Collecting Evidence to Support Your Claim

To make a convincing case for wage theft, you’ll need to provide compelling evidence. Here’s what you should focus on gathering:

• Detailed records of hours worked, including any unpaid breaks or off-the-clock work.
• Pay stubs that show discrepancies between what you were paid and what you were owed.
• Employment contracts or agreements that outline the terms of your pay.
• Any written or verbal communication with your employer regarding wage discrepancies or missing pay.
• Witnesses who can corroborate claims of wage theft, such as colleagues who have experienced the same issue.

Remember, compiling all this evidence takes time and effort, so it’s best to start as soon as you suspect any wage theft is occurring. 

Areas We Serve

We serve all over San Diego, CA, including:

Pacific Beach | Old Town | Rancho Peñasquitos | Point Loma | South Park  | National City  | La Mesa | Hillcrest | Bankers Hill | Clairemont | El Cajon | Mission Valley | Balboa Park| La Jolla | San Ysidro | Encinitas | University Heights | East Village | Mission Hills | Bay Park | Little Italy | Bay Ho | Torrey Pines | Normal Heights | Paradise Hills | North Park | Solana Beach | Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego Unpaid Wages FAQs

How can I determine if I’m owed unpaid wages?

If you believe you haven’t received the full compensation you’re entitled to for the work you’ve done, you might have unpaid wages. Common indicators include missing paychecks, unpaid overtime, denied bonuses, and inaccurate commission calculations.

What should I do if I suspect I’m owed unpaid wages?

Keep thorough records of your work hours, pay rates, and any communication with your employer regarding wages. Reach out to your employer to discuss the issue and attempt to resolve it amicably. If this doesn’t lead to a resolution, consider seeking legal advice from an unpaid wages lawyer.

Can my employer retaliate against me for pursuing unpaid wages?

No, it’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for seeking unpaid wages. Retaliation could include firing, demotion, or any adverse action. If you experience retaliation, you may have additional legal claims.

How long do I have to file a claim for unpaid wages?

The statute of limitations varies depending on the circumstances and the applicable laws. It’s essential to consult with a lawyer as soon as you suspect unpaid wages to ensure you don’t miss any filing deadlines.

Contact Our San Diego Unpaid Wages Attorneys at Browne Employment Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation 

Wage theft is a serious issue that can have lasting consequences for workers. If you suspect that you have been a victim of wage theft, it’s crucial to take action by gathering evidence, contacting a lawyer, and filing a complaint. Educate yourself on your rights and don’t allow predatory employers to exploit your hard work and dedication. Contact Browne Employment Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

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