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Double Time vs Overtime in California

  • Jan 30, 2023
  • 3 min read

How to sue your employer in California for unpaid wages

unpaid  wages lawyer los angeles

Double time refers to a pay rate that is twice the employee's regular hourly rate. In California, certain types of work are eligible for double-time pay, such as working more than 12 hours in a single day or working on a seventh consecutive day in a workweek.


Overtime, on the other hand, refers to the pay rate for working more than 8 hours in a single day or more than 40 hours in a workweek. In California, the overtime pay rate is 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate.


It is important to note that California has some of the most strict labor laws in the country, which provide additional protections and benefits for employees beyond federal standards.

For example, California law requires that employers provide a 30-minute meal break for employees who work more than 5 hours a day and a second meal break for those who work more than 10 hours a day.


Additionally, companies must give employees a 10-minute break for every four hours worked, or a significant portion thereof, according to California law. The employer is required to compensate an employee one hour of pay at their regular rate of pay for each day that a break is not provided if the employee is not given the required breaks.


Employers must be aware of and adhere to these regulations in order to avoid hefty fines and penalties. Employees should understand their rights and exercise them if they believe they are being violated.


Overtime pay is a pay rate of 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate and applies to working more than 8 hours in a single day or more than 40 hours in a workweek. California labor laws provide additional benefits and protections for employees beyond federal standards; employers must comply with these laws to avoid penalties and fines.

unpaid wages los angeles lawyer

How to sue your employer in California for unpaid wages


If you believe your employer in California has not paid you the wages you are owed, you may consider taking legal action. In this section, we will discuss the steps you can take to sue your employer for unpaid wages in Los Angeles and provide information on hiring a lawyer who specializes in unpaid wage cases.


First, it is important to understand the laws that protect workers in California. The California Labor Code requires employers to pay their employees all earned wages, including regular pay, overtime pay, and any other compensation such as bonuses or commissions. Employers also have to provide accurate and complete wage statements to their employees.


If you believe your employer has not paid you the wages you are owed, you can file a complaint with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). The DLSE is responsible for enforcing California's labor laws and can investigate your claim and take action against your employer if they find that your employer has violated the law.


You can also choose to file a lawsuit against your employer in court. This can be done by yourself, or with the help of a lawyer. If you choose to hire a lawyer, it's important to find one who specializes in unpaid wage cases in Los Angeles.


When you meet with a unpaid wages lawyer in Los Angeles, they will review your case and advise you on the best course of action. They can also help you gather the necessary evidence and prepare your case for court.


It's important to note that there may be a statute of limitation on your case, so it's best to file your complaint or lawsuit as soon as possible.


In summary, if you believe your employer in California has not paid you the wages you are owed, you can file a complaint with the DLSE or file a lawsuit in court. To increase your chances of success, it's recommended to hire a lawyer who specializes in unpaid wage cases in Los Angeles.

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