Wage and Hour
Violations

Protect Your Rights: Recover Unpaid Wages

and Overtime in California

What Are Wage and
Hour Violations?

Wage and hour violations occur when employers fail to follow California’s strict

labor laws regarding pay, breaks, and overtime. These violations can include:

Unpaid Wages

Failure to pay for all hours worked, including time spent on required tasks before or after a shift.

Unpaid Overtime

Not compensating overtime rates for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week.

Failure to Provide Meal Breaks

Denying employees the legally mandated meal and rest periods.

Misclassification

Classifying employees as “exempt” or independent contractors to avoid paying overtime or benefits.

Off-the-Clock Work

Requiring employees to work before or after clocking in, without pay.

Your Rights Under California Law

California has some of the strongest labor laws in the nation, designed to protect employees from being exploited by their employers. Under the California Labor Code, you have the right to:

 

  • Receive payment for all hours worked, including overtime.
  • Take 30-minute meal breaks after 5 hours of work and a second break after 10 hours.
  • Take 10-minute paid rest breaks for every 4 hours worked.
  • Receive accurate wage statements detailing your pay, hours worked, and any deductions.

 

If your employer has failed to meet these requirements, you have the right to take legal action and recover the compensation you deserve.

Notable Wage & Hour Cases

David J. Gallo has secured significant victories in employment law and complex

business litigation, including multi-million-dollar settlements for wage-and

hour violations, class actions, and employee misclassification cases.

$4.1 Million

Settlement in Wage-and-Hour Class Action

Achieved a multi-million-dollar settlement for workers at a large hair-stylist chain.

$2.5 Million

FLSA Settlement for LA County Workers

Secured major collective action win for Los Angeles County employees.

$500,000

Settlement for Misclassified
Store Managers

Recovered substantial compensation for employees wrongly classified as exempt to avoid paying overtime.

Why Choose Us?

Frequently Asked Questions

If your employer is not paying you for overtime hours worked, the first step is to document your hours and any communications related to your pay. California law requires employers to pay overtime to eligible employees who work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. You can file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner, or you can contact the Law Offices of David J. Gallo for a free consultation to explore your legal options for recovering unpaid wages.

 

Misclassification occurs when an employer incorrectly categorizes an employee as an independent contractor to avoid providing benefits like overtime pay. The key factors that determine whether you’re an employee or independent contractor include how much control the employer has over your work, the type of work you do, and the nature of your employment relationship. If you suspect you’ve been misclassified, we can help you evaluate your situation and determine if you’re entitled to employee benefits.

In California, employees typically have up to three years to file a claim for unpaid wages, overtime, or meal and rest break violations. However, in some cases, claims can be extended up to four years if the violation also breaches a written contract. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your right to file a claim. Contact the Law Offices of David J. Gallo to get advice on your specific case and ensure your claim is filed within the required time frame.

The Law Offices
of David J. Gallo

With a focus on employment law and complex business litigation, the Law Offices of David J. Gallo provides personalized and aggressive representation.

For over 20 years, David J. Gallo has represented clients in disputes involving unpaid wages, overtime violations, employee misclassification, and other employment matters.