Employment Law

Wage & Hour Disputes

California has some of the strongest wage protections in the country. If your employer is shortchanging you, the law is on your side.

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How Krankemann Law helps

We review your pay records and schedule against what California law requires, calculate what you are owed, and pursue the claim against the employer. These cases often involve more than just unpaid hours, including penalties the law adds for violations. We make sure the full amount is on the table.

What California requires

California law generally mandates overtime pay, minimum wage, meal and rest breaks, and timely payment of wages, and it adds penalties when employers fall short. Misclassifying employees as exempt or as independent contractors is a common source of violations. The rules here are often more protective than federal law.

What we handle

  • Unpaid overtime
  • Minimum wage violations
  • Missed or interrupted meal and rest breaks
  • Misclassification as exempt or as a contractor
  • Off-the-clock work
  • Late or withheld final paychecks

FAQ

Wage & Hour Disputes — Common Questions

Am I entitled to overtime in California?
California generally requires overtime pay for nonexempt employees who work more than eight hours in a day or forty in a week, with additional rules for long days, which is broader than federal law. Whether you qualify depends on your duties and classification. We can assess whether you are owed overtime.
My employer calls me an independent contractor. Is that correct?
Not always. California uses specific tests to determine whether a worker is truly an independent contractor or an employee entitled to wage protections. Misclassification is common and can mean significant unpaid wages and penalties. We can evaluate your actual status.
What about missed meal and rest breaks?
California generally requires meal and rest breaks for nonexempt employees, and an employer that fails to provide them may owe premium pay for each violation. These add up over time. We include break violations in the full accounting of what you are owed.
How far back can I claim unpaid wages?
California allows recovery of unpaid wages going back a number of years depending on the claim, and there are deadlines that limit the look-back period. Acting sooner generally preserves more of what you are owed. We can confirm the timeframe that applies to your situation.

Free, Confidential Consultation

Talk to a Krankemann attorney about your employment law matter.

A free, confidential consultation costs nothing and tells you exactly where you stand.

Call (707) 524-2200 Request a Consultation