A PAGA Defense Attorney
with the Experience to Win
Employment claims, disputes and litigation disrupt and imperil business operations. In California, employers have the additional concern of claims brought under the state’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). A knowledgeable, skilled PAGA defense attorney can help employers protect against and effectively defend these claims. At the Law Offices of Susan A. Rodriguez in Los Angeles, we have the experience, personnel and resources to provide California employers the counsel and representation they need.
Why Hire a PAGA Defense Attorney
Under the PAGA statute, California employees may file claims seeking civil penalties for labor law violations on behalf of themselves, their coworkers and the State of California. The breadth and complexity of the PAGA statute make responding to and defending these claims challenging, and penalties can be substantial.
PAGA reforms have provided employers with improved opportunities to cure violations by proving they have taken “all reasonable steps” to maintain compliance. Employers who take proactive, meaningful measures to prevent and address violations can better protect against claims and substantially reduce penalties when claims are filed. Working with experienced PAGA counsel to craft policies and respond to claims positions employers to take advantage of the reformed provisions of the law.
The Breadth of PAGA Claims Requires an Adept Defense
PAGA authorizes individual employees to seek civil penalties for certain violations of the California Labor Code, including, but not limited to, the following:
The Act allows employees multiple inroads for attacking an employer’s business practices.
PAGA is troubling for several reasons. First, employees are empowered to pursue representative claims without meeting the stricter requirements of class action lawsuits; second, penalty awards are magnified because they are calculated on a per employee, per pay period basis; and third, prevailing employees may be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
Given the high stakes, financially and reputationally, retaining an accomplished attorney like Susan Rodriguez for PAGA claims defense is a good business decision.
Preemptive PAGA Counsel for Employers
To pursue penalties under PAGA, employees must first file a claim with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA). This includes completing specific forms, paying the requisite fees, and providing detailed allegations. Employers then have the opportunity to respond and possibly cure alleged violations.
If the Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) or Cal/OSHA declines to investigate and take further action on a PAGA claim, the employee has the right to file a lawsuit in state court.
Responding to and defending against administrative claims is not as straightforward as it may appear. Further, if an employee is authorized to file a complaint in court, the employer will face an entirely new set of challenges. Attorneys with experience in PAGA claim defense are indispensable to ensuring that an employer explores all avenues of resolution and considers all relevant defenses, such as the manageability of the lawsuit.
Retaining an experienced attorney to defend against PAGA claims early in the process ensures you are in capable hands.
How the Law Offices of Susan A. Rodriguez Can Help
While we know employers do their best to comply with the numerous California employment-related laws, it only takes one disgruntled employee to start the ball rolling and institute a PAGA claim that could include numerous other employees. To make sure that the necessary steps are taken to guard against such complaints, employers should seek PAGA counsel before they need to defend against PAGA claims.
At the Law Offices of Susan A. Rodriguez, APC, we proactively work with clients to identify problem areas, develop a plan to remediate any issues and monitor ongoing processes to avoid future problems.
Employers who retain the Law Offices of Susan A. Rodriguez to defend against PAGA claims receive strategic, personal representation. Susan and her colleagues meticulously review every case to determine if all the statutory filing requirements are met, tenaciously defend against any allegations and preserve the client’s rights.
Experience Means Everything
When faced with a PAGA claim, hiring a PAGA defense attorney may be the difference between a successful or disastrous outcome. For more than 30 years, Susan A. Rodriguez has successfully assisted California employers with their employment law needs, and her clients return for her sage advice and unparalleled litigation skills over and over again.
Susan is a results-driven Los Angeles attorney with extensive experience in PAGA claim defense and the team and resources to ably manage each client’s case. To see how the Law Offices of Susan A. Rodriguez, APC can help you with PAGA compliance and claims, complete the form below or call (323) 272-3954.
Address
355 S. Grand Ave., Ste. 2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071
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Office: (323) 272-3954
Cell: (310) 350-9995
Address
5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 502
Los Angeles, CA 90036