When Is the Best Time to Contact a Southern California Wage and Hour Claim Defense Attorney?

The best time for an employer to contact a defense attorney for California wage and hour claims is when the company is developing and documenting wage and hour policies.  When well-crafted policies are in place, employers should also reach out to a knowledgeable attorney as soon as they learn of an employee grievance.

Waiting until employees file claims or hire attorneys puts the employer at a disadvantage as evidence collection and claim strategy will already be underway.  Having an attorney before the formal claim process begins puts the company on more even ground.

Employer wage and hour lawyers in Southern California can help you properly respond to employee claims.  An attorney can also help you collect the documents related to the employee claims and the necessary evidence to defend your business.  The sooner you hire a Southern California wage and hour claim defense attorney, the better.

The Process for California Wage and Hour Claims

California provides an informal process for resolving employee wage claims.  At that initial stage, a deputy labor commissioner sits down with the employer and employee and attempts to settle the claim.  If the parties do not reach an agreement, the claim proceeds to a hearing before an officer from the Labor Commissioner’s Office.

Either party may appeal the board’s decision to the superior court.  The party appealing must obtain a Notice of Appeal from the Division of Labor, file it in court and serve a copy of the notice to the Labor Commissioner and opposing party.  When the employer is the party appealing the decision, it must post a significant bond with the reviewing court.