3 Things To Consider When Settling Unpaid Wages

May 2, 2023
A person is handing a check to another person

Unpaid wages can take a serious toll on your finances, leaving you financially strained and without the money you rightfully deserve. Whether it’s due to an incorrect paycheck calculation, an employer forgetting to pay overtime, or just not paying for hours worked, unpaid wages are unfortunately all too common – but don’t worry; there are steps you can take to recover what is owed to you. Let’s break down three things that every employee should consider when dealing with unpaid wages so that they can settle their disputes in a timely and fair manner.


Employees are entitled to wages for the hours they worked. California unemployment law provides a process for collecting unpaid wages. The process begins when you file your claim which is assigned to a Deputy Labor Commissioner. The commissioner decides if your claim should be assigned to a settlement conference, dismissed, or scheduled for a hearing. You will receive notice of the action that is taken as well as the next steps. Claims that are referred to a hearing or settlement conference will receive notice within 40 days of filing.


As you enter into the process, there are three key things that you need to know to get the best possible outcome for unpaid wages .

Those who are owed unpaid wages may also be able to file a civil lawsuit against the employer and that employer may be subject to civil penalties that include:

  • Statutory Damages
  • Attorney Fees
  • Court Costs

Whether you choose to file a claim with the labor commissioner or a civil lawsuit, it’s important to speak with an employment attorney so you can get the expertise needed to ensure the best outcome. 

When to Settle for Unpaid Wages

To increase the likelihood of settling your claim for unpaid wages it’s best to act fast . California has strict deadlines for unpaid wage claims, based on certain circumstances:

  • 1 Year
  • Bounced checks
  • Failure to provide a copy of employee payroll records
  • Failure to provide access to employee payroll records
  • 2 Years
  • Verbal promise to pay wages when wages exceed the minimum wage
  • 3 Years
  • Minimum wage
  • Overtime pay
  • Sick leave
  • Meal and rest breaks
  • Unpaid reimbursement for business expenses
  • Illegal deductions from paychecks
  • 4 Years
  • A written contract for work

If you don’t file your claim within the timeline that is appropriate for your circumstances, it could bar you permanently from having any right to recover those unpaid wages that your employer owes you.


What You are Owed

When you file your claim you need to know what you are owed for unpaid wages including unpaid overtime in California. To help prove your claim you should be prepared to present documentation of the unpaid wages. The circumstances for the unpaid wages will determine the type of documentation that you need.


Documents may include:

  • Timesheets, timecards, logs, or other documentation of the working hours of an employee
  • Paychecks that were returned as NSF
  • Pay stubs and paychecks
  • Notice of employment information
  • Text messages or phone application information showing hours worked


An attorney can also help you obtain this vital information. If your employer or former employer is not forthcoming with the documents, your attorney can get them via discovery which makes the employer legally responsible for providing the information.

How a California Employment Lawyer Can Help

An employment attorney understands California employment law and how the system works. They can help you through the process, ensuring that your claim is complete and that you have all the documentation that you need.. If you have a problem obtaining any required documentation, your attorney can help you get it.


Sometimes even the cases that look the easiest can quickly go south. If that happens to you, you want a lawyer on your side who can help you rebound from any setbacks, whether it’s a denial of your claim or an employer who digs in her heels and won’t cooperate. Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights will fight for you and help you get the compensation that you deserve.


If an employer owes you unpaid wages or unpaid overtime, don’t wait to see if they will eventually come around – by then it may be too late. You need an unpaid wages lawyer in Los Angeles and at Lawyers For Employee Rights, you can count on us. Call today.



If you have unpaid wages, the Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights can help.

Call us today for a free and confidential consultation to get the help you need and deserve.


Share on Social Media

Can My Employer Monitor My Emails, Text Messages, or Personal Phone in California

June 30, 2026
Can My Employer Legally Monitor My Emails, Text Messages, or Personal Phone? Sometimes, but not always. California employers generally have broad authority to monitor communications and activity on company-owned devices, email accounts, and computer systems. However, that does not mean they can freely access your personal phone, private email account, text messages, or other personal information whenever they choose. Whether the monitoring is lawful often depends on who owns the device, what company policies are in place, whether you gave consent, and the specific facts surrounding the situation. Many employees assume they have no privacy rights once they walk into work. Others believe their personal devices and accounts are always protected, even when they use them for work-related purposes. The reality falls somewhere in between, and California provides employees with stronger workplace privacy protections than many other states. If you believe your employer may have crossed the line, understanding where those legal boundaries exist is an important first step. Below are some of the most common questions employees ask about workplace monitoring, what employers can legally access, and when it may be appropriate to speak with a California employment attorney. If your situation is not covered here, our office is always available to answer your questions.

7 Signs You May Have Been Wrongfully Terminated in California

June 23, 2026
Can You Be Wrongfully Terminated in California? Yes. Although California is an at-will employment state, employers cannot fire employees for illegal reasons. If your termination was motivated by discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower activity, protected medical leave, or another violation of state or federal law, you may have been wrongfully terminated. Many employees assume they have no legal rights simply because their employer said they were "letting them go" or gave a reason that seemed legitimate. In reality, employers rarely admit they terminated someone for an unlawful reason. Instead, they may point to poor performance, restructuring, attendance, or another business justification. Looking at the entire sequence of events—not just the explanation you were given—is often what matters most.  If you're wondering whether your firing crossed the line from unfair to illegal, there are several warning signs to watch for. Below are seven of the most common situations that may indicate you were wrongfully terminated in California. If any of these sound familiar, our office is always available to answer your questions and help you better understand your legal rights.
Employee using a personal phone for work at a desk

California Cell Phone Reimbursement Law: When Does It Apply?

June 16, 2026
California employees may have reimbursement rights when work requires a personal phone. Learn how apps, stipends, company phones, and records may matter.
More Posts