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Labor Code Violations? We Help Employees and Employers Navigate the Complex PAGA Landscape
Under California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), employees can step into the shoes of state regulators and sue their employers for widespread Labor Code violations. Unlike traditional lawsuits, PAGA claims seek civil penalties on behalf of the state, not just back wages. The stakes are high: these claims can result in significant financial exposure for employers or meaningful relief for employees.
BestEmploymentLawyer’s experienced PAGA claims lawyers represent both employees and employers in navigating the nuances of California’s PAGA system. Whether you need help filing a claim or responding to one, we deliver strategic, compliance-focused legal support backed by decades of labor law experience.
Contact us today to start with a free, confidential consultation.
What Is the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)?
PAGA is a California law that allows employees to file lawsuits for Labor Code violations and seek penalties on behalf of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA). A PAGA claim doesn’t require class certification and can cover:
Wage and hour violations
Paystub inaccuracies
Employee misclassification
Meal and rest break violations
Unreimbursed expenses
Workplace safety violations
Employees who prevail can recover 25% of the penalties, while the remaining 75% goes to the state.
Our Private Attorneys General Act attorneys help navigate these claims from start to finish—ensuring compliance, evaluating penalties, and protecting your rights.
Employees: File a PAGA Claim with Confidence
If you and your coworkers have been subjected to illegal pay practices or Labor Code violations, filing a PAGA claim may be the most effective way to hold your employer accountable.
Our wage and hour PAGA lawyers assist with:
Evaluating your claim for Labor Code violations
Filing the required PAGA notice with the LWDA
Collecting evidence and documentation
Coordinating with coworkers and class members
Litigating the claim or negotiating a PAGA settlement
We often file PAGA actions in conjunction with wage claims, giving employees dual pathways for recovery.
Employers: Defend Against Costly PAGA Penalties
PAGA lawsuits can be financially devastating for California employers, especially when multiple employees are affected. Our PAGA defense attorneys work quickly to assess exposure, address compliance gaps, and develop a strong legal response.
We assist with:
Reviewing wage, break, and classification practices
Preparing responses to LWDA notices
Contesting standing and legal sufficiency of claims
Negotiating PAGA settlements to limit exposure
Representing employers in mediation or court
With our California PAGA attorneys on your side, you gain both legal protection and peace of mind.
Common Violations in PAGA Claims
Failure to pay minimum wage or overtime (Lab. Code §§ 510, 1194)
Missed meal or rest breaks (Lab. Code § 226.7)
Inaccurate wage statements (Lab. Code § 226)
Failure to reimburse business expenses (Lab. Code § 2802)
Misclassification of employees as independent contractors
Late payment of final wages (Lab. Code § 203)
Each violation carries penalties—often per pay period, per employee. Penalties can quickly escalate into hundreds of thousands of dollars or more in representative actions.
Why PAGA Claims Matter
PAGA claims are not just about money. They:
Hold employers accountable for systemic labor violations
Give employees the right to enforce labor laws directly
Encourage businesses to maintain compliance and fair treatment
They also create reputational and financial risk for companies, particularly in high-turnover industries like hospitality, retail, and logistics.
PAGA Settlements: What to Expect
Unlike individual claims, PAGA settlements must be approved by a court and reviewed by the LWDA. The court ensures that the penalties are fair and that the state’s share is accurately calculated.
As experienced PAGA settlement lawyers, we:
Negotiate favorable outcomes for both sides
Prepare and file settlement documentation
Appear in court to support or challenge approval
Ensure compliance with LWDA reporting requirements
Whether you’re seeking or opposing a settlement, our attorneys will guide you through every step.
How PAGA Differs from Class Actions
While both PAGA and class actions can address group-wide violations, there are important distinctions:
| Feature | PAGA Claims | Class Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Seeks damages? | No (civil penalties only) | Yes (wages, restitution, etc.) |
| Requires certification? | No | Yes |
| State involvement? | Yes (LWDA must be notified) | No |
| Recovery split? | 75% to state, 25% to employees | 100% to class members |
| Broader scope? | Includes penalties for Labor Code violations | Focuses on compensation to employees |
In some cases, both can be filed simultaneously.
Who We Represent
Employees:
Hourly workers denied breaks or paid late
Retail and warehouse employees subject to mass violations
Gig workers misclassified as independent contractors
Workers with inaccurate or missing paystubs
Employers:
Businesses facing new or existing PAGA claims
Companies involved in PAGA settlement negotiations
Employers seeking labor code compliance reviews
Entities defending class action + PAGA hybrid lawsuits
We bring a balanced perspective that allows us to anticipate the other side’s arguments and resolve disputes strategically.
Why Choose Best Employment Lawyer?
Clients rely on us for:
Decades of California labor and wage law experience
Balanced representation of both employees and employers
Extensive familiarity with PAGA requirements and processes
Efficient, compliance-focused resolution strategies
Transparent, results-driven legal service
We don’t just litigate PAGA claims—we help you understand what they mean and how to move forward.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’re considering a PAGA claim or have received a PAGA notice, don’t wait. Our California PAGA claims lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and build a plan of action.
Contact Best Employment Lawyer today for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Private Attorneys General Act attorney.
We Provide The Help Employees Need When They Need It.
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