Attention California Workers: You Have the Right to Unpaid Wages—And We Can Help You Fight for Them!

If your employer has failed to pay you what you’re owed, you may have already considered filing a claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office. But what happens if the Labor Commissioner denies your claim? You still have options—and now, there’s even better news for employees fighting for their wages.

A recent court ruling has confirmed that workers who successfully appeal a denial of their unpaid wages claim can recover their attorney’s fees—making it easier to fight back against wage theft.

What Happened?

On January 3, 2024, the California Court of Appeal in Rivera v. Riverside Healthcare System, L.P., (2024) 98 Cal.App.5th 1095, ruled that employees who appeal an unsuccessful Labor Commissioner claim and win can have their attorney’s fees covered by the employer. This is a major win for workers because it helps level the playing field against companies with deep pockets.

The case involved an employee, Rivera, who filed a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner but was denied. Instead of giving up, Rivera appealed the decision in court and won—securing over $42,000 in unpaid wages, interest, and penalties. The employer tried to argue that Rivera couldn’t recover attorney’s fees under Labor Code § 98.2(c), but the court disagreed. The ruling confirms that employees who successfully appeal and recover unpaid wages are entitled to have their legal fees paid by the employer.

Why Is This Important for You?

If your employer is refusing to pay you what you’ve earned—whether it’s unpaid wages, overtime, meal and rest break premiums, or other compensation—you now have even more legal protections when fighting back.

• Denied by the Labor Commissioner? Don’t give up! You have the right to appeal in court.

• Winning your appeal means your employer pays for your lawyer.

• This ruling puts more pressure on employers to pay workers what they are owed.

Are You Owed Wages? We Can Help.

At WorkRight Law, we represent employees who have been denied wages, suffered workplace violations, or been mistreated by their employers. If you have an unpaid wages claim, were denied by the Labor Commissioner, or need legal help fighting back against your employer, contact us today.

Your hard work deserves fair pay—let’s make sure you get it!