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An employer’s wrongful actions may not affect just one employee. Some employers engage in illegal practices that can affect many workers. A class action lawsuit can help a group of employees who have experienced the same wrong by their employer obtain redress for the harm they have endured.
If numerous employees have been mistreated by the same employer, an employment class action lawyer can work on their behalf to secure the compensation they rightfully deserve. At Petronelli Law Group, PC, we represent employees in some of the most complex class action lawsuits, in addition to Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) claims. With a focused commitment to fighting for workers who have suffered injustice due to their employer’s violations, we strive to obtain the best possible results.
An employment class action lawsuit can be commenced by one or more employees who represent an entire group of employees known as a “class.” In order to be part of a class, each employee must have been adversely affected by the same violation, policy, or action of the employer. Rather than file multiple individual lawsuits, a class action allows a court to hear the same claims at once.
Class action lawsuits are commonly filed for the following types of employment matters:
There can also be many other types of class action lawsuits that can be brought, based on the discriminatory or illegal activity committed by the employer. Importantly, employers must be held accountable for their actions — and the impact their unlawful or discriminatory practices have had on their employees.
In a class action, any employee who is affected by the same harm can join the lawsuit unless they choose to opt-out. Critically, if you are a class representative, you may be eligible to receive a service award in addition to the damages to which you’re entitled. Depending upon the basis of the class action, you may be able to obtain monetary damages, in addition to an injunction to stop the employer’s discriminatory or illegal practices.
The employment attorneys at Petronelli Law Group, PC have the skill and acumen necessary to thoroughly investigate your claim. Regardless of the complexity of your case, we are dedicated to enforcing your rights and helping you achieve successful results.
The Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) is a statute specific to California that allows employees to commence a lawsuit for labor violations committed by their employers. In these types of suits, an employee can step into the shoes of the attorney general to pursue the same civil penalties the state agency would have in a wage and hour case. But instead of being a lawsuit in which you would recover monetary compensation, PAGA is a type of law enforcement action.
While PAGA claims share some elements in common with class actions, it’s essential to understand that the process is very different from other types of employment lawsuits. One of the most important differences is that a class action consists of claims brought by the wronged plaintiffs, while PAGA claims are commenced on behalf of the state.
Additionally, there are different procedures involved in filing a PAGA claim — the action must first be filed with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. The agency may then decide to pursue the claim. Otherwise, the employee can move forward with a PAGA lawsuit.
Employees who prevail in a PAGA lawsuit can recover civil penalties. While 75% of the recovered compensation goes to the state, the remainder is shared by the adversely affected employees. Our lawyers will strategically assess your claim to determine whether filing a class action or PAGA claim is the best way to proceed in your case to achieve a favorable resolution.
It’s crucial to understand that as an employee, you have rights in the workplace. If you have been wronged by your employer, other employees may also have been affected by the same circumstances or illegal activity. By filing a class action or PAGA claim, you can stand up to your employer and recover the compensation you were denied. Offering knowledgeable representation and capable counsel, Petronelli Law Group, PC handles a broad range of employment-related class action lawsuits throughout California. Contact us at (949) 954-8181 to schedule a consultation.
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