Unpaid Wages Attorney in Palmdale
Recovering Wages for Antelope Valley Workers Who Have Been Denied Their Hard Earned Pay
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Palmdale is a growing city in the Antelope Valley, home to aerospace workers, healthcare professionals, logistics employees, retail staff, and educators. Workers across this high desert community labor long hours in warehouses, hospitals, stores, and manufacturing facilities. Setareh Law Group has represented California employees for over 25 years, holding employers accountable when they violate California wage and hour laws by denying overtime, missing meal breaks, misclassifying workers, or simply refusing to pay for time worked.
If your employer has denied you wages, failed to pay overtime, forced you to work off the clock, or taken your tips, you have legal rights. This page explains how unpaid wage claims work in Palmdale, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you recover the money you have earned.
Key Information for Palmdale Workers Seeking Unpaid Wages
- Most common wage violations in Palmdale: unpaid overtime in aerospace, missed meal breaks in logistics, and off the clock work in retail.
- Where cases are filed: Los Angeles County Superior Court – Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse, 42011 4th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534 (serving Palmdale residents).
- Statute of limitations for wage claims: Three years for unpaid wages, four years for penalties under California Business and Professions Code Section 17208.
- Free confidential consultation available. Contingency fee representation.
Geographic Transparency Block
Our law office is located in Beverly Hills at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, approximately 60 miles from Palmdale. We represent Palmdale workers through phone, video conferencing, and in person meetings at the Antelope Valley Courthouse or by appointment. We serve all of California from this single physical office.
Firm Background at a Glance
Setareh Law Group is an employment law firm founded in 1999 by Chaim Shaun Setareh (California Bar Number 204514), headquartered at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, representing employees throughout the Antelope Valley in unpaid wages , overtime violations, meal break claims, misclassification, and wage theft cases.
Major Employers in Palmdale
Employer | Industry | Palmdale Area Employees |
Northrop Grumman | Aerospace / Defense | 4,000+ |
Lockheed Martin | Aerospace / Defense | 1,500+ |
Palmdale Regional Medical Center | Healthcare | 1,000+ |
Walmart Distribution Center | Logistics | 1,500+ |
Palmdale School District | Education | 2,000+ |
Common Wage and Hour Issues in Palmdale Workplaces
Palmdale workers face many types of wage violations across different industries. Recognizing these violations is the first step toward recovering your unpaid wages.
Aerospace and manufacturing violations
Workers at Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and other aerospace facilities often work 10 to 12 hour shifts. Employers may misclassify workers as exempt from overtime. Off the clock work is common as workers stay late to finish tasks.
Logistics and warehouse violations
Warehouse workers face pressure to skip breaks to meet quotas. Employers may schedule breaks too late in the shift. Workers may be required to clock out but continue working. Rest breaks are often forgotten during peak seasons.
Healthcare violations
Nurses and support staff at Palmdale Regional Medical Center often cannot take uninterrupted meal breaks because of patient needs. Employers may require staff to remain on call during breaks. Rest breaks are frequently missed during busy shifts.
Retail and fast food violations
Retail workers are often scheduled for shifts just under 5 hours to avoid providing meal breaks. Workers may be required to eat at registers or work through breaks during busy periods.
Common wage violations across all industries
- Employers failing to pay overtime for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week
- Employers forcing workers to work off the clock before or after their shifts
- Employers denying mandatory meal breaks or rest breaks
- Employers misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits and overtime
- Employers failing to reimburse employees for business expenses under California Labor Code Section 2802 , which requires employers to indemnify employees for necessary business expenses
- Employers not providing accurate itemized wage statements under Labor Code Section 226
- Employers failing to pay all wages due upon termination including accrued vacation time
An unpaid wages attorney in Palmdale can help you identify which violations apply to your situation.
Non Payment of Overtime Wages
Overtime violations are among the most common wage claims in Palmdale. Many employers misclassify workers as exempt from overtime or simply refuse to pay overtime rates.
California overtime rules
- Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for all hours worked over 8 in a workday
- Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek
- Double time pay at 2 times the regular rate for all hours worked over 12 in a workday
- Double time pay at 2 times the regular rate for all hours worked over 8 on the seventh consecutive day of work
California’s regular rate of pay
The regular rate of pay includes not just your hourly wage but also non discretionary bonuses, commissions, and other compensation. Employers who fail to include these when calculating overtime violate the law.
Employers can miscalculate overtime pay
Common miscalculations include using a lower rate, failing to include bonuses, averaging hours over two weeks, or misclassifying workers as exempt. An unpaid wages attorney in Palmdale can help you recover unpaid overtime wages going back up to three years. For more information, see our California overtime laws page.
Failure to Pay Minimum Wage
California’s minimum wage applies to all workers in Palmdale. As of 2026, the minimum wage for all employers regardless of size is $16.90 per hour. According to the California minimum wage FAQ page from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, there is no exception for small employers, tipped workers must be paid the full minimum wage, and employers cannot pay less than minimum wage even if the employee agrees.
Important minimum wage facts
- There is no exception for small employers in California
- Tipped workers must be paid the full minimum wage; tips cannot count toward minimum wage
- Aerospace workers are entitled to the same minimum wage as other workers
- Piece rate workers must be paid at least minimum wage for each hour worked
- Employers cannot pay less than minimum wage even if the employee agrees
California Meal and Rest Break Laws
California law requires employers to provide meal breaks and rest breaks to non exempt employees. When employers fail to provide these breaks, they owe penalty pay.
Meal break requirements
- A 30 minute unpaid meal break for shifts longer than 5 hours
- A second 30 minute unpaid meal break for shifts longer than 10 hours
- The meal break must be uninterrupted and duty free
- If a meal break is not provided, the employer owes one hour of pay as a penalty
Rest break requirements
- A 10 minute paid rest break for every 4 hours worked
- Rest breaks should be in the middle of each 4 hour period if possible
- If a rest break is not provided, the employer owes one hour of pay as a penalty
Many Palmdale employers in aerospace, logistics, and retail routinely violate meal and rest break laws. An unpaid wages attorney in Palmdale can help you recover these penalties. Review our California meal break violations page.
Employee Misclassification in Palmdale
Misclassification occurs when an employer labels a worker as an independent contractor when they should be classified as an employee. This is a serious violation of California law.
Why employers misclassify workers
- To avoid paying overtime wages
- To avoid providing meal and rest breaks
- To avoid reimbursing business expenses
- To avoid paying payroll taxes and workers compensation insurance
- To avoid providing paid sick leave and other benefits
The ABC test for independent contractors
Under California’s ABC test established by the Dynamex decision and codified in Assembly Bill 5, a worker is presumed to be an employee unless the employer proves all three of the following: the worker is free from employer control, the worker performs work outside the usual course of the employer’s business, and the worker is independently established in their own trade.
Final Paycheck Violations in Palmdale
When an employee is terminated or quits, California law requires employers to provide final paychecks within strict deadlines. Many Palmdale employers violate these deadlines.
Final paycheck deadlines
- If you are fired or laid off, your final paycheck must be provided immediately at the time of termination
- If you quit with at least 72 hours notice, your final paycheck must be provided on your last day
- If you quit without notice, your final paycheck must be provided within 72 hours
Waiting time penalties
If your employer fails to provide your final paycheck on time, they owe waiting time penalties. The penalty is one day of pay for each day the paycheck is late, up to 30 days.
What Damages Can You Recover in an Unpaid Wage Case?
California law allows workers to recover significant damages when employers violate wage and hour laws.
Types of compensation available:
Unpaid wages including all overtime, minimum wage, and regular wages that were not paid
Meal break penalties of one hour of pay for each missed meal break
Rest break penalties of one hour of pay for each missed rest break
Waiting time penalties of up to 30 days of pay for late final paychecks
Expense reimbursements under Labor Code Section 2802
Pay stub penalties of up to $4,000
Attorney fees and court costs which your employer pays if you win
Interest on unpaid wages
For additional information about federal wage standards, the Wage and Hour Division – the agency responsible for planning, directing, and administering federal labor legislation including the FLSA publishes regulations and guidance on minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping requirements.
Local Resources for Unpaid Wage Claims in Palmdale
Fact 1 The Los Angeles County Superior Court Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse at 42011 4th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534 handles civil wage and hour cases for Palmdale and all of the Antelope Valley. The courthouse is located approximately 10 miles from Palmdale.
Fact 2 The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Palmdale workers is located at 320 W 4th St, Suite 450, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Workers can file claims by mail or online from Palmdale.
Fact 3 The Antelope Valley has a large aerospace workforce with over 10,000 workers employed at Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and other defense contractors. Aerospace workers file wage and hour claims at significant rates.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Palmdale Unpaid Wage Case
- Over one billion dollars recovered for California workers since 1999, including unpaid wages, overtime violations, and meal break claims.
- 25 plus years of employment law experience. Founding attorney Chaim Shaun Setareh (Bar Number 204514) has practiced exclusively in employment law since 1999.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and CAALA.
- Licensed in all California federal courts, including the Central District of California which covers Palmdale.
- Spanish speaking staff available. Hablamos Español.
- Contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win or settle your case. If we do not recover for you, you owe us nothing for our time.
Areas We Serve Across California
Counties: Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego | Riverside | San Bernardino | Ventura | Santa Barbara | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Sacramento | San Joaquin | Fresno | Kern | Stanislaus | Tulare | Monterey | Santa Clara | and every other county in the state.
Cities: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Irvine, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Stockton, and hundreds more.
FAQ's: Unpaid Wages Attorney in Palmdale
How long do I have to file an unpaid wage claim in California?
Three years for unpaid wages. Four years for penalties under the Unfair Competition Law. Contact an unpaid wages attorney in Palmdale immediately.
What should I do if my employer is not paying me overtime?
Document your hours, save your pay stubs, and contact an unpaid wages attorney in Palmdale. You may be owed significant back wages.
Can I sue my employer for unpaid wages if I am still working there?
Yes. You can file a wage claim while still employed. Your employer cannot retaliate against you for asserting your wage rights.
What is the difference between a wage claim and a lawsuit?
A wage claim is filed with the Labor Commissioner and does not require a lawyer. A lawsuit is filed in court. An attorney can help you choose the best option.
How much does it cost to hire an unpaid wages attorney?
Setareh Law Group works on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover your unpaid wages.
What evidence do I need for an unpaid wage claim?
Pay stubs, time records, emails, and any other documentation of your hours and pay. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence.
Can I recover waiting time penalties if my final paycheck was late?
Yes. If your employer failed to provide your final paycheck on time, you may recover up to 30 days of waiting time penalties.
What is the difference between exempt and non exempt employees?
Non exempt employees are entitled to overtime. Exempt employees are not. Many employers misclassify workers as exempt to avoid paying overtime.
Take the Next Step
Contact us today:
📞 Phone: 310-888-7771
✉️ Email: help@setarehlaw.com
🌐 Address: 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills CA, 90210
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Consult with a qualified California employment attorney to discuss your individual situation.
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