We present the next episode in our podcast “Sound Business Insights” with Episode 18 – Private Attorneys General Act or PAGA – an overview of a substantial potential risk for San Diego and Southern California employers. The number of PAGA-related lawsuits has substantially increased over the past few years. Through PAGA, the State of California has empowered employees to step into the shoes of the Attorney General and sue their employers on behalf of California for a variety of employment violations. This Qui Tam (whistleblower) type of action even allows the employee(s) to keep a large portion of the amount they achieve in the lawsuit.
In Episode 18 – Private Attorneys General Act or PAGA Dan Watkins shares the essence of a PAGA action, what you should do if you face a PAGA lawsuit and strategies to reduce your exposure to these actions from the outset. If you receive a letter from a plaintiff’s law firm you need to act immediately and call the Watkins Firm. The clock is ticking. Taking prompt action provides an opportunity to mitigate part or all of your exposure through an administrative law procedure.
PAGA actions can be the result of many employment related issues from wage and hour violations to health and safety issues or any other technical failure by an employer to comply with every law and regulation under the sun. It may surprise you to learn a PAGA action requires the employer to post a notice to all other employees allowing them to join the lawsuit. It is also probable that the plaintiff’s attorneys can and will contact former employees to draw them into the dispute and substantially increase your exposure.
Episode 18 – Private Attorneys General Act or PAGA is a timely and valuable primer for employers into the risks associated with PAGA and the steps an employer should take to reduce their exposure and respond to any notification. PAGA defense is one of the many services the Watkins Firm provides to employers as part of our employer defense legal services.
We invite you to listen to our new podcast Episode 18 – Private Attorneys General Act or PAGA, review the strong recommendations of our clients and contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a complimentary consultation today.
