Interest and Attorney Fees: Why Wage Cases Get Stronger, Not Cheaper, With Time

California wage law shifts costs onto violators: 10 percent interest runs on unpaid wages, and prevailing workers recover attorney fees — which is why lawyers take strong wage cases on contingency.

What California Law Says

Labor Code section 1194 gives minimum wage and overtime claimants their attorney fees and costs plus interest; section 218.5 shields employees from paying employer fees unless the claim was brought in bad faith; section 218.6 attaches prejudgment interest to wage awards.

How to Fight Back, Step by Step

1. Compute interest from each missed payday at 10 percent annual simple interest.
2. Include the interest line in every demand — it signals you know the statute.
3. If claims are large, consult employment counsel; the fee shift means strong cases cost you nothing up front.
4. If proceeding solo at the Labor Commissioner, the process is designed for unrepresented workers.
5. Track your costs — filing, copies, mileage — for recovery.

Common Questions

Will I owe the company’s lawyers if I lose?

For wage claims, no — unless the case was brought in bad faith, the fee risk runs one way, in your favor.

How much does a Labor Commissioner claim cost to file?

Nothing. There is no filing fee, no lawyer requirement, and interpreters are provided at hearings.