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Reimbursements: An Absolute Right for Employees in California
The concept of “expensing” work-related costs is often presented as a gray area—some work-related costs are considered the employer’s responsibility, while others are the employee’s responsibility. In California, the issue is more straightforward, as employers must compensate employees for all work-related expenses, with very few exceptions.
If you have not been adequately reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses related to your job, allow an attorney from ARCH Legal PC to help. We will demand fair compensation for work costs, and we may even enlighten you about reimbursable expenses you are not yet aware of.
Call ARCH Legal PC today at (866) 331-1338 or complete our contact form. Our lawyers are committed to upholding California’s robust employment laws while ensuring that workers receive the compensation they deserve.
The California Labor Code Entitles You to Reimbursement for Work-Related Expenses
Life in California is not cheap, and no employee should have to cover work-related expenses. Fortunately, state law mirrors this perspective.
Some of the common employment-related costs that employees are burdened with include the cost of:
- Mileage and airfare for work-related travel
- Rental vehicles
- Tolls and parking
- Accommodations for work-related travel
- Internet
- Cellular service
- Computers and other essential electronics
- Office supplies
- Tools
- Safety equipment
- Work-specific clothing and gear
- Training and certification courses
- Professional and networking events
- Employer-mandated health services
If you have paid out-of-pocket for any items or services even loosely associated with your job, tell us about it. These expenses can add up, especially if your employer has a perpetual habit of failing to reimburse you.
How Employers Try to (Illegally) Pass the Cost of Work to Their Employees
Employees in California do not have a blank check to dine at fine restaurants or take personal trips on their employer’s dime. Employees do, however, have a reasonable expectation that they won’t be charged extra just to do their job.
If an employer orders you to do something, or you cannot do your job without incurring an expense, you should not face a financial burden as a consequence. Yet, employers all too often pass the cost of working onto their employees by:
Deducting the Cost of Work Materials from Your Paycheck
Some employers make no bones about having employees foot the bill for work-related expenses. Some will go so far as to actively take money out of your paycheck for costs the employer claims are your responsibility—even when California law says otherwise.
Refusing to Pay You for Out-of-Pocket Work Expenses
Your employer is likely breaking the law if you request reimbursement for work-related expenses and they:
- Outright refuse to pay for them (perhaps claiming they are your responsibility)
- Say they will pay for it, but don’t
- Directly or indirectly fail to pay for your expenses in any other manner
An employer may also be violating your rights if they refuse to engage in good-faith discussions about how they will cover future work expenses.
Intentionally Undervaluing Your Work-Related Costs
Some employers recognize that California law requires them to cover employees’ work-related costs. However, those employers may try to mitigate their expenses by paying the employee only a partial value of work expenses.
Only full payment is acceptable when you are seeking reimbursement for job-related costs.
Claiming You “Agreed to Pay for It”
Even if you did say you would pay for any work-related expenses out of your own pocket, California law trumps such a statement.
ARCH Legal PC Will Demand Total Reimbursement for Your Costs, and We Will Demand It Right Away
If you are owed compensation from an employer, contact the ARCH Legal PC team to secure the reimbursements for you. We will account for all damages that occur when an employer does not repay their employee for expenses or proactively pay for such costs.
Your recoverable damages may include:
Out-of-Pocket Costs You’ve Already Incurred
Naturally, you should be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses you have already paid for. We take a proactive approach to protecting our clients, so we will also seek any necessary commitments from your employer to pay for future expenses.
Interest Payments on Money You’ve Spent
When you pay money for out-of-pocket work costs, you cannot invest that money or put it to work in other ways. Therefore, you likely deserve interest (generally accepted as 10% per year) on any unreimbursed expenses you’ve had to cover yourself.
Any Secondary Expenses You’ve Suffered Because You Had to Pay Out of Your Pocket
Employees who are forced to pay for essential work items and services may face financial hardship as a result, which may come from:
- Not having money to pay for bills (paying for work costs so that you can maintain your job can seem more pressing than paying certain bills)
- Having to borrow money (possibly at an exorbitant interest rate) either to cover work costs or to pay other expenses
- Having to work more because of the added pressure of out-of-pocket work expenses
Financial pressure imposes a psychological and emotional cost. Your California employment law attorney from ARCH Legal PC will account for all the economic and non-economic burdens that your employer has placed on you through their failure to reimburse you.
Your employer may also owe you compensation in the form of penalty or premium payments. Rest assured that we will demand full and fair compensation for you, and we will leave no damage or penalty unaccounted for.
Our Firm Is All About Employment Law in California. Let Us Fight for Your Reimbursements.
ARCH Legal PC is one of the most prominent employment law firms in California. We will serve you by:
- Calculating exactly how much in unpaid reimbursements you’ve endured
- Identifying and documenting the damages you’ve suffered because of your out-of-pocket costs
- Seek a fair financial settlement from your employer (without becoming adversarial, if you plan to continue working for that employer)
- Taking legal action on your behalf, if necessary
We are a do-it-all law firm with a passion for helping employees. Employment cases are our only focus, and our attorneys have recovered more than $300 million for clients throughout the state.
When you need your rights as an employee enforced, we are the firm to call.
Call ARCH Legal PC Today for Your Consultation About How Our Team Can Help You
ARCH Legal PC is staffed by passionate, energetic, battle-tested attorneys who never shy away from trial. We do what clients need us to do, and we show those clients the utmost respect and attention throughout the process.
Call ARCH Legal PC at (866) 331-1338 or email us today to complete your consultation. Let us show you what effective legal representation looks like.
