Withheld/Disputed Bonuses

Bonuses are often a key part of a worker’s living wage. If your employer has withheld your bonus entirely or has paid you a lower bonus than what you feel you’re owed, reach out to Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison today.

We Keep Employers Honest

Some companies will do nearly anything they can think of to maximize their profits and ensure that they’re bringing in as much money as possible. Sometimes, this even means finding ways to pay hardworking employees less than what they’re owed, especially if you are entitled to bonuses in addition to your standard base pay. Bonuses are a key part of many workers’ living wages, but many workers don’t have a clear understanding of their rights and options when it comes to the bonuses their owners promise them.

Call the Experts at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison

If you feel as though your employer has withheld bonuses or found a way to pay you a smaller bonus than the one you were guaranteed, the talented employee rights attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison are here to support you and guide you through the process of filing a claim…or even going to court when necessary.

We’ve spent more than 30 years delivering legal hammer blows to companies that aren’t interested in doing the right thing by their employees. Hardworking individuals rarely have the support or knowledge required to navigate the legal system and hold larger companies accountable. This is where KSJM steps in. We’ve spent decades leveling the playing field against well-funded employers, and will be excited to help you recover the wages that you’re owed. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you recover bonus payments your employer owes you, reach out to our Los Angeles offices and set up your initial consultation today.

What Kinds of Bonuses Are Protected by California Labor Laws?

When it comes to bonuses, there are essentially two types of bonuses that an employer can award a worker. If you haven’t been paid the full bonus you were owed, you may have a claim against your employer, depending on the specific details of your bonus agreement.

Earned Bonuses

An earned bonus is a payment that you receive once you’ve reached a certain goal or metric. You and your employer will agree on the terms of this type of bonus, and it’s always important that you’re aware of how your bonus will be calculated as part of the agreement. In simple terms, if your employer promises you a bonus for reaching a certain goal, and you reach that goal, you’re legally entitled to that bonus.

Unearned Bonuses

These are also called “discretionary bonuses” and basically refer to any bonus that isn’t directly tied to your job performance. Holiday bonuses are an extremely common type of discretionary bonus and aren’t legally protected. This means that if you leave your job in November, you aren’t legally entitled to receive the holiday bonus that your employer might have paid out the following month were you still working for them.

When Can I File an Unpaid Bonus Claim?

If you feel as though you’re owed an earned bonus but you haven’t been paid, we recommend reaching out to the talented team at KSJM, so we can learn about your case and advise you as to the next steps you should take. It’s always important to ensure that you’re able to show that you and your employer agreed upon the bonus in question and that the bonus was directly tied to a concrete metric that you clearly reached. If this sounds anything like your scenario, you may have grounds to file a claim against your former employer. Reach out to Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison in Los Angeles to schedule your free initial consultation today.