What a class action is
A class action lets one person — the class representative — bring a case on behalf of everyone who was harmed the same way: every employee paid under the same unlawful policy, or every Californian who bought the same mislabeled product. The court must certify the class, the defendant must answer for the entire group, and any settlement or judgment covers all of them. It is the only practical way to fix a practice that costs each person a little and the company nothing, until now.
PAGA: California's Private Attorneys General Act
Unique to California, PAGA (Labor Code §2698 et seq.) lets an "aggrieved employee" step into the shoes of the state's labor agency and sue an employer for civil penalties on behalf of all affected employees — for unpaid wages, missed meal and rest breaks, inaccurate wage statements, unreimbursed expenses, late final pay and more. It begins with a notice to the Labor and Workforce Development Agency; if the agency doesn't act, the employee may proceed. Penalties are shared between the state and the workers, and PAGA claims generally cannot be forced into individual arbitration. Sullivan & Yaeckel is among the most active PAGA filers in San Diego County, with actions against employers ranging from national logistics and coffee chains to hospitals and auto dealerships.
Who can be a class representative?
- You experienced the practice yourselfYou were subject to the policy, or you bought the product.
- Others were treated the same wayThe claim comes from a common policy, label or practice — not a one-off dispute.
- You're willing to stand for the groupRepresentatives review key decisions and may sit for a deposition; courts often approve a service award for that role.
What it costs you
Nothing. Class and PAGA cases are handled on contingency; attorneys' fees are paid by the defendant or approved by the court from the recovery. We advance every cost of investigation, experts and litigation.
Ask a lawyer about your case
We are prepared to discuss your case and determine what legal action should be taken — whether it is an individual claim or a case on behalf of everyone affected. We offer free consultations and charge nothing upfront. Our office is in San Diego, and we routinely handle cases in all State and Federal Courts throughout California — wherever in the state you live or work.