Regardless of how you make a living, our jobs do sometimes require us to cover expenses that are work-related. Under these circumstances, California law generally required employers to reimburse their workers for business-related expenses. As a worker, it’s essential to understand your reimbursement rights, as work disputes over business expenses are common occurrences.
If your employer is refusing to pay you back for travel expenses, you have the option to take legal action against your employer and receive the funds you deserve by law. It’s important to work with an experienced employment rights lawyer, who can help you navigate the claims process from start to finish.
Work Expenses Defined by California Law
California Labor Code 2802 outlines reimbursement rules for employers and employees. For example, an expense must be necessary and reasonable for the employee’s job duties in order to qualify for reimbursement. Employers are allowed to provide workers with a list of reimbursable expenses, but it’s possible that such a list may not include all the expenses that are reimbursable under California law.
The exact expenses that you can be reimbursed depends on the type of work you do for your employer, since they must have a direct impact on your ability to conduct your job duties. In some cases, you have expenses that are partially involved in the activities that are required for your job. In that case, your employer should reimburse you based on a partial rate that corresponds with your work-related usage.
Here are some examples of common work-expenses that qualify for reimbursement:
- Travel expenses
- Cell phone services
- Cost of uniforms
- Gas mileage
- Training / conference fees
- Work-from-home expenses (internet service, for example)
Expenses related to travel can be quite costly, especially if traveling to different sites is an important part of your job duties. Your reimbursed expenses typically include transportation (airfare, for example), reasonable meal expenses, and business expenses like conference fees and hotel stays. Keep in mind that if you take personal excursions during your stay or remain at the location beyond the time allotted by your employer, your employer has no obligation to reimburse the accrued expenses.
Are There Federal Laws Regarding Work-Related Expenses?
No, federal law does not mandate employers to reimburse work-related expenses, though there is one notable exception under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). If the expenses cause the worker’s wages to fall below the federal minimum wage, the employer must reimburse the job-related costs that were paid by the employee.
Can I Sue my Former Employers if I was Denied Reimbursement for Travel Expenses?
Yes, you can choose to file a legal case against your employer if they refuse to reimburse travel expenses that are necessary for your job. You may have the option to sue for the expenses you paid out of pocket, plus interest, along with legal fees and civil penalty payments. Keep in mind that even if your employer says in your work contact that travel expenses cannot be reimbursed, the laws in California generally side with the employee. Thus, you are completely within your rights to file a complaint against them, and possibly a lawsuit, and your employer cannot retaliate against you for doing so.
Please note that talking to your employer should be the first step when you are not being reimbursed for expenses related to your job. Misunderstandings and things slipping through the cracks happen sometimes in any job setting, so just having a conversation with your employer may solve the problem. But if they refuse to pay you for expenses that you rightfully deserve, an employment rights lawyer can help you decide on the best course of action.
Based on the details of your case, you may have grounds for a wage and hour claim, which we are happy to assist you with. From filing a complaint with the labor board to fighting for every penny you are owed, we are with you every step of the way.
What is the Average Value of these Cases?
Wage and hour violation lawsuits, including non-reimbursement of travel expenses, have case values ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $50,000. Your case value is based on numerous factors, such as the total amount you are owed in work-related costs, the severity of the wage violation, and whether you are filing a claim on your own or joining a class action lawsuit with other employees.
Once we know the specific details of what you are going through at your job, we can provide you with an estimate of the damages you are likely to recover. Please contact us today if you are wondering “How much can I get back from a failure to reimburse for travel expenses violation claim?”
Lawyer Who can Help You Sue for Unreimbursed Work Expenses
We know how intimidating it can be to go up against your employer and assert your right to travel expenses and other benefits you are entitled to as a worker in the state of California. Please know that you are not alone, and our legal experts are here to protect your rights in the event you are being taken advantage of by your employer.
All legal fees are recovered from your employer as a part of the settlement you receive at the end of a successful claim. In essence, we have to win your case in order to receive payment. This is our promise to you under the Zero Fee Guarantee, which you will receive form the moment you contact us.
We look forward to advising you and holding your employer accountable if you are not being reimbursed for travel expense and other work-related costs.
