Independent Contractor Misclassification Lawyer in Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena

Helping Misclassified Workers Recover What They Are Owed

Some employers label workers as "independent contractors" instead of employees to avoid paying overtime, providing meal and rest breaks, reimbursing business expenses, or contributing to payroll taxes and benefits. This practice, known as worker misclassification, can cost workers thousands of dollars in wages and protections they are legally owed. If you believe you have been misclassified in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, or anywhere in California, Tapanian Law, APC can help you understand your rights and pursue what you are owed.

Are You Misclassified?

Simply being labeled a "contractor," "consultant," or "freelancer" and signing a 1099 agreement does not determine your actual legal status. Signs that you may be misclassified include:

• Your employer controls your schedule, hours, or how you perform your work
• You are required to use the company's equipment, tools, or systems
• Your work is a core, ongoing part of the company's regular business
• You work primarily or exclusively for one company over a long period
• You do not operate an independently established business of your own
• You are required to wear a uniform, follow company procedures, or attend mandatory meetings or training

What Misclassification Can Cost You

When a worker is wrongly classified as an independent contractor, they can lose out on:

• Overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard workday or workweek
• Meal and rest breaks, or premium pay when those breaks are missed
• Unemployment insurance and workers' compensation coverage
• Paid sick leave and other employee benefits

What You May Recover

If you have been misclassified, you may be entitled to recover:

• Unpaid overtime and minimum wages
• Missed meal and rest break premiums
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket business expenses
• Penalties and interest on unpaid amounts
• Attorney's fees and legal costs

As an experienced misclassification lawyer serving Glendale, Raffi Tapanian looks past the label your employer used and examines the actual working relationship to determine whether you were properly classified.

Why Choose Raffi Tapanian

At Tapanian Law, APC, we represent workers only — never the businesses that misclassify them. Clients in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and across California trust Raffi Tapanian for:

• A clear-eyed review of your actual working relationship, not just your job title or contract
• Careful calculation of everything you may be owed
• Direct, personal communication throughout your case
• No fees unless we win your case

Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights

Claims for unpaid wages resulting from misclassification are subject to filing deadlines under California law, and back pay generally cannot be recovered indefinitely. Acting quickly helps preserve pay records, contracts, and other evidence critical to your case.