Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Last Updated: April 23, 2026

IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE USING THIS SERVICE

WageDamages.net provides PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES ONLY. All outputs are explicitly labeled "Preliminary Estimate — Not a Professional Opinion" and should NOT be relied upon as:

  • Expert testimony
  • Certified economic analysis
  • Legal advice
  • Professional consulting
  • Actuarial opinion

1. Nature of Service

WageDamages.net is a self-service calculation tool designed to assist California plaintiff-side employment attorneys in performing PRELIMINARY case evaluations. It is intended for:

  • Intake screening
  • Settlement discussions (with appropriate caveats)
  • Initial damages estimation

It is NOT suitable for:

  • Trial exhibits or expert reports
  • Binding settlement valuations
  • Formal damage calculations submitted to courts or arbitrators

2. No Professional Relationship

Use of this Service does NOT create:

  • An attorney-client relationship
  • An expert-client relationship
  • A consulting or advisory relationship
  • Any fiduciary duty or professional obligation

3. Accuracy Limitations

3.1 Statutory Currency

California wage and hour law changes frequently. While we strive to keep statutory rates current, we make NO WARRANTY that:

  • Minimum wage rates are up to date (state and local)
  • PAGA penalty amounts reflect current law
  • Legal interpretations account for recent case law

Users MUST independently verify all statutory rates and legal standards before relying on outputs.

3.2 Calculation Complexity

Wage and hour damages involve complex legal and factual issues that cannot be fully automated, including:

  • Regular rate of pay blending (bonuses, commissions, shift differentials)
  • Alternative workweek schedules
  • Employee vs. independent contractor classification
  • Exemption analysis (administrative, executive, professional)
  • Unique industry-specific rules (healthcare, agriculture, etc.)

This Service uses standard formulas but CANNOT account for all case-specific nuances.

3.3 Data Entry Dependency

Calculation accuracy depends entirely on user-provided inputs. We are not responsible for errors caused by:

  • Incorrect data entry
  • Misunderstanding of legal concepts
  • Incomplete information

4. Not a Substitute for Expert Analysis

For cases proceeding to litigation, mediation, or trial, you MUST retain a qualified expert (economist, accountant, or damages consultant) to:

  • Verify calculations
  • Account for case-specific facts
  • Provide admissible expert testimony
  • Defend methodologies under cross-examination

5. PAGA Calculations - Special Notice

PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) underwent significant reforms in 2024. Users must:

  • Verify current penalty amounts ($100/$200 may have changed)
  • Confirm applicable employee counts
  • Review recent case law on PAGA scope and standing

Do NOT rely on this Service for PAGA claims without consulting PAGA-specialized counsel.

6. No Guarantee of Outcomes

Estimated damages do NOT predict:

  • Actual settlement values
  • Jury verdicts
  • Judicial rulings on liability or damages
  • Attorney's fees awards

7. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
  • We are NOT liable for any damages (direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive) arising from use of this Service
  • Users assume all risk associated with reliance on Service outputs

8. Professional Responsibility

Attorneys using this Service remain subject to all applicable rules of professional conduct, including:

  • Duty of competence (Rule 1.1)
  • Duty of diligence (Rule 1.3)
  • Duty to communicate (Rule 1.4)

You must independently verify that use of this tool comports with your professional obligations to clients.

9. Tax and Accounting Considerations

This Service does NOT provide:

  • Tax advice on settlement allocations
  • Withholding calculations
  • IRS Form 1099 guidance
  • Accounting treatment recommendations

Consult a tax professional for these matters.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or resources. We are not responsible for their content, accuracy, or availability.

11. Acknowledgment

BY USING THIS SERVICE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

  • You have read and understand this Disclaimer
  • You will NOT represent outputs as expert opinions
  • You will independently verify all calculations before use in litigation
  • You assume all risk associated with use of this tool

12. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about appropriate use of this Service, consult legal counsel or contact us through the Contact page.