Documentation

Documentation

Getting Started

1. Create an Account

Click "Start Free Trial" to register with your email. You'll automatically receive a free account with 3 case evaluations per month.

2. Create Your First Case

Navigate to "My Cases" and click "Create New Case". You'll be guided through a multi-step form:

  • Step 1 - Case Setup: Select violation types (overtime, meal breaks, etc.)
  • Step 2 - Employee Profile: Enter pay rate, pay structure, workweek details
  • Step 3 - Violation Details: Provide specific violation information
  • Step 4 - Review & Calculate: Verify inputs and generate estimate

3. Review Results

Your damages estimate will display:

  • Total damages by category
  • Breakdown charts (Chart.js visualizations)
  • Calculation details

4. Export (Paid Tiers Only)

Solo and Firm tiers can export to:

  • Excel: Includes formulas so you can adjust assumptions
  • PDF: Watermarked "Preliminary Estimate"

Violation Types Explained

Overtime Violations

California requires premium pay for:

  • Daily OT: 1.5x for hours 8-12, 2x for 12+
  • Weekly OT: 1.5x for hours over 40/week
  • 7th Day Rule: 1.5x first 8 hours, 2x thereafter

Important: The calculator uses the highest applicable rate (no double-dipping).

Meal Break Violations

Required breaks:

  • 30-minute break before 5th hour
  • Second break before 10th hour (if working 10+ hours)

Premium: 1 hour of regular rate per missed break.

Rest Break Violations

Required: 10-minute paid break per 4 hours (or major fraction).

Premium: 1 hour of regular rate per missed break.

Minimum Wage Violations

Tracks both:

  • State minimum wage
  • Local minimum wages (LA, SF, etc.)

Note: Always verify current rates - the tool displays "rates last updated [date]".

Waiting Time Penalties (Labor Code §203)

Penalty for failing to pay final wages on termination:

  • Formula: (final hourly rate × hours/day) × days unpaid
  • Maximum: 30 days

PAGA Penalties

Private Attorneys General Act claims:

  • $100 per employee per pay period (initial)
  • $200 per employee per pay period (subsequent)
  • Split: 75% to state, 25% to employees

WARNING: PAGA reformed in 2024 - verify current law before relying on calculations.

Regular Rate Calculation

For employees paid hourly + bonuses/commissions, the calculator can blend non-discretionary compensation into the regular rate. This is critical for accurate overtime calculations.

Example:

  • Base hourly rate: $20/hour
  • Non-discretionary bonus: $500/month
  • Hours worked: 200/month
  • Regular rate: $20 + ($500 ÷ 200) = $22.50/hour

Case Strength Indicators

The calculator provides context for estimated values:

  • Under $50K: Small claim
  • $50K-$250K: Viable single-plaintiff matter
  • $250K-$1M: Strong case or small class
  • Over $1M: Class action or PAGA representative action territory

Subscription Management

Upgrading

Visit "Subscription" → "Upgrade Plan" to switch to Solo or Firm tier. Billing is handled securely via Paddle.

Downgrading/Canceling

Cancel anytime from your subscription dashboard. Changes take effect at the end of the current billing period.

Firm Tier Multi-User Access

Firm tier accounts can invite up to 5 users. Visit "Subscription" → "Manage Users" to send invitations.

API Access (Firm Tier Only)

Firm subscribers receive API access for integration with practice management systems. API documentation is available in your account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these calculations in court?

No. Outputs are preliminary estimates only. Retain a qualified expert for trial testimony.

How often are statutory rates updated?

We update rates quarterly and display "last updated [date]" on all outputs. Always verify independently.

What about FLSA (federal) claims?

Phase 1 is California only. FLSA support is planned for future releases.

Can I save cases on the free tier?

No. Free tier is for on-screen review only. Upgrade to Solo or Firm tier to save cases.

Need Help?

Contact us through the Contact page for support.