In a class action lawsuit that could have significant implications for labor practices, an individual has taken legal action against a California-based medical research company. The complaint was filed by Tlaloc Hernandez on February 4, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against FOMAT Medical Research, Inc., alleging numerous violations of labor laws.
Tlaloc Hernandez claims that FOMAT Medical Research, Inc., a corporation operating within California, systematically violated various sections of the California Labor Code. The allegations include unpaid overtime wages, failure to provide meal and rest period premiums, non-compliance with minimum wage laws, and failure to issue accurate wage statements. According to the complaint, these infractions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern affecting many employees. Hernandez is bringing this case not only on his behalf but also representing other similarly situated individuals who have been affected by these alleged unlawful practices.
The complaint outlines several specific accusations against FOMAT Medical Research. Among them is the charge that the company failed to pay its employees for all hours worked beyond eight hours per day or forty hours per week at the legally required overtime rates. Additionally, it is alleged that employees were not provided with proper meal and rest breaks as mandated by law. The plaintiff argues that these actions are in direct violation of sections 510 and 1198 of the California Labor Code concerning unpaid overtime and sections 226.7 and 512(a) regarding unpaid meal period premiums.
Hernandez further accuses FOMAT Medical Research of failing to reimburse business expenses incurred by employees during their employment and asserts that the company engaged in unfair business practices under California Business & Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq. This section deals with unlawful business acts or practices which can include systematic underpayment or mismanagement of employee compensation.
The lawsuit seeks multiple forms of relief from the court. These include class certification so that others affected can join the suit, restitution for unpaid wages including interest and penalties where applicable, reimbursement for business expenses incurred by employees without compensation, statutory penalties for non-compliant wage statements, and injunctive relief to prevent future violations. Furthermore, Hernandez requests reasonable attorneys' fees and costs associated with bringing this action forward.
Representing Hernandez are attorneys Douglas Han, Shunt Tatavos-Gharajeh, and Talia Lux from Justice Law Corporation based in Pasadena, California. The case is identified under Case No. 2025CLIDOEOQS3S f85r in Ventura Superior Court.