In a compelling legal battle, a former employee has taken significant action against her previous employer, accusing them of widespread labor violations. On May 9, 2025, Nora Monreal Ortiz filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California for the County of Ventura against Milwood Healthcare, Inc., alleging numerous breaches of California's labor laws under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
The lawsuit brought forth by Ortiz outlines serious allegations against Milwood Healthcare, Inc., claiming they systematically failed to comply with several key labor regulations. The accusations include failure to pay minimum and overtime wages, failure to provide meal and rest periods, and failure to maintain accurate records of hours worked. Ortiz asserts that these violations were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern affecting all employees similarly situated during the statutory period. "For over 50 years, California’s courts and legislature have recognized that this State’s wage-and-hour laws serve a compelling public interest," Ortiz stated in her filing, emphasizing the critical nature of adhering to these laws.
Ortiz's complaint is not just about seeking personal restitution; it aims to address systemic issues within Milwood Healthcare's employment practices. She argues that the company's policies resulted in employees working off-the-clock without compensation and being interrupted during meal breaks for work purposes without proper remuneration. Furthermore, she highlights that employees were required to cover necessary business expenses out-of-pocket without reimbursement—expenses such as specific types of shoes and uniforms which were promised but never reimbursed.
The lawsuit seeks civil penalties on behalf of all aggrieved employees who suffered due to these alleged illegal practices. Ortiz is not pursuing general or special damages but is focused on obtaining penalties as allowed under PAGA. The relief sought includes declaratory and injunctive relief for herself and other affected employees, aiming to rectify the alleged ongoing unlawful conduct by Milwood Healthcare.
Representing Ortiz are attorneys Kane Moon, Allen Feghali, S. Phillip Song, and Kailani Humeston from Moon Law Group PC. The case is filed under Case No.: 2024 CLIOEO4 2924 in front of the Superior Court of California for Ventura County.