The California Department of Industrial Relations maintains a database of wage theft claims presented to the office by employees, and wage claim judgments against individuals and corporations. We have reviewed this database for judgments from July 1st through September 30th, the third quarter of 2023. California reported 678 judgments for the 3rd quarter of 2023, data as of September 14th, 2023. The total value of all judgments was $19,124,997. 

Serious injuries bring more than immediate physical and emotional distress, they also lead to financial challenges that can last a lifetime. The initial impact is felt through substantial medical bills for immediate treatment and ongoing healthcare needs, often compounded by the loss of income if the injured individual is unable to return to work for an extended period, if at all. The situation becomes even more challenging when considering long-term implications such as the need for rehabilitation, home modifications, and continuous medical care. Non-economic costs like emotional and psychological support further add to financial burdens. The injured person and their family might require counseling and other mental health services to cope with the trauma and temporary or permanent changes to their life and lifestyle. For families, this scenario creates a pressing need to secure financial stability, not just for the immediate expenses but also for unforeseen costs that will arise over time.