Katelyn Lanini has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging multiple violations of California labor laws. The complaint was submitted on January 21, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, naming American Tree Medics Inc. and its managing agent Heidi Britt as defendants.
The case revolves around allegations that American Tree Medics Inc., a vegetation management consulting firm based in Merced, California, failed to comply with various labor laws during Lanini's employment from January to April 2024. According to the complaint, Lanini worked as a Utility Project Supervisor and was promised an hourly wage along with per diem stipends for food and lodging due to extensive travel requirements between project sites across Northern and Central California. However, she claims that the company failed to pay overtime wages despite working beyond regular hours and did not provide required meal and rest breaks. "Plaintiff was consistently forced to work off the clock," the complaint states, emphasizing that these practices were part of a broader corporate policy aimed at avoiding payment for all hours worked.
Lanini accuses American Tree Medics Inc. of failing to pay minimum wages, provide accurate itemized statements, reimburse required expenses, and pay all due wages upon termination. She also alleges that Heidi Britt is personally liable under Labor Code § 558.1 for causing these violations as an owner or managing agent of the company. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages of no less than $100,000 along with reimbursement for unpaid wages and penalties for inaccurate paystubs and missed meal breaks.
Represented by attorneys Brooke B. Nevels and Christopher E. Nichols from Nevels Nichols LLP in San Diego, Lanini demands an injunction against similar unlawful conduct by the defendants in addition to pre-judgment interest and attorney’s fees. The case is presided over by Judge L. Ayala under Case No.: 25CV456985.