Springer v. Bowen, Lee & Co.

The issue in this case is whether attorney fees sought in an action for unpaid wages are included in the “amount claimed” for the purpose of determining whether the district court has exclusive jurisdiction. ORS 46.060.1

Plaintiff filed this action in circuit court for damages, alleging that defendant owed her unpaid wages in the amount of $531.80 and that, because the wages had not been paid within 48 hours of plaintiffs demand, she was entitled to an $800 penalty. ORS 652.140(2) and 652.150.2 She also alleged that she was entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees for prosecuting the…