Not only does each state have strict laws associated with wage payment requirements, but the federal government also has strict regulations that are designed to ensure that workers are fairly paid for the work that they have done. If you have run into a dispute with an employer regarding your compensation or you haven't been paid as agreed, you may want to reach out to an unpaid wages lawyer. Here's a look at what you need to know about unpaid wage law and how it could apply to you.
What Situations Qualify For Legal Pursuit?
Understanding when you have the legal right of pursuit is important. Since labor and wage laws can be complex, it's helpful to start with understanding what your rights are related to getting the money that you are rightfully owed.
If your employer has failed to pay your normal wages as agreed upon, such as skipping pay dates or not paying you the proper rate per your employment contract, these could be violations of the labor laws.
If you have been forced to work overtime and aren't being compensated for it despite being an hourly employee with a contract that permits overtime payment, you may have a legal case.
Employers that deny pay for accrued vacation or sick time, deny required paid breaks, or even fail to pay you minimum wage may also be held legally accountable.
Should You Call A Lawyer?
Before you call an unpaid wages lawyer about your situation, reach out to your employer to attempt resolution or to get an explanation. If you aren't provided with a reasonable explanation and plan for resolution, that's a sign that it's time to reach out to a lawyer to assert your legal rights and recoup the money that you are owed.
What Will You Need To Provide?
Like most any other legal case, you won't win an unpaid wage case with nothing more than your word to go on. You'll have to be able to prove your case in court. That means gathering the right documentation for your lawyer.
Gather copies of your timecards, pay stubs, system login reports, and any other information that proves that the work was completed. Additionally, you should also obtain copies of any written communication in which you attempted to resolve the problem with your employer and anything that shows their refusal to pay.
If you have other coworkers experiencing the same problem, affidavits from them may also help to strengthen the case.
Talk with an unpaid wages lawyer today for more information and to see if you have a case that's worth pursuing.
