Unpaid Wages Attorney Services
Unpaid wages attorneys provide legal representation to employees who have not been paid wages owed to them by their employers. These attorneys handle a wide range of unpaid wages cases, including:
– Minimum wage violations
– Overtime pay violations
– Commissions and bonuses
– Vacation and sick pay
– Expense reimbursements
Unpaid wages attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars in unpaid wages for their clients. In one case, an unpaid wages attorney recovered $1 million in unpaid overtime pay for a group of construction workers. In another case, an unpaid wages attorney recovered $500,000 in unpaid commissions for a sales representative.
If you have not been paid wages owed to you, you should contact an unpaid wages attorney to discuss your legal options. Unpaid wages attorneys can help you recover the wages you are owed, plus interest and penalties.
How to Choose an Unpaid Wages Attorney
When choosing an unpaid wages attorney, it is important to consider the following factors:
– Experience: Choose an attorney who has experience handling unpaid wages cases.
– Success rate: Ask the attorney about their success rate in recovering unpaid wages for their clients.
– Fees: Most unpaid wages attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not pay any fees unless the attorney recovers money for you.
Identifying Unpaid Wages
Unpaid wages are earnings that an employee has rightfully earned but has not yet received from their employer. They differ from other forms of compensation, such as bonuses or benefits, which are not considered wages under the law.
Common types of unpaid wages include:
Overtime
- Overtime pay is due when an employee works more than 40 hours in a week.
- The overtime rate is typically 1.5 times the employee’s regular hourly wage.
Minimum Wage Violations
- Minimum wage violations occur when an employer pays an employee less than the minimum wage set by law.
- The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states have higher minimum wages.
Commissions
- Commissions are payments that are based on the employee’s sales or performance.
- Commissions are often considered wages, and employers are required to pay them in a timely manner.
Employees may be entitled to unpaid wages in a variety of situations, such as:
- When an employer fails to pay an employee for all hours worked.
- When an employer pays an employee less than the minimum wage.
- When an employer fails to pay an employee commissions that are due.
Legal Process for Recovering Unpaid Wages
When an employer fails to pay an employee for work performed, the employee has legal recourse to recover the unpaid wages. The legal process involves filing a claim with the appropriate agency and navigating the legal system with the assistance of unpaid wages attorneys.
The legal process typically begins with filing a wage claim with the state labor agency. The agency will investigate the claim and attempt to resolve it through mediation or other means. If the agency is unable to resolve the claim, it may issue a citation or file a lawsuit against the employer.
Role of Unpaid Wages Attorneys
Unpaid wages attorneys play a crucial role in helping employees recover their unpaid wages. They can assist with the following:
- Filing a wage claim with the appropriate agency
- Negotiating with the employer on behalf of the employee
- Representing the employee in court if necessary
Timeline for the Legal Process
The timeline for the legal process can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. However, in general, the process can take several months or even years to complete.
Potential Outcomes
The potential outcomes of the legal process include:
- The employer pays the employee the unpaid wages
- The employer is ordered to pay the employee the unpaid wages, plus interest and penalties
- The employer is found not liable for the unpaid wages
Choosing an Unpaid Wages Attorney
Finding the right unpaid wages attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an attorney:
Experience and Reputation
Experience in handling unpaid wages cases is crucial. An attorney with a proven track record of success in recovering unpaid wages is more likely to achieve a favorable outcome for you. You can check the attorney’s website or online reviews to learn about their experience and reputation.
Fees
Legal fees can vary significantly, so it’s important to discuss fees with potential attorneys upfront. Some attorneys may offer a contingency fee arrangement, where you only pay if you win your case. Others may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Consider the attorney’s fees in relation to the potential amount of unpaid wages you are seeking.
Finding and Interviewing Attorneys
To find unpaid wages attorneys, you can:
– Search online directories or legal aid organizations.
– Ask for referrals from friends, family, or colleagues.
– Contact your local bar association.
When interviewing attorneys, prepare questions about their experience, fees, and approach to unpaid wages cases. Be sure to ask about any contingency fee arrangements or hourly rates. It’s also important to feel comfortable with the attorney and trust their ability to represent you effectively.
Resources for Unpaid Wages Claims
Employees with unpaid wages claims have various resources available to assist them in recovering their wages.
These resources include government agencies, legal aid organizations, and online resources.
Government Agencies
- Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor: This agency enforces federal wage and hour laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- State Labor Departments: These agencies enforce state wage and hour laws and may offer mediation services to resolve unpaid wages claims.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): This agency enforces laws prohibiting employment discrimination, which may include unpaid wages based on protected characteristics.
Legal Aid Organizations
- Legal Services Corporation (LSC): This organization provides funding to legal aid programs that offer free or low-cost legal assistance to low-income individuals.
- American Bar Association (ABA) Center for Pro Bono: This organization connects attorneys with individuals in need of legal assistance, including unpaid wages claims.
- National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA): This organization provides resources and support to attorneys who represent employees in employment-related matters, including unpaid wages claims.
Online Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division website: This website provides information on federal wage and hour laws, as well as contact information for regional offices.
- National Employment Law Project (NELP): This organization provides resources and information on employment law, including unpaid wages claims.
- Paycheck Fairness Act: This website provides information on the Paycheck Fairness Act, which prohibits wage discrimination based on sex.
