Unfortunately many workers face unpaid wages, whether it’s missed overtime, shorted hours, or a paycheck that never arrives. But fortunately, your Washington DC wage claim lawyer can help you get the compensation you’re owed. At Eric Siegel Law, we’ve been righting wrongs for over 30 years – and it all starts with getting informed. Read on to get answers about unpaid wages, and contact us today to get started.
What Should I Do If My Paycheck Is Missing?
If you didn’t get paid on your scheduled payday, start by checking with your employer or payroll department. Sometimes delays are caused by clerical errors or banking issues. If the problem isn’t fixed right away, follow up in writing—email is usually best. Include the date your pay was due and the amount that’s missing. If you still don’t get a clear answer or a payment, it may be time to look at filing a claim.
Can I Get Paid For Work I Did Off The Clock?
Yes. If you worked, you should be paid—regardless of whether you were officially clocked in. That includes time spent setting up, cleaning up, answering work-related calls, or doing anything else your employer required. If these hours pushed you over 40 for the week, you may also be owed overtime pay.
Am I Owed Overtime If I Worked More Than 40 Hours?
In most cases, yes. Federal law says that hourly workers must be paid time and a half for any hours worked beyond 40 in a single workweek. Some salaried workers are also covered, depending on how they’re classified and what kind of work they do. Just because you’re paid a salary doesn’t automatically mean you’re not entitled to overtime.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, we can review your pay structure and job duties. Misclassification is common, and many workers don’t realize they’ve been underpaid until they take a closer look.
What Happens If I Quit Or Get Fired And Don’t Get My Last Paycheck?
Employers are still required to pay you for all the work you’ve done, even if you leave the job. In some states, there are deadlines for when that final check must be given—often by the next regular payday or within a set number of days after separation. If your final paycheck is delayed or incomplete, you may be able to recover not just the wages but additional damages as well.
Can I Be Punished For Asking About Unpaid Wages?
No, your employer can’t fire you, cut your hours, or retaliate in any way just because you asked to be paid fairly. That type of behavior is illegal. If you’re facing retaliation after speaking up, that may be a separate legal issue, and you may have more than one claim.
We’ve seen cases where employers tried to scare employees into staying quiet. But standing up for your rights shouldn’t cost you your job. We can help protect you while you pursue your unpaid wages.
Contact Us Today
Getting paid fairly is something every worker deserves. If you believe your wages have been withheld or you haven’t been paid what you’re owed, we’re here to help. At Eric Siegel Law, we’ve helped employees battle discrimination, wage disputes, and more. If you need help from a wage claim lawyer, contact us today to talk about your options.