Unpaid wages can disrupt your financial stability, but your Silver Spring, MD employment litigation lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. At Eric Siegel Law, we’ve been righting wrongs for over 30 years – and we’re prepared to use our extensive legal and business backgrounds to help you get the best outcome possible. We’ve assisted our clients with wrongful termination cases, discrimination suits, and more. Read on to see what you should do about unpaid wages, and contact us today to get started on your case.
Review Your Pay Records
The first step in addressing unpaid wages is to review your records carefully. This includes pay stubs, employment contracts, time sheets, and any correspondence related to your work schedule and pay rate. Keeping detailed records helps us confirm whether an employer has failed to pay you correctly. Look for discrepancies in hours worked, overtime calculations, or missing pay periods.
Understand Wage And Hour Laws
Both federal and state laws protect workers from wage theft. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the national minimum wage and establishes rules for overtime pay. State laws often provide additional protections, such as higher minimum wages or stricter overtime rules. By reviewing these laws, we can determine whether your employer has violated them and build a case for recovering your wages.
Communicate With Your Employer
Sometimes, unpaid wages result from a clerical error or miscommunication. If you feel comfortable, consider discussing the issue with your employer or human resources department. Politely explain the problem and provide any evidence you’ve gathered. In some cases, this simple step may resolve the issue without further action.
File A Complaint With The Department Of Labor
If talking to your employer doesn’t resolve the issue, filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or your state’s labor agency is an option. These agencies investigate wage theft claims and can help recover unpaid wages. When we assist clients with this process, we ensure all necessary forms and documentation are submitted correctly to move the process forward.
Explore Legal Remedies
If filing a complaint doesn’t lead to results or the issue involves significant unpaid wages, taking legal action may be necessary. Employees have the right to sue employers for unpaid wages, including overtime, withheld tips, and other compensation owed. As experienced employment litigation lawyers, we can help you determine if this is the best path for your situation.
Understand Your Rights To Additional Damages
In many cases, workers who pursue unpaid wages are entitled to more than just the amount owed. Federal and state laws often allow for liquidated damages or penalties, which can double the amount of unpaid wages. Employers who engage in intentional or repeated violations may also face additional consequences.
How We Can Help
At Eric Siegel Law, we understand how unpaid wages can affect your life. It’s more than just a paycheck—it’s your right as an employee. We work with individuals to address wage theft, holding employers accountable and helping employees recover what they’ve earned. Whether it involves filing a complaint, negotiating with an employer, or pursuing legal action, we’re here to support you.
If you’re dealing with unpaid wages and need guidance, don’t wait to take action. Contact the team at Eric Siegel Law today to get started on your case.