In today’s economy, earning a living wage can be challenging enough if your employer is paying you the money you are owed. When your employer steals from you, it can be incredibly difficult to keep your head above water. Fortunately, an experienced Providence wage theft and overtime pay dispute attorney can help you recover the money you need and deserve.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we are prepared to take on your employer to recover any financial losses you suffered due to wage theft. Our experienced team of Providence labor and employment lawyers will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with a free consultation.
Common Wage Disputes for Which Employees Can Pursue Compensation
There are a variety of ways in which employers take advantage of workers and avoid paying them the full amount to which they are entitled. Some of the most common wage violations include:
- Unpaid overtime
- Failure to pay the minimum wage
- Misclassification
- Withholding payment
Unpaid Overtime
The standard work week in the United States is 40 hours. If you work more than 40 hours for a single employer in a week, you are entitled to pay at a rate of 1.5 times your standard pay rate for all of the time you work past the 40-hour mark.
Unfortunately, far too many employers fail to pay their employees at this higher rate, shift hours worked one week to another on payslips to avoid having to pay out overtime or fail to include the extra hours worked altogether. If you were the victim of any type of overtime pay violation, an experienced overtime pay lawyer in Providence, RI, can help you pursue damages.
Failure to Pay the Minimum Wage
Employers must respect state and federal minimum wage laws when paying employees. In some cases, cities have their own minimum wage standards that must also be met. When an employer fails to pay their workers at a rate equal to or greater than the applicable minimum wage rate, they open themselves up to legal action.
Misclassification
There are two main types of misclassification. One involves employers incorrectly classifying employees as independent contractors. By classifying workers in this manner, they can avoid paying certain benefits and taxes. If your employer classified you as an independent contractor when the law makes you an employee, you can take legal action against them.
The second type of misclassification involves an employer incorrectly classifying a worker who should be paid hourly as a salaried employee to avoid correctly paying them overtime.
Withholding Payment
If your employer fails to pay you any commissions you are owed, refuses to pay you for unused vacation time at the end of your employment, or withholds your final paycheck for any reason, you have legal options for pursuing compensation. Get help from an unpaid wages lawyer in Providence, RI, to recover the money you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a wage theft lawyer serving Providence, call (860) 999-9394
Compensation You Can Recover in a Wage Theft Dispute in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, victims of any form of wage theft can recover up to two times the amount of unpaid wages and benefits they are owed if they win their case. Additionally, you may be able to recover money for attorney fees and other legal costs.
If you suffered any change to your employment status relating to your loss of wages, the court may also order that your employment be reinstated along with any corresponding seniority rights.
An experienced wage theft lawyer serving Providence, RI, will thoroughly investigate your case to collect evidence that supports your compensation claim and proves the fault of your employer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced legal team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard to get started on your case today.
Providence Wage Theft Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
Be Mindful of All Applicable Filing Deadlines
When attempting to recover compensation after suffering losses caused by misconduct by your employer, it is critical that you meet all applicable filing deadlines. The exact deadline that applies to your case will depend on the specific violation that caused your financial losses.
The best way to ensure you are aware of the exact deadline that applies to your case is by hiring an unpaid wages attorney serving Providence, RI.
Your lawyer will identify the standard deadline that applies to the specific offense and will determine if there are any extenuating circumstances in your case that alter the usual deadline. They will then complete and file all of the required documents well in advance of the cutoff date.
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The Groups Most Vulnerable to Wage Theft
Some groups are far more likely to become victims of wage theft. Undocumented workers and young workers are two of the groups most often targeted.
Employers often pay undocumented workers below the minimum wage because they know they are less likely to report misconduct. It’s important to understand that your immigration status does not affect your right to earn a fair wage.
Young workers are also often victims of wage theft because they are less likely to be aware of all applicable labor laws and, thus, less likely to notice a violation. An experienced attorney can help you file a lawsuit against your employer if they violated your rights.
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Get Help from an Experienced Wage Theft and Overtime Pay Dispute Attorney in Providence Today
Following financial losses caused by any form of wage theft, the best way to recover the money you need and deserve is by securing the services of an experienced Providence wage theft and overtime pay dispute lawyer. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we will work around the clock to ensure a favorable outcome for your case.
Contact us today by phone or through our website to set up a free case consultation with a member of our legal staff.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form