Do you work or have you worked for an employer in Connecticut who has failed to pay you the proper wages or overtime owed to you? You may be a victim of wage theft. You can report this wage theft to the authorities to start enforcement actions.
A Hartford wage theft lawyer can advise you on your options for making a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Wage and Workplace Standards Division to initiate an official investigation.
We can also help you file a private lawsuit against the employer on your behalf to recover unpaid earnings plus damages in court. Consulting with a lawyer will ensure your wage theft claim is fully addressed. Don’t tolerate wage theft. Try these tips out instead.
First Steps
Connecticut labor laws require that employees be paid for their work within a reasonable time frame. This includes regular wages, overtime, and other forms of compensation as agreed upon in your employment contract.
Start by documenting all relevant information, including the hours you worked, the amount you were supposed to be paid, pay stubs, and any related communication with your employer. This information will be crucial if you need to file a formal complaint.
You may also start by discussing the matter with your employer. Sometimes unpaid wages are a simple mistake that they can fix quickly. If you ask them for the money you’re owed and they push back or retaliate, document that and move on to the actions below.
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File a Complaint With the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT DOL)
You can file a wage complaint with CT DOL to start an investigation against your employer for labor law violations. You must file your complaint online. The links in English and Spanish are at the bottom of the Wages & Workplace Standards Complaint Forms page.
As of this writing in May 2024, the Connecticut Department of Labor is 4-6 months behind on the assignment of new claims. It will take a while for them to finish their investigation, but they have the authority to prosecute wage theft.
To report unpaid wages in Connecticut, use the “Statement of Claim for Wages” form. You will be asked for information about what happened to you and you can attach documents for evidence.
What Will CT DOL Do?
After filing your complaint, the Department of Labor will investigate your claim. This process may involve contacting your employer and requesting further documentation from both parties. Respond promptly to any requests to keep your claim moving forward.
If they find that your complaint is correct, CT DOL has several options depending on the severity of the violation. They will take action to force the employer to pay what you’re owed, plus may file additional penalties against them, including potential criminal charges.
Speaking With an Attorney
If the Department of Labor is unable to resolve your complaint, will take too long, or if you prefer a direct approach, you may consider filing a lawsuit in state court. In such cases, the court can order payment of back wages and possibly additional damages.
Take your document about your wage dispute to our team of labor law attorneys. Many of them, like our firm, offer free initial consultations. A lawyer can help you build your case and prepare to take your employer to court.
You may be advised to start a complaint with the CT DOL after your consultation. Their investigation might find other labor law violations, like if your coworkers were also denied wages owed. That evidence can help you win your lawsuit.
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How Long Do I Have to File My Wage Complaint?
Connecticut law has a two-year limit on wage complaints. Start a claim past that date and your case will be dismissed because the evidence will be too old to make a fair investigation. So you should begin working with CT DOL and a lawyer once you decide it’s time to sue.
Starting early will give your lawyer enough time to investigate your claim and create the strongest case possible before trial. That will give you the highest chances of success in your case. If you win your lawsuit, you can claim double the amount of money you’re owed plus legal fees.
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Make Sure You Get Paid What You’re Owed
Wage theft is a crime, but it’s up to employees to call out the problem. Young people and immigrants are often targets for wage theft because they don’t know how to fight back. Use the tips in this guide on how to report unpaid wages in Connecticut to hold your employer accountable.
For further advice about unpaid wage claims, contact Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard for a free consultation. We can help you stand up to your employer and will work diligently to secure a favorable outcome for you.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form