In today’s economy, earning the money you need to support yourself and your family can be challenging under the best circumstances. When you work for an employer who fails to pay you the amount you are owed under the law, challenging can become impossible. Fortunately, an experienced Springfield wage theft and overtime pay dispute lawyer can help you.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we understand the difficulties that come with going up against your employer. Our team of results-driven Springfield labor and employment lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf and are not intimidated by large companies. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free case consultation with a member of our legal team.
Compensation a Wage Theft Lawyer in Springfield, MA, Can Help You Recover
After losing money due to wage theft in Massachusetts, workers can recover up to three times the money and benefits their employers stole from them by taking their employer to court. Furthermore, if you win your case against your employer, you may also be able to recover damages to help you cover lawyer fees and other legal expenses.
If you lost your job or your employment situation was altered in any manner relating to your pursuit of compensation, your employer may also be ordered to reinstate you in your former position.
An Springfield wage theft and overtime pay dispute lawyer, will thoroughly investigate your case to collect evidence that supports your claim and prove that your employer acted unlawfully. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, our legal team is ready to fight for your right to compensation today.
For a free legal consultation with a wage theft lawyer serving Springfield, call (860) 999-9394
Common Wage Disputes Between Employers and Employees
There are a variety of different wage disputes that can arise between workers and their employers. If you lost money due to any type of theft by your employer, you have options available for recovering damages. Some of the most common wage violation cases we handle at our firm include:
- Unpaid overtime
- Failure to pay the minimum wage
- Misclassification
- Withholding payment
Unpaid Overtime
A standard work week for a full-time employee in the United States is 40 hours. If you work longer than 40 hours in a week for a single employer, they must pay you at a rate equal to 1.5 times your usual hourly wage for any time you put in beyond the 40-hour mark.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for employers to attempt to avoid paying proper overtime wages. Your employer may attempt to pay you at your standard rate for your additional hours, move hours exceeding 40 from one week to another, or simply not include the extra hours worked on your paycheck at all.
In this situation, an experienced overtime pay lawyer in Springfield, MA, can help you file a claim for compensatory damages.
Failure to Pay the Minimum Wage
Employers are required to follow all federal and state minimum wage laws when paying their workers. Furthermore, some cities have their own minimums that must be met.
If your employer attempts to pay you at a rate below the highest minimum wage that applies to the area in which you live, you have the right to pursue compensation through a lawsuit.
Misclassification
Misclassification can take two forms.
The first type of misclassification occurs when an employer classifies an employee as an independent contractor incorrectly. The purpose behind this is to avoid paying taxes and benefits that must be paid when dealing with employees. If you are an employee under the law but are classified as an independent contractor, you have the right to take legal action.
The second type of misclassification involves an employer classifying an hourly worker as a salaried employee in order to avoid paying them correctly for overtime work they perform.
Withholding Payment
Employers withhold payments to workers in a variety of ways. Some of the most common forms of withholding payment include:
- Failing to pay you the money you have earned in commissions
- Refusing to pay out any unused vacation time once your employment is concluded
- Withholding your final paycheck
If you have earnings that were withheld from you in any manner, an unpaid wages attorney in Springfield, MA, can help you get the money you need.
Springfield Wage Theft Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
Be Aware of All Deadlines that Apply to Your Case
When attempting to recover compensation after suffering financial losses related to employer misconduct, you need to pay attention to how much time you have to take legal action. The deadline that applies to your case will depend entirely on the violation committed by your employer and can also be impacted by the specific circumstances of your situation.
Securing the services of an experienced Springfield wage theft and overtime pay dispute attorney soon after you are aware of the unlawful behavior by your employer can be critical for identifying the deadline that applies to your case and ensuring all the necessary paperwork is filed on time.
Your lawyer will determine the standard deadline for your employer’s offense and review every detail of your case to identify if any exceptions may apply that affect the filing deadline.
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Those Most Commonly at Risk of Wage Theft
Undocumented workers and young workers are the two groups that most frequently fall victim to wage theft. Employers often pay undocumented workers below the minimum wage since they are less likely to report misconduct than other employees. However, you must understand that your immigration status does not affect your right to earn a fair wage for the work you perform.
Young workers are also common targets because employers realize these workers are less likely to know their employment rights. Since they are less likely to know their rights, they are also less likely to recognize a violation. An experienced attorney can help you file a lawsuit against your employer if your rights were violated in any way.
If you report wage theft and your employer fires you as a result, a Springfield workplace retaliation lawyer can help you file a wrongful termination lawsuit.
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Get Help from an Experienced Wage Theft and Overtime Pay Dispute Attorney Serving Springfield Today
When you suffer financial losses caused by wage theft, the best thing you can do to help improve your chances of recovering compensation is to hire an experienced Springfield wage theft and overtime pay dispute lawyer. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we’ll work around the clock to help ensure a positive resolution to your case.
Contact us through our website or by phone today to set up a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team and learn more about who we are and the services we provide.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form