Did you know that employers steal millions from employees each year? It might sound unbelievable, but wage theft is a very real problem in the United States.
If you’re not being paid the wages you’ve earned, you need to take action. An unpaid wages lawyer in Austin, TX can help you get the money you’re owed.
Here are some common signs that you need to get in touch with an unpaid wages attorney.
Your Employer Illegally Withheld Your Wages
Unfortunately, this is a common tactic that employers use to try and save money. They may withhold your wages for various reasons, such as “deductions” for uniforms or equipment.
If your employer has illegally withheld your wages, you need to speak to an attorney right away. Withholding wages is against the law, and you may be entitled to receive back pay plus damages.
You’re Not Being Paid Overtime
If you work more than 40 hours in a week, you are entitled to receive overtime pay. Overtime pay is usually 1.5 times your regular hourly rate.
Employers who withhold your overtime are in violation of the law. An unpaid wages lawyer can help you get the overtime pay you’ve earned, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with one as soon as possible.
You’re Being Paid Less Than Minimum Wage
In most cases, employees must be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This will depend on the state you work in, however.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, but they are very limited. If you’re being paid less than minimum wage, you may be entitled to receive back pay plus damages.
You’re Not Being Paid For All the Hours You’ve Worked
Some employers try to save money by not paying their employees for all the hours they’ve worked. This is blatantly illegal, and you may be entitled to receive back pay plus damages.
The most common scenario in which this occurs is when employees are not paid for time spent on mandatory company training or meetings.
You Are Not Paid For Vacation Time
In some cases, employers may try to withhold vacation pay.
This often occurs when employees accumulate a larger number of vacation days and then take an extended break from work. More often than not, withheld vacation pay tends to be thousands of dollars.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t pursue a lower amount of unpaid vacation wages, though.
What Types of Professionals Are Often Underpaid?
While wage theft can occur in any industry, there are certain professions that are more likely to be affected. Here are a few examples:
- Construction workers
- Food service workers
- Factory workers
- Retail employees
If you work in one of these industries, it’s essential that you pay close attention to your compensation since you’re more likely than other types of workers to be targeted for wage theft.
Should I Talk to My Employer First?
You may be tempted to talk to your employer about the situation before contacting an attorney. However, this is generally not a good idea.
Your employer could retaliate against you or try to cover up the problem. In some cases, they may even try to pressure you into signing an agreement that waives your right to take legal action.
So, be sure that you keep this information in mind. You could easily end up complicating your case otherwise.
Does It Matter How Much Money I’m Owed?
No, it does not matter how much money you’re owed.
You have the right to be paid for every hour you’ve worked, and your employer cannot withhold your wages illegally. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to speak to an attorney if you believe your employer has stolen wages from you.
What Should I Look For in an Attorney?
Make sure to choose an attorney who specializes in wage and hour law. You should also look for an attorney who offers a free consultation.
This will allow you to discuss your case without any obligation. As you might guess, it’s also important to check what past clients have had to say before moving forward.
This is the best way to gain insight into what you can expect. Understanding how to recognize fake reviews can go a long way.
Interestingly, many people overlook how important it is that your prospective lawyer will be the one handling your case. Some attorneys delegate your case to a paralegal or junior associate.
You want an attorney who will be personally invested in your case and available to answer your questions.
Check their fee structure before moving forward. This will help you avoid financial surprises in the future. For example, some attorneys allow you to contact them outside business hours.
However, they may charge an extra fee to do so.
Finally, make sure to choose an attorney who has experience handling cases like yours. They’ll have all of the required knowledge and tools to make your situation right.
This will give you the best chance of success when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve.
An Unpaid Wages Lawyer Can Be the Ideal Solution
Although dealing with unpaid wages lawyer seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as many people believe. Just be sure to take the above guide into consideration before moving forward.
Want to learn more about what we can do? Be sure to reach out to us today and see how we can help you.