Wage and hour claims are a type of class-action lawsuit in which a group of non-salaried workers, generally paid hourly or for shift work, allege that their employer has underpaid or discriminated against them. Unless you fall into a restricted category of employees who are “exempt” from the overtime laws, your employer is compelled by federal law to pay you for all hours worked, including a premium for work done above 40 hours per week. You may be eligible to recover liquidated damages and attorney’s fees in addition to the overtime compensation that your employer owes you if you worked overtime and were not adequately rewarded for the work you did above 40 hours in a workweek. An expert wage and hour attorney can assist you in determining whether or not you wish to file a case against your employer for unpaid overtime.
Listed below are some of the top benefits of hiring a wage and hour attorney.
They will help you determine if you have a Case
The Fair Labor Standards Act is federal legislation that governs minimum wage and overtime compensation (FLSA). Unless you are an exempt employee, the FLSA mandates that you earn overtime compensation if you work more than 40 hours in a week. You are entitled to overtime compensation if you worked more than 40 hours and were not paid time and a half (1.5 times your usual rate of pay). Therefore, an attorney can determine if your employer forced you to work overtime or sought to classify you as exempt.
They are knowledgeable and experienced in the Wage and Hour Field
You can rely on the skills and experience of an experienced employment attorney to offer you sound advice. They have h spent years studying the law and will know how to handle your case effectively. Hence, they can handle all of the paperwork, court records, and deadlines that your case will entail.
Help you determine when to File Wage Claims
There are deadlines for submitting a claim for unpaid overtime earnings. You must file your lawsuit within two years of the infraction’s date or when you first heard of the violation. You have three years in circumstances where your employer deliberately violated overtime regulations. An employment lawyer can assist you in determining if your employer intentionally withheld overtime pay from you.
They help you Consider your Options
An employment attorney may be quite helpful in determining whether or not you want to file a case against your company. As soon as you realize you aren’t getting paid appropriately, you should contact an attorney. You’ll need advice on approaching your employer with your grievances, when to do so, and what proof you’ll need to back up your allegations. You should keep track of all of your hours worked and your employer’s activities, including their response to your concerns about underpaid pay.
Suppose you are unsatisfied with your employer’s reaction to your official complaint. In that case, an attorney can assist you in weighing your choices, depending on whether you wish to seek liquidated damages, which reimburse you for the time you spent waiting for your wages to be paid. These damages, which are effectively interest-free, are usually equivalent to the amount you owe your boss.
In conclusion, a wage and hour attorney is helpful to help you claim for your unpaid wages.
