Columbia Wage Theft Lawyers

Attorneys for Unpaid Wages in Rockville, MD

Employees deserve to be properly compensated for the work they perform. They should receive the correct wages for all hours worked, with additional compensation being required for overtime. When employers fail to pay employees the wages they are legally entitled to, this can lead to significant hardship. Fortunately, employment laws provide protections for workers in these situations, and employees have the right to seek compensation for unpaid wages. The attorneys at Freedman Law, LLC can provide legal guidance and support to employees who have not been properly compensated, and we can also provide representation for employers as they address wage and hour disputes.

Types of Wage and Hour Disputes

Unpaid wages refer to any earnings that an employee is entitled to but has not received. This can include unpaid regular wages, overtime pay, bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation. Employers who do not properly compensate employees are committing a form of theft, since they are receiving labor for less than the agreed value. Wage theft is a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the state labor laws in Maryland and Virginia.

Some common examples of wage and hour disputes that may warrant legal action include:

• Failure to Pay Minimum Wage: Under both federal and Maryland state law, employers are required to pay their employees no less than the minimum wage. However, some employers may attempt to pay less than the minimum wage, particularly in industries where workers are vulnerable or are less likely to report violations.
• Unpaid Overtime: Non-exempt employees must be provided additional compensation when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. The rate of overtime pay is one and a half times an employee's regular hourly wages. Employers may try to avoid paying overtime by misclassifying employees as exempt or requiring them to work off the clock. Failing to pay overtime is a common form of wage theft.
• Misclassification of Employees: Employers may classify employees as independent contractors or exempt employees to avoid paying overtime and benefits. Misclassification denies workers the protections and pay they are legally entitled to, and it can lead to significant wage losses.
• Withholding Tips: In industries like food service, tips are a significant part of an employee's earnings. Employers who unlawfully withhold or divert tips from employees are engaging in wage theft.
• Unpaid Breaks and Meal Periods: In some cases, employers may require employees to work through their breaks or meal periods without proper compensation, or they may require employees to be present in the workplace before the times their shifts are scheduled to start. Employees should be properly compensated for all time they work, and requiring employees to work additional time without pay is a form of wage theft.
• Unpaid Commissions or Bonuses: Salespeople and other employees who earn commissions or bonuses may face disputes when employers fail to pay them as agreed. Employers are legally obligated to pay these earnings if they are part of the employee's compensation package.

Recovery of Unpaid Wages

If you are an employee who has experienced wage theft, you can take action to recover the compensation you are owed. The employment law attorneys at Freedman Law, LLC can help you understand your rights and the legal remedies that may be available to ensure that you receive your rightful pay. We can assist with:

• Investigating Wage and Hour Violations: Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your claims, reviewing pay records, time sheets, and other relevant documentation to determine whether you have not been properly compensated for the work you have performed. We understand the tactics some employers use to deny workers their full wages, and we are prepared to hold them accountable.
• Filing Wage Theft Claims: If you have been the victim of wage theft, we can assist you in filing a claim with the appropriate federal or state agencies. These agencies can investigate your case and take enforcement action against your employer.
• Pursuing Legal Action: In cases where administrative remedies are insufficient, or if your claim involves significant unpaid wages, our attorneys can file a lawsuit on your behalf. We will advocate for your rights in court, seeking compensation for unpaid wages, other financial losses, and attorney's fees.
• Negotiating Settlements: It may be possible to resolve wage disputes through negotiation. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who can work with your employer to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your losses without the need for time-consuming litigation.

At Freedman Law, LLC, we are dedicated to helping employees in Maryland and Virginia, recover the wages they are legally entitled to. We understand the financial strain that wage theft can cause, and we are committed to providing the legal support you need to secure your rightful earnings.

Assisting Employers in Wage and Hour Disputes

In addition to representing employees, Freedman Law, LLC also provides legal help for employers who are involved in wage and hour disputes. These disputes can lead to significant legal and financial consequences for businesses, making it essential to address them effectively while ensuring compliance with the law. We can help defend against wage theft claims by reviewing the allegations, gathering evidence, and seeking resolutions that will minimize disruption to our clients' operations. In cases where it is in the best interest of the employer to settle a dispute, our attorneys can negotiate agreements that are fair and equitable.

Contact Our Columbia, MD Unpaid Wages Dispute Attorneys

Whether you are an employee seeking to recover the compensation you are owed or an employer who is involved in wage and hour disputes, the attorneys at Freedman Law, LLC are here to help. We have the knowledge and experience needed to protect your rights and help you resolve these matters successfully. To explore your legal options, contact us by calling 410-290-6230. We work with employers and employees in Virginia and Maryland, and we have offices in McLean, Columbia, and Rockville.