Pompano Beach Unpaid Wages Lawyer

Pompano Beach Unpaid Wages Attorney

You deserve to be compensated for your work. When your employer underpays you or doesn’t pay you on time or at all, it can leave you falling behind financially. With the help of a Pompano Beach Unpaid wages lawyer, you can fight for the compensation you are owed.

The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., has helped countless employees seek justice against unfair employment practices, such as in an unpaid wage case. Michelle Cohen Levy is a skilled Pompano Beach employment lawyer who is dedicated to providing her full attention and knowledge of unpaid wage laws to every client, pursuing remedies for unpaid labor that can help you recover after working unpaid.

Reasons to File an Unpaid Wages Claim

Wage theft happens when an employer illegally withholds or denies compensation from an employee. Despite being strictly prohibited by both Florida and federal laws, unpaid wages aren’t uncommon, especially for lower-wage workers in the Pompano Beach, Florida tourism & entertainment industry.

There are many forms of wage theft, and if you have been underpaid or gone without a paycheck, you should hire an unpaid wages lawyer who can ensure you are fairly compensated. Some common reasons for filing an unpaid wages claim include:

• Being paid less than minimum wage. Pompano Beach Employees’ minimum wage is $14.00 per hour for most employees. In the United States, employers who pay less than minimum wage cost employees $15 billion every year. If you are making less than the minimum wage, your employer is violating the Florida minimum wage.
• Not being paid for overtime. When working beyond 40 hours a week, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires you to be paid at least one and one-half times your regular rate for any overtime. Many employers attempt to illegally evade this law by requiring you to work off-the-clock or by not offering this benefit at all.
• Unpaid commission. If you rely on commissions, a missed payment is a breach of contract that can mean hours of work remain uncompensated. Florida law includes unpaid commissions as a type of unpaid wages when filing a claim.
• Tips theft. Employers pocketing tips instead of allowing them to go to the employees who earn and rely on them as part of their paycheck are committing wage theft.

Compensation You May Receive Due to Unpaid Wages

Compensation is often part of an unpaid wages settlement to repay you for your work and other damages you may have suffered. Your lawyer can seek to include all relevant reasons for compensation in your claim, which could include:

• Backpay. Backpay is the difference between what you should have been paid and what you were actually paid. Back pay compensates you for the work you did without pay, whether that be through unpaid overtime, missing tips, a low hourly rate, or other unpaid work.
• Legal fees. The cost of court fees, an attorney, and other legal costs can be included in your compensation to offset the cost of filing the claim.
• Liquidated damages. Under the FLSA, liquidated damages can be included to raise compensation equal to the amount of backpay you are receiving, doubling the total compensation.

Why Hire an Unpaid Wages Lawyer

An unpaid wages lawyer is your greatest resource when you are looking to file a claim for unpaid wages. Their knowledge of federal employment law, such as the FLSA, and Florida law means they can help you identify illegal business practices and the potential options you have when seeking a resolution.

When pursuing compensation, an unpaid wages lawyer is a skilled negotiator who can advocate for increased compensation. A lawyer can calculate how much you should have been paid, ensuring you receive a comprehensive settlement that allows you to recover from wage theft. In many cases, a lawyer can ensure that liquidated damages are included as well.

FAQs

Can You File a Claim Against Your Employer if They Didn’t Pay You on Time in Florida?

Yes, it may be possible to file a claim if you were not paid on time in Florida. Not receiving your paycheck on time can be a financial setback, but filing a claim can provide back pay and pay for other damages that you would not have experienced if you were paid on time.

What Evidence Do You Need to Prove an Unpaid Wage Case?

A variety of evidence can be used to prove an unpaid wage case, and documenting each instance of a missed or incorrect payment is crucial for building a strong claim. Your lawyer can gather evidence such as pay stubs and paychecks, scheduling records, employment contracts, company policies, employee handbooks, witness statements, or records of communication between you and your employer. Such evidence can be used to prove that wage theft occurred and to calculate compensation for your claim.

Can You File a Claim if a Previous Employer Hasn’t Paid You?

Yes, if a previous employer hasn’t paid you, you can file a claim against them, even if you no longer work for them. In some cases, a final paycheck is withheld after being fired or quitting from a position. This is illegal, as you should be compensated for any work you have done for an employer, and state law dictates specific rules for when a final paycheck must be issued. You can also file a claim for other unpaid wages during the time you worked for the employer.

What if You Are Retaliated Against For Advocating for Fair Wages?

If you are retaliated against at work because of advocating for fair wages or speaking up against wage theft, you may be able to file a claim against your employer. Wage theft is illegal, and you should not be penalized by your employer if you refuse to comply with unfair wages. Contact an unpaid wages attorney to learn about your legal options when pursuing justice against your employer.

Speak With a Pompano Beach Unpaid Wages Attorney Today

Seeking compensation for missed or withheld wages often is not resolved within a company. Working with an experienced unpaid wages lawyer ensures your concerns aren’t overlooked and can help you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A. to learn how skilled legal representation can fight to regain justice after going unpaid.