As an employee in Pennsylvania, your employer has an obligation to pay you the wages you are due for the work you have performed. Unfortunately, not all employers fulfill this obligation. In fact, some employers deliberately withhold wages from their employees or fail to compensate them for overtime, which is illegal. If you are an employee who has not received the wages you are due, you have the right to pursue legal action against your employer. In this blog, we will discuss how an unpaid wages attorney can help protect your rights, recover your unpaid wages, and seek justice.

#1. Wage and hour violations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law requires employers to pay their employees at least the minimum wage rate, plus overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per week. However, many employers violate these wage and hour laws by misclassifying employees as exempt or independent contractors, failing to pay overtime, or requiring employees to work off the clock. An experienced unpaid wages attorney can recognize these violations and help you recover the unpaid wages you are owed.

#2. How an unpaid wages attorney can help

An experienced unpaid wages attorney can help you hold your employer accountable for violating wage and hour laws. Your attorney can help you file a claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or the federal Department of Labor, and negotiate a settlement with your employer. If your employer refuses to cooperate, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. Your attorney can also help you calculate the amount of unpaid wages you are owed, including interest, penalties, and attorneys’ fees.

#3. Time limits for filing an unpaid wages claim

If you are owed unpaid wages, you should take action as soon as possible. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing an unpaid wages claim is two years from the date the wages were due, or three years if the violation was willful. If you wait too long to file a claim, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your unpaid wages.

#4. What to do if you are being retaliated against

It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for pursuing an unpaid wages claim or complaining about wage and hour violations. If you experience retaliation, such as termination, demotion, or harassment, you may have legal recourse. An experienced unpaid wages attorney can help you file a retaliation claim and seek damages for your losses.

#5. Finding an unpaid wages attorney in Pennsylvania

If you believe that your employer owes you unpaid wages or has violated wage and hour laws, you should consult with an experienced unpaid wages attorney. Look for an attorney who specializes in employment law and has a track record of success in recovering unpaid wages for employees. Your attorney should also offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.

Unpaid wages can cause significant financial and emotional stress for employees who have rightfully earned their wages and deserve to be fairly compensated. If you believe that you are owed unpaid wages, it is important to speak with an experienced unpaid wages attorney who can help protect your rights and seek justice on your behalf. Don't let your employer get away with violating wage and hour laws – contact an attorney today to get the compensation you deserve.