A fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Wage and compensation disputes arise when an employer doesn’t uphold their end of a bargain. It’s illegal for an employer to refuse to pay you for all hours worked.
If this happens to you, you’re allowed to take legal action. The legal representatives at HKM Employment Attorneys can help you seek the fair compensation you deserve when your Boston employer refuses to pay up. Let us help you recover your unpaid wages as soon as possible.
Can You Sue An Employer for Unfair Wages?
Federal and state laws guide the payment of employee wages. As of January 2021, the minimum wage in the state of Massachusetts is $13.50 per hour. If your employment contract states that you will be paid a certain amount, then you can file a legal claim for unpaid wages if your job then pays you less than originally stipulated.
With a successful lawsuit, your employer may be legally obligated to pay:
- The unpaid wages: With the help of a good wage disputes lawyer in Boston, you will be entitled to receive the unpaid wages. This would include overtime payments if they were not paid, as well.
- Interest: The court can also grant you interest for unpaid wages.
- Liquidated damages: Instead of accrued interests, you may be able to recover “liquidated damages,” which is an amount set in advance to be awarded to employees with successful wage disputes. If your wage disputes lawyer can prove that your employer willfully neglected to pay you a fair wage, they may end up paying double the amount that you’re owed.
- Attorney fees: Employers may also have to pay your lawyer’s fees and any other costs incurred during the case if you win.
Can You Sue a Company for Paying You Late?
Payments are considered late if the employer does not remit them within the agreed period stated in the employment contract. Depending on the situation, you can choose to sue the company or follow arbitration guidelines provided by the law. You may consider suing the company if they withhold money without your knowledge, withhold the final employee paycheck, or withhold the paycheck for a specific period.
How Long Does a Wage Lawsuit Take?
According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees should file wage disputes within two years after the employers’ wage violation. High-value cases can take more than two years, while small cases take between 3 months and one year.
Are Bonuses Wages Offered in Boston?
According to the Department of Labor and the Massachusetts Wage Act, non-discretionary commissions and bonuses can be considered part of your wages.
How Do I Choose An Employment Lawyer?
An employment lawyer can make or break your case when filing a wage dispute claim. You’ll want to make your decision carefully and consider picking an attorney who is well-seasoned in all aspects of employment law. Some factors to consider include:
- Reviews: Consult with your friends and family if they have filed an unemployment claim in the past. Read online reviews to learn more about trusted wage disputes lawyers in your area.
- Years of experience: The best attorney for your case will have years of experience in employment law.
- Cost: Some attorneys offer free consultations. Therefore, use this time to find out how much it would cost if they take up your case. Compare pricing from different lawyers to find the most suitable quote.
Reach Out to a Wage Dispute Attorney in Boston for Your Case
When your employer withholds a paycheck or denies you overtime pay, then an experienced employment attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at the HKM Employment Attorneys law firm have the knowledge needed to walk you through all aspects of your claim, from the initial filing to your day in court. Get started today with a free initial consultation. We look forward to hearing the details of your case.
