Lancaster Wage and Hour Lawyer

Everyone deserves to go to work and earn a living without fear that their employer will not provide them with their full pay. Unfortunately, that is a scenario that happens in Lancaster and throughout all of Ohio, more common than people think. Regardless of whether employers make an honest mistake, or whether they willfully and intentionally denied an employee their proper pay, it is important to speak to a Lancaster wage and hour lawyer if you have been denied your fair wages. You may be able to file a claim for damages to earn back pay and, in some cases, even more.

Common Wage and Hour Disputes

There are a number of wage and hour disputes that arise between employers and their employees. A few of the most common that form the basis for legal claims are as follows:

• Overtime disputes: Ohio law states that when an employee works more than 40 hours in one workweek, they are entitled to one-and-a-half times their regular wage. The Fair Labor Standards Act also requires employers to abide by those same laws.
• Disputes involving unlawful paycheck deductions: Deductions for uniforms, tools necessary for the job, and state and federal taxes are just a few of the deductions employers may take from an employee’s paycheck. Regardless of the deduction being made, employers must ensure they do not result in an employee being paid less than minimum wage, or it is unlawful.
• Performing work off-the-clock disputes: Employers sometimes require employees to come in 10 or 15 minutes early for their shift. Other times, an employer may ask an employee to stay for a few minutes after work. While these requests are not illegal, refusing to pay employees for that time is against the law.
• Tip disputes: Many employees in Lancaster are considered tipped employees. Waiters, bartenders, and hotel employees are just a few examples of tipped employees. Tipped workers earn a lower minimum wage than other employees but their hourly wage plus their tips must still be equal to or greater than the minimum wage for non-tipped employees. Employers may also steal tips from their employees, which is another common dispute.

Unfortunately, the above are just a few of the most common wage and hour disputes that arise in the workplace. A Lancaster wage and hour lawyer can help employees claim liquidated damages, their attorney’s fees, and in some cases, even punitive damages.

Statute of Limitations on Wage and Hour Claims

Like most civil cases, claims involving wage and hour disputes are governed by a statute of limitations, or a time limit. The statute of limitations on the majority of wage and hour claims is two years from the date of the violation. When a violation occurs repeatedly, employees have two years from the date of the last violation. In certain situations, employees may have three years to file their claim under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This statute of limitations applies to cases that involve an employer that acted willfully or intentionally.

Our Ohio Wage and Hour Lawyers Can Help with Your Dispute

If you have a wage and hour dispute with your employer, you can file a claim to recover your lost wages. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, our knowledgeable Lancaster wage and hour lawyers can help you through the process and ensure you recover the full damages you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys so we can review your case.