Columbus Wage and Hour Lawyers

Last updated on December 23, 2025

State and federal law both require employers to comply with certain laws regarding minimum wage and overtime pay. Employers who fail to conform to these standards can be required to compensate wronged employees for their losses.

At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, our Columbus wage and hour lawyers have decades of combined experience. If you feel as though your employer has violated Ohio’s wage and hour laws, our attorneys can provide legal guidance and advice.

What Are Common Examples of Wage and Hour Violations in Ohio?

A wage and hour violation happens when your employer fails to follow state or federal laws regarding payment for your work. These laws govern minimum wage and overtime pay. They also direct when you must be paid. Here are common ways employers violate wage and hour laws:

• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors or salaried exempt workers: Your employer might wrongly label you as an independent contractor to avoid paying overtime and payroll taxes.
• Making improper deductions from paychecks: An employer might illegally deduct cash register shortages or broken equipment costs from your wages.
• Requiring off-the-clock work: Your employer asks or allows you to work before clocking in, after clocking out or during what should be an unpaid meal break.
• Failing to pay for required training or travel time: Your employer must pay you for time spent in mandatory training sessions or when traveling between different job sites during the workday.
• Averaging work hours over two weeks to avoid overtime: Employers must calculate overtime based on each individual workweek, not over multiple weeks or pay periods.

Unfortunately, we often see employers in Ohio cutting corners on pay to increase their own profits. This unfair practice can cause major financial stress for you and your family. If you suspect your employer has used any of these tactics, our experienced labor law attorneys can help.

Understanding Protections Under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Ohio Labor Laws

We know that worrying about wage and hour violations can be deeply unsettling, especially when you depend on every dollar you earn. It takes courage to stand up to an employer, and we want you to know the law is on your side. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and specific Ohio labor laws give you powerful protections. These laws set the rules for minimum wage, overtime and define what counts as compensable work time.

In addition, these laws also protect you from retaliation. Your employer cannot legally fire, demote or otherwise punish you for raising concerns about or filing a claim for unpaid wages. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, we are committed to making sure your employer follows the law.

What Are the Minimum Wage Laws in Ohio?

In Ohio, the minimum wage for most workers is currently set at $10.70 per hour and is adjusted annually. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, tipped employees can be paid at a lower hourly rate. There are additional exceptions that allow certain employers to pay less than the minimum wage, so if you have questions or concerns about your own wage, you should speak to an employment attorney to determine if you are being paid correctly.

What Are Ohio’s Laws About Overtime Pay?

Employees are prohibited from working more than 40 hours a week unless they receive overtime for the additional shifts. The standard rate of overtime is one and one-half times a person’s regular rate of pay for every extra hour worked.

The legal workweek is seven consecutive days. Your employer cannot average your hours over two weeks to avoid paying you overtime. Some employees, such as certain salaried, administrative or professional staff, may be legally exempt from overtime. However, employers often misclassify employees to avoid paying overtime pay. We will investigate whether your employer has correctly classified you and paid you for all your overtime hours.

What Are Ohio’s Laws About Taking Breaks?

Neither the FLSA nor Ohio law requires employers to provide employees with regular rest or meal breaks. However, if your employer does choose to offer short breaks, they must pay you for that time. If your employer provides a meal break, generally 30 minutes or more, they do not have to pay you for it, but you must be fully relieved of all work duties.

In other words, if your employer requires you to work through a break or remain on duty, they must pay you for that time. We can help determine if your employer owes you wages for unpaid break time.

How Do Employers Commit Wage Theft?

Wage theft is when an employer illegally withholds money you have earned. If your employer is taking your earned money through any illegal practice, they are committing wage theft. Common examples include not paying you for overtime or making improper paycheck deductions. We are one of very few firms in Ohio whose lawyers exclusively practice in labor, employment and civil rights law, and we fight hard to get your stolen wages back.

What Damages Can You Recover in an Ohio Wage and Hour Claim?

If your employer violated wage and hour laws, you can recover significant damages. Employers who fail to properly pay overtime can be required to provide the employee with back pay, liquidated damages, court costs and attorney’s fees. Damages can include:

• Unpaid wages and overtime: You can recover amounts that your employer illegally withheld.
• Liquidated damages: Liquidated damages are meant to compensate you for the delay in getting your rightful pay. In Ohio, this is usually double what you were owed.
• Attorneys fees and court costs: Your employer might also be ordered to pay your attorneys fees and court costs.

Our labor and employment attorneys will carefully review your situation, explain your rights and advocate on your behalf to recover the wages you earned and deserve. Ohio employees have the right to receive payment for their labor.

Call a Columbus Wage and Hour Lawyer Today

Are you worried that your employer isn’t paying you correctly? Our wage and hour lawyers at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC will listen to your story and assess your case. To schedule a confidential appointment, you can call us at 614-762-9727. You can also reach out to us using our online form. We want to help you understand your options and protect your legal rights.