When Should You Talk to a Lawyer About Unpaid Wages?

When Should You Talk to a Lawyer About Unpaid Wages?

You go to work every day to earn an honest living, and you expect to be rightfully paid for it. Unfortunately, employers sometimes do not pay employees their rightful minimum wage or overtime pay as outlined by Ohio law. Any time you feel as though your employer has not paid you the appropriate wages, it is important to speak to an employment lawyer in Ohio who can help with your case. Below are just a few situations in which you should call a lawyer.

You Did Not Receive Overtime Pay

Generally speaking, employees are only expected to work 40 hours in a single work week. If your employer requires you to work more than that, they are required by law to pay you time-and-a-half in overtime pay. A denial of overtime pay forms the basis for a lawsuit you can file against your employer to receive overtime pay and any other losses you sustained as a result.

Wages are Unfair in the Workplace

It is reasonable to expect that an employer would pay the same wages to employees in the same position, with the same qualifications, and that perform the same type of work. If you find out that a co-worker makes more than you do even though you both perform the same type of job, the reason for the pay difference may be discriminatory. A lawyer can prove that you are not being paid due to your race, gender, religion, or more and help you file a lawsuit against your employer.

Your Employer Withheld Pay Without Legal Reason for Doing So

Employers can withhold your pay or make deductions in very limited situations in Ohio. Federal law allows employers to withhold wages for items such as the purchase and maintenance of uniforms, or the destruction of tools or machinery by the employee. However, in Ohio, you must provide a written agreement to have these items deducted from your paycheck. If you have not provided consent for certain deductions and an employer makes them anyway, you should contact a lawyer who can help you recover your lost wages.

When Not to Call an Employment Lawyer

While you can hold your employer liable for paying lost wages if they have withheld your rightful pay, there are times when you may not want to. These situations include:

• When the unpaid wages are so little a lawsuit is not worth the time or money
• You want to maintain your professional relationship with your employer or co-workers
• You believe something in your case is unfair, but not necessarily against the law

Although there are times when a lawyer’s help may not be necessary, it is usually a good idea to speak to one any time you feel your employer has acted in an illegal manner.

Call Our Ohio Employment Lawyers Today

If you feel as though your employer has not paid your appropriate wages, call our Columbus employment lawyers at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC. We will advise on the law as it applies to your case and help you recover any lost wages, benefits, or bonuses you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys.