How an Employment Lawyer Can Help with Wage and Hour Disputes
Wage and hour disputes are some of the most common issues that employees face in the workplace. These disputes can involve violations of federal and state laws regarding overtime, minimum wage, and proper payment for work performed. If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws, it’s essential to seek the help of an experienced employment lawyer. At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we specialize in wage and hour claims, ensuring that employees receive the wages they deserve for their hard work.
In many cases, employers either intentionally or unintentionally fail to pay employees according to the law. Whether it’s misclassifying workers as exempt from overtime, failing to pay for all hours worked, or not providing meal and rest breaks, workers can be severely impacted by these violations. An employment lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and fight for the wages you’re owed. Here’s how we can help you resolve wage and hour disputes.
Common Wage and Hour Issues
Wage and hour disputes can take many forms. Some of the most common issues that employees face include:
- Unpaid Overtime: Employees who work more than 40 hours a week are generally entitled to overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly wage. However, some employers misclassify employees to avoid paying overtime, such as labeling them as exempt when they should be non-exempt. If you were not paid for overtime worked, an employment lawyer can help you recover unpaid wages.
- Minimum Wage Violations: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets a federal minimum wage, but many states have established their own higher minimum wage standards. If you are paid below the required minimum wage, you have the right to take legal action to recover those wages.
- Misclassification of Employees: Employers sometimes misclassify workers as independent contractors or salaried employees to avoid paying overtime or other benefits. If you believe you have been misclassified, an employment lawyer can help you determine whether you should have been classified as a non-exempt employee entitled to overtime pay.
- Meal and Rest Break Violations: Many states require employers to provide meal breaks and rest periods during shifts. If you were not allowed to take breaks or if you were not compensated for time spent working during breaks, you may have a claim for unpaid wages.
- Off-the-Clock Work: Employers may sometimes require or expect employees to work before or after their scheduled hours, or during unpaid breaks, without compensating them for this time. If you’ve worked “off the clock,” you may be entitled to unpaid wages for that time.
How an Employment Lawyer Can Assist You
If you’re dealing with a wage and hour dispute, hiring an employment lawyer is essential to ensure that your rights are protected and that you’re fairly compensated. Here’s how an employment lawyer can help:
- Understanding Your Rights: Wage and hour laws are complex, and it can be difficult for employees to know what they are entitled to. An experienced lawyer will help you understand the laws that apply to your situation and assess whether your employer is in violation.
- Filing a Claim: If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws, your lawyer can help you file a claim with the appropriate government agencies, such as the Department of Labor (DOL) or your state labor board. In some cases, they can help you pursue a lawsuit against your employer for damages.
- Gathering Evidence: An employment lawyer will assist you in collecting evidence to support your claim. This may include time records, pay stubs, emails, or witness testimony from coworkers who may have experienced similar violations.
- Negotiating a Settlement: Many wage and hour disputes are resolved through negotiated settlements. Your lawyer will advocate on your behalf to ensure that any settlement is fair and fully compensates you for your lost wages, benefits, and other damages.
- Representing You in Court: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, your lawyer will be ready to take your case to court. An experienced lawyer will know how to present your case effectively and help you secure the maximum compensation possible.
Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney for Wage and Hour Disputes?
At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we have extensive experience handling wage and hour claims, including those involving unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, and off-the-clock work. We understand how difficult it can be to face these issues, and we are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve. Our team of employment law attorneys has the knowledge and skill to handle complex wage and hour disputes, and we fight tirelessly to ensure that employees are treated fairly.
We have a proven track record of success in representing workers in wage and hour disputes, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you. Our firm’s approach combines thorough legal knowledge with a genuine commitment to helping employees protect their rights and get the justice they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, or misclassification, we are here to fight for you.
If you are facing a wage and hour dispute, don’t wait to take action. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today to speak with one of our experienced employment lawyers. We will evaluate your case and help you take the necessary steps to recover the wages you are owed.
To schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you with your wage and hour dispute, contact Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys today. Our legal team is here to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us
Visit our offices in Morristown, NJ or New York, NY, or call us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced employment lawyers. We are ready to help you resolve your wage and hour dispute.
New Jersey Office
71 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830, New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781