How to Identify Wage Theft and What to Do if It Happens to You
Wage theft is not always blatant. Employers can steal money from their employees by not paying them overtime, paying them less than the minimum wage, or denying them breaks. If you suspect your employer is stealing your wages, you need to contact an attorney well-versed in employment law to determine your legal options.
At Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP, we fight for people who have been victims of wage theft or other workplace violations. Attorney Jacob Nalbandyan fights hard to hold negligent companies accountable for their illegal and unethical actions. If you believe your employer committed wage theft, contact our office at (213) 232-4848 for a free consultation.
What is Wage Theft?
Wage theft encompasses a wide range of hour and labor violations. It is not always as straightforward as an employer not paying fair wages, although that frequently occurs. In many cases, it is less obvious.
Any time that a business does not compensate an employee for the hours that they have worked in accordance with state and federal law, they may be committing wage theft. It can also occur when an employer fails to give legally required breaks to their staff, confiscates tips, or fails to reimburse you for work-related expenses; it may also constitute wage theft.
To determine whether you have a valid claim, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a wage and hour lawyer well-versed in wage theft disputes and labor violations.
What Are Common Examples of Wage Theft?
While wage theft does not have a specific legal definition, it generally refers to any violations of labor law related to compensation. For instance, if an employer fails to pay an employee the minimum wage, it is considered wage theft.
Other common examples of wage theft include:
- Failure to pay overtime
- Failure to give uninterrupted meal and rest breaks
- Unlawful deductions from a paycheck
- Failure to reimburse work-related expenses
- Failure to compensate for all hours worked
- Failure to pay a “split shift premium.”
- Bouncing a paycheck
- Violation of child labor laws
- Failure to timely render your final paycheck
- Confiscating tips
- Failing to pay promised paid time off (PTO)
If you have experienced these or any other form of wage theft, you might be entitled to compensation from your employer. It is in your best interest to consult with an attorney as early as possible.
Contact a Lawyer to Discuss Wage and Hour Violations
If you suspect wage theft, contact our office at (213) 232-4848 for a free consultation. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of legal action. Depending on the circumstances, you may have a valid labor law violation claim and be entitled to compensation for your unpaid wages.
At Levin & Nalbandyan, all wage theft case evaluations are confidential and without obligation to retain our firm. Let us help you fight against an unjust employer. You are guaranteed fair wages under state and federal law. Call now to get started.
