Can You Sue If Your Job Doesn’t Pay You?
If you work and aren’t being paid, you may be wondering whether you can sue your employer. Generally speaking, if an employer fails to pay your wages, you can take legal action to get the money you are owed.
Legal Rights
You have legal rights guaranteed to you by federal and state laws. These rights are in place to protect employees and ensure they are paid properly. Your rights include:
- Being paid at least the minimum wage as mandated by the federal or state laws, whichever is more.
- Being paid one and a half times your regular wage for working more than 40 hours in one week.
- Receiving full and timely payment for completed work.
- Knowing how, when, and in what form you’ll be paid for your work.
Taking Legal Action
If your employer has failed to pay you what is owed, you may be able to take legal action against them. It is important to seek legal advice to determine the best course of action depending on the situation.
When suing, the most common legal action to take is to file a wage claim with the appropriate state labor department. Your state labor department will be able to help you determine the best way to pursue a wage claim. Depending on the scenario, they may be able to help you with filing a claim or put you in touch with the right people.
Conclusion
If your job doesn’t pay you properly, you can take legal action against your employer. You have legal rights outlined by federal and state laws that protect you as an employee. It is important to seek legal advice to determine the best course of action for your situation, which may include filing a wage claim in your state’s labor department.