Akron Wage and Hour Attorneys

Like most states, Ohio has laws governing the minimum wage and overtime pay an employer must provide to all employees. Unfortunately, not every employer in the state complies with these laws. Payroll is one of the biggest expenses for employers and so, they sometimes wrongfully withhold pay from the people that work hard for them every day. If you believe that your employer is in violation of the laws, you should speak to an Akron wage and hour attorney that can help you recover what is rightfully yours.

Common Hour and Wage Violations

Employers commit a number of different hour and wage violations. The most common of these include:

• Overtime violations: Federal law dictates that any employee that works over 40 hours a weeks is entitled to more pay than minimum wage. Employees that work more than 40 hours a week should receive one-and-a-half times their regular wage, according to the
• Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Requiring off-the-clock work: Employers must pay employees for any work performed, even if the employee was not ‘clocked in’ at the time. Too often, employers require employees to come in early and begin work before their shift, or stay late and continue to work after their shift, and they do not pay them appropriately for it.
• Illegal paycheck deductions: Employers deduct money from an employee’s paycheck for a number of reasons. However, any time these deductions result in an employee being paid less than minimum wage, they are illegal.
• Tip violations: Many people first think of an employer taking an employee’s tips as the most common type of tip violation. While that unfortunately does happen, the tips an employee makes are also sometimes not enough for the worker to make minimum wage. That is illegal and employees can hold employers liable for paying the rightful minimum wage when this occurs.

Damages Available in Wage and Hour Violation Claims

Employees can hold employers liable for paying compensation any time they violate federal or state wage and hour laws. The most common type of compensation in these claims is the lost wages the employee suffered. However, there are other types of damages, as well. They include:

• Liquidated damages: These damages include the back pay employees have earned but have not been paid.
• Attorney’s fees: No one should have to pay their attorney’s fees when they are trying to recover what is rightfully theirs. Employees can include these fees in their claim.
• Punitive damages: Employers that intentionally withhold an employee’s proper wages may also be liable for paying punitive damages when a court orders them.

Our Employment Lawyers in Ohio can Help You Recover Your Wages

If you have not received the proper wages you have earned, our Akron wage and hour attorneys can help ensure your rights are upheld. At Coffman Legal, LLC, our knowledgeable attorneys will hold your employer accountable for their actions and help you recover the full wages you deserve. Call us today at (614) 949-1181 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.