If you’re struggling to recover unpaid wages or overtime pay, you’re not alone. Many employees face wage theft, misclassification, and other unfair practices that deny them the compensation they’ve rightfully earned.
At Lebau & Neuworth, we specialize in helping workers fight back. As experienced overtime lawyers and unpaid wages lawyers, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for employees across Maryland and Washington, D.C. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid overtime, withheld commissions, or other wage disputes, our team is here to guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Who Qualifies for Overtime Pay in Maryland?
Understanding whether you qualify for overtime pay is the first step in determining if you have a case. Under Maryland law and the FLSA, most employees are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. However, some workers are classified as exempt from overtime due to their job duties or salary level.
Common exemptions from overtime pay include:
- Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees: These roles often involve managerial duties or specialized knowledge and are typically exempt from overtime.
- Independent Contractors: Workers classified as independent contractors are not eligible for overtime pay, though misclassification is a common issue.
- Certain Salaried Employees: Some salaried employees earning above a specific threshold may also be exempt.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for overtime pay, consulting an unpaid overtime attorney can help clarify your rights. Misclassification is a frequent tactic used by employers to avoid paying overtime, and it’s often illegal.
Common Unpaid Overtime Violations by Employers
Employers may use a variety of tactics to deny workers the overtime pay they’re entitled to. Some of the most common violations include:
- Misclassifying Employees: Labeling workers as exempt or independent contractors to avoid paying overtime.
- Off-the-Clock Work: Failing to compensate employees for tasks performed outside regular hours, such as answering emails or attending meetings.
- Improper Overtime Calculations: Excluding bonuses, commissions, or other earnings from the calculation of overtime pay.
- Forcing Employees to Work Through Breaks: Requiring employees to work during unpaid meal or rest breaks without proper compensation.
- Timecard Manipulation: Altering time records to reduce the number of hours worked.
If you’ve experienced any of these practices, you may have grounds for an unpaid overtime lawsuit. An experienced lawyer for unpaid overtime can help you hold your employer accountable.
What to Do If You’re Owed Overtime Wages
If you believe your employer has failed to pay you overtime wages, it’s important to take action quickly. Here’s what you can do:
- Document Your Hours: Keep detailed records of the hours you’ve worked, including any overtime. This documentation will be crucial in building your case.
- Review Your Pay Stubs: Check for discrepancies in your pay and ensure that all overtime hours are properly compensated.
- Consult an Unpaid Wages Lawyer: An experienced unpaid wages employment lawyer can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
How an Unpaid Overtime Attorney Can Help
Navigating the complexities of unpaid overtime laws can be challenging, but an experienced attorney can make all the difference. At Lebau & Neuworth, our unpaid overtime attorneys provide comprehensive legal support to help you recover your wages. Here’s how we can assist:
- Investigating Your Claims: We’ll gather evidence, review your employment records, and identify any violations of Maryland Wage Laws or the FLSA.
- Negotiating with Your Employer: In many cases, we can resolve disputes through negotiation, ensuring you receive your owed wages without the need for lengthy litigation.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, we’ll file an unpaid overtime lawsuit on your behalf, pursuing not only your unpaid wages but also additional damages allowed under the law.
- Representing Groups of Employees: We regularly handle collective and class-action cases, representing groups of employees who have been denied overtime, minimum wage, or other benefits.
Under Maryland law, employees who prevail in wage theft cases may recover up to three times the amount of owed compensation, as well as attorney fees and court costs. This makes it even more critical to work with a skilled lawyer for overtime pay.
Time Limits for Filing Unpaid Overtime Claims
Time is of the essence when it comes to filing claims for unpaid wages or overtime. Under the FLSA, you generally have two years to file a claim, or three years if the violation was willful. Maryland Wage Laws may have additional deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly.
If you’re wondering, “How much unpaid overtime is legal?” or “Is unpaid overtime legal?” The answer depends on your specific circumstances. Consulting an unpaid wages lawyer near you can help you understand your rights and ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
Why Choose Lebau & Neuworth for Your Overtime Case?
When it comes to recovering unpaid wages, experience matters. Here’s why Lebau & Neuworth is the right choice for your case:
- Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered millions of dollars for employees in unpaid wages, commissions, and bonuses.
- Extensive Experience: Our attorneys have represented thousands of workers in wage theft cases, including complex class-action lawsuits.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We fight tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
- Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach to meet your needs.
Whether you’re dealing with unpaid overtime salary issues or other wage disputes, our team is here to help.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Unpaid Overtime Lawyer Serving Maryland
If you’re owed overtime wages or other compensation, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Schedule a free consultation with Lebau & Neuworth today. Our experienced unpaid wages lawyers and overtime lawyers are ready to help you recover what you’re owed and hold your employer accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my employer says I’m not eligible for overtime?
Employers often misclassify employees to avoid paying overtime. Our attorneys can review your job duties and classification to determine if you’re eligible for overtime pay.
Can I file a claim if the employer no longer employs me?
Yes, you can still file a claim for unpaid wages even if you no longer work for the employer. Time limits for filing apply, so it’s important to act quickly.
How much unpaid overtime can I recover?
You may be entitled to recover the full amount of unpaid wages, plus additional damages such as liquidated damages (up to double the amount owed) under the FLSA or treble damages under Maryland law.
Will I face retaliation for filing a claim?
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who file wage claims. If you experience retaliation, you may be entitled to additional legal remedies.
At Lebau & Neuworth, we aggressively represent employees in disputes over unpaid wages, commissions, bonuses, and overtime pay. Our unpaid wages lawyers have extensive experience litigating cases under Maryland Wage Laws and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These laws are designed to protect workers from wage theft and ensure fair compensation for their labor.
