What Should I Do if My Employer Isn’t Paying Me Correctly?

When you put in the hours, you expect to be paid fairly and on time. But what happens when your paycheck is missing hours, your overtime isn’t showing up, or you’re not being paid at all?

Pond Lehocky is here to help you with your wage claim. We help workers fight unfair employers and recover the wages they’ve earned. Whether you need legal help, want to file a Department of Labor complaint, or need guidance on what to do next, we’re here for you.

Signs You’re Not Being Paid Correctly

It’s not always easy to know when your employer is violating wage laws, especially if they don’t provide clear pay stubs or time records. Here are some common red flags to look out for:

• Your paycheck doesn’t reflect all your hours.
• You’ve worked over 40 hours but aren’t getting overtime pay wages.
• You’re asked to work before clocking in or after clocking out.
• You’re paid late, inconsistently, or in cash with no record.
• You’re misclassified as a salaried worker or an independent contractor.
• Your employer keeps your tips or forces you to share them unfairly.
• There are issues with your check for vacation pay or rest breaks

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take action.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You’re Owed Wages

If your employer isn’t paying you correctly, here are the steps to take:

1. Keep Records

Start writing down your hours worked, dates, and any conversations you have with your employer about your pay. If possible, save:

• Pay stubs
• Timecards or punch-in/punch-out records
• Schedules
• Emails or texts about your work hours

Even if you don’t have everything, don’t worry. A skilled lawyer can help gather evidence.

2. Talk to Your Employer (If You Feel Safe Doing So)

Sometimes, wage issues are honest mistakes. If you feel safe and comfortable, you can raise the issue with your employer or HR department. Be polite but clear, and keep a written record of the conversation.

If they don’t correct the issue, or if you’re afraid of retaliation, skip this step and talk to a lawyer instead.

3. File a Complaint with the Department of Labor

You have the right to file a Dept of Labor complaint through:

• The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) for federal wage violations
• The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry for state-specific violations

Filing a complaint for wage theft can be an essential step toward recovering your unpaid wages. However, these agencies are often overloaded, and claims can take months. That’s why many workers also choose to work with a lawyer who can fast-track the process and pursue more decisive legal action.

4. Speak With an Unpaid Wages Lawyer About Issues with Overtime Pay?

A lawyer can help you understand your rights, file a claim, and recover the wages you’re owed. And, often faster and more effectively than going through the government alone.

At Pond Lehocky, we’ll listen to your story, review your case for free, and help you take the best next step. Whether that’s legal action, negotiation, or support through a Department of Labor complaint, we’re with you every step of the way.

Don’t Let Fear Stop You from Starting the Claim Process for Unpaid Wages

Many workers hesitate to come forward because they’re afraid of being fired or blocked. We get it, it’s a scary situation, but your rights are protected by law.

If your employer retaliates against you for raising concerns about your pay, they can face serious legal consequences. At Pond Lehocky, we’ll fight to protect not just your wages, but your job and your future.

We’ve helped thousands of workers recover lost wages and hold employers accountable. Let us do the same for you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Form for Unpaid Wages?

There are deadlines for taking action, known as statutes of limitations. For unpaid wages in Pennsylvania:

• You typically have 2 to 3 years from the date the wages were due to file a wage claim form.
• For federal claims, the statute of limitations is 2 years, or 3 years for willful violations.

That may sound like a long time, but it’s best to act quickly. The sooner we start building your case, the better your chances of getting full compensation.

Why Choose Pond Lehocky for Your Wage and Hour Claim?

We’re not just lawyers—we’re advocates for working people. The team at Pond Lehocky has built a reputation for standing up to unfair employers and winning real results for our clients.

Here’s why workers across Pennsylvania trust us:

• We offer free consultations.
• We help make sure everything in your wage claim form is correct before we submit it.
• You don’t pay unless we win your case.
• We have deep knowledge of state and federal wage laws.
• We treat every client with dignity and respect.
• We have the resources to take on large companies and win.

We’ll treat you like family and fight for what’s right.