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Every hour, every shift, and every paycheck matters. But when your employer violates wage and hour laws, you may not be getting the full pay you’ve earned. Whether it’s unpaid wages, missing overtime, or stolen tips, you have legal rights.
At Pond Lehocky, we fight for workers who’ve been shortchanged. Our experienced employment lawyers handle wage-and-hour claims across the country. If your employer is breaking the rules, we’ll help you hold them accountable and recover the money you’re owed.
What Is a Wage and Hour Claim?
A wage and hour claim is a legal complaint filed by a worker who hasn’t been paid in accordance with federal or state labor laws. These claims often involve:
- Unpaid wages
- Overtime violations
- Off-the-clock work
- Tip theft
- Minimum wage violations
- Illegal deductions
Both the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Pennsylvania labor laws set standards for how workers must be paid. If your employer breaks these laws, you may have a strong case, and our legal team can help you pursue justice.
Standard Wage and Hour Violations
Employers violate wage laws more often than you might think. Here are some of the most common ways workers are cheated out of their pay:
Unpaid Overtime
Under the law, most hourly workers must be paid 1.5x their regular rate for any hours worked over 40 in a week. Common employer violations include:
- Misclassifying employees as “exempt” from overtime
- Refusing to pay overtime rates
- Averaging hours over two weeks to avoid paying overtime
- Paying straight time for overtime hours
Off-the-Clock Work
If your employer expects you to work before clocking in or after clocking out, that’s illegal. Examples include:
- Pre-shift prep or setup
- Post-shift clean-up
- Attending meetings or training sessions without pay
- Being required to answer calls or emails outside of work hours
Even just a few extra minutes each day can add up to significant unpaid wages over time.
Tip Theft
If you’re a tipped worker, such as a server, bartender, or delivery driver, you’re protected under both federal and state law. Employers cannot:
- Keep any portion of your tips
- Require tip sharing with managers or supervisors
- Pay below the tipped minimum wage without making up the difference if tips fall short
- Deduct the cost of uniforms or breakages from your tips
If you’ve experienced any of this, you may be entitled to a wage & hour claim for stolen wages.
Who Is Most at Risk for Owed Wages Violations?
Wage violations can happen in any industry, but specific jobs see them more often:
- Food service and hospitality
- Retail and grocery
- Construction and manual labor
- Healthcare and home care
- Janitorial and cleaning services
- Delivery and transportation
Low-wage workers, undocumented employees, and those working paycheck to paycheck are especially vulnerable. Many employers count on workers not knowing their rights or being too afraid to speak up.
At Pond Lehocky, we believe in empowering workers with knowledge and legal support. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.
What Can I Recover from a Wage and Hour Claim?
If you win your wage & hour claim, you may be entitled to:
- Back pay for all unpaid wages
- Unpaid overtime
- Liquidated damages (often double the unpaid amount)
- Interest on the wages owed
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
- Injunctive relief, such as stopping the employer’s illegal practices
In many cases, courts allow workers to recover double the amount they’re owed if the employer’s actions were willful.
How to Prove a Wage & Hour Violation
Don’t worry if you don’t have every piece of documentation. Our legal team can help gather the evidence you need. That said, it helps to collect:
- Pay stubs
- Timesheets or work schedules
- Clock-in/out records
- Texts or emails about your hours
- Notes about when and how you worked
Even your own handwritten notes can support your case. If others at your job are being treated the same way, we can file a class action or collective action lawsuit to protect all affected employees.
Should I Talk to My Employer First?
If you feel safe, you can ask your employer about any wage discrepancies. But many workers fear retaliation, and for good reason. That’s why it’s smart to speak to an experienced lawyer first.
It’s illegal for your employer to punish you for asserting your wage rights. If they do, you may also be able to file a retaliation claim. We’ll help you take the proper steps to protect your job, your income, and your future.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
You don’t have forever to take legal action. For most wage & hour claims in Pennsylvania:
- Federal law (FLSA): You have 2 years, or 3 years if the violation was willful.
- Pennsylvania state law: You generally have 3 years to file a claim.
Don’t wait too long. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better your chances of recovering every dollar you’re owed.
Why Choose Pond Lehocky for Your Wage Claim?
We’re more than just legal professionals; we’re advocates for hardworking people. We’re proud to fight for fair pay, workplace justice, and the dignity of every worker.
Here’s why clients trust us with their wage & hour claims:
- We offer free, confidential consultations.
- You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- We’ve recovered over $1 billion for injured and underpaid workers.
- We understand local, state, and federal wage laws.
- We treat every client with respect and compassion.
Whether you’re working in a big city or a rural town, your paycheck matters. We’re here to make sure you’re paid fairly.
Talk to a Wage & Hour Lawyer Today for Help Getting Unpaid Wages
If you believe your employer owes you money, don’t stay silent. The law is on your side, and so are we.
Contact Pond Lehocky today for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and help you take the following steps toward justice.
Call us now or fill out our secure online form to speak with a wage & hour lawyer who truly cares. You earned it; we’ll help you get it./
