Wage & Overtime Lawyers
Charlotte | Huntersville | Hickory
Making Sure Our Clients Are Paid What They Deserve
Navigating Complex Wage & Hour Issues
Both North Carolina and federal law provide a variety of protections for employees. There are minimum wage and overtime hour laws meant to ensure workers receive appropriate compensation for the effort they put in. Unfortunately, many employers take advantage of those under their supervision by ignoring appropriate employment laws. If you have found yourself in such a situation and believe your employer is not abiding by pay or overtime laws, the time to seek out help is now. A wage and overtime lawyer in North Carolina may be able to help.
At Harman Law, our team of legal professionals has spent years fighting for the rights of North Carolina workers. Employees are the backbone of every industry in our state, and if they’re not properly compensated, then the whole system is failing. It may seem intimidating to speak up or seek what you’re owed in these situations — especially if you’re concerned with losing your job — but our law firm can help you navigate even the most complex wage and hour disputes without fear of reprisal. Contact us today to learn more.
Are You Being Paid Fairly by Your Employer?
If you’ve found yourself on this page, it’s because you’re wondering whether your employer is violating labor, wage, or overtime pay laws. The answer to this question is often not as clear as one might hope. For instance, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) states that overtime pay must be given to employees who have more than 40 hours worked in a given week. However, there are overtime exemptions that may apply. This is just one example of how complex wage and hour disputes can be in America.
In North Carolina, employers have to abide by the Wage and Hour Act. However, the law essentially mirrors the FLSA. This means our state has a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour — and will increase any time there’s an increase in the federal minimum wage. You should also receive overtime pay unless you fall into an exempt category — such as salaried workers or those who meet a certain income threshold. If you’re unsure of whether your rights under the Wage and Hour Act or FLSA have been violated, schedule a consultation with Harman Law today to speak with a wage and overtime lawyer in North Carolina.
What Damages Are You Entitled To?
If your employer has not paid you fairly — either for your normal wages or overtime pay — the Fair Labor Standards Act provides legal protection. It’s possible that you could approach your employer and let them know about the error. Perhaps it was an oversight on their part and they’re willing to correct it. Unfortunately, it’s also possible they may opt to retaliate against you through termination, demotion, or other punitive measures. If this happens, the employer has exposed themselves to additional legal peril. By taking your wage and hour disputes directly to the Department of Labor, however, you may be entitled to the following:
- Backpay to fully reimburse what you should've received from the start
- Interest on the amount of backpay you are owed
- Additional "liquidated damages" equal to the backpay you're owed
- Reimbursement for legal fees and other costs related to fighting your claim
Clearly, you may be entitled to far more than the wages and overtime pay you were initially owed. If the employer cannot show that their failure to follow wage and hour laws was accidental, additional liquidated damages are likely in your case. Of course, this is only true if you prove your claim with the Department of Labor. This is where a wage and overtime lawyer in North Carolina with experience in the Fair Labor Standards Act can prove invaluable. With an employment attorney on your side, your chances of a successful claim are greatly increased.
Can Wage & Overtime Lawyers Really Help?
If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws, you may wonder whether you need an attorney. After all, no one is required to have legal representation to assert their rights. And since these disputes can go through the Department of Labor, is it really necessary to have an attorney? Technically speaking, you could undertake this endeavor on your own. However, you may have a more difficult time recovering lost wages. This is simply because the majority of workers in America have little to no experience dealing with the rights of employees.
For instance, do you know everyone who qualifies as non-exempt employees? Do you know if your boss is one of the many employers who don’t fall under federal laws? Do you know the appropriate forms to submit and the necessary evidence required to prove your case? The fact is that employers underpay their workers because doing so is profitable, and if they’re facing legal repercussions of illegal acts, you can rest assured that they’ll be ready to fight back. Wage and hour laws are meant to protect you, but without an employment attorney in North Carolina on your side, you may have trouble asserting those rights.
Contact Wage and Overtime Lawyers in North Carolina Today
You’re entitled to receive at least minimum wage for the work you put in, and if you work more than 40 hours a week, overtime pay is required in the majority of cases. Unfortunately, most Americans simply aren’t being paid enough. In fact, over 60% are currently living “paycheck to paycheck.” Sadly, this is often due to unfair pay that doesn’t meet federal or state standards. If you believe your employer is taking advantage of you, the time to act is now. Even if you haven’t saved your pay stubs and have failed to hold onto any evidence, a skilled employment lawyer may be able to help.
At Harman Law, we know how hard it can be to get by in this world. Unfortunately, this endeavor becomes nearly impossible when you’re working for unethical employers or those who simply don’t understand the law. In most cases, you’re entitled to receive overtime pay and a wage that’s reflective of current laws. If you don’t believe this is happening, it’s time to seek out a legal professional who will work as a tireless advocate on your behalf. Contact us today by calling (704) 286-0947 to schedule a confidential consultation. You need a wage and overtime lawyer in North Carolina who’s ready to fight for your rights.
