Experienced Wage Theft Lawyer Fighting for Justice
Wage theft is an all-too-common problem that affects hardworking employees across New York. Unscrupulous employers often take advantage of their workers by failing to pay overtime, misclassifying employees, withholding wages, or engaging in other illegal payroll practices. If you have been a victim of wage theft, you need an experienced wage theft lawyer to fight for your rights and recover the compensation you are owed.
At The Howley Law Firm, we are committed to representing employees who have been denied their rightful wages. With decades of experience handling employment disputes, class actions, and whistleblower cases, our wage theft attorneys provide aggressive legal advocacy against unethical employers. Contact us today to learn how we can help you recover your unpaid wages and hold your employer accountable.
Understanding Wage Theft in New York
Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay their employees the wages they are owed under federal, state, or local labor laws. Common forms of wage theft include:
- Unpaid Overtime: Employers failing to pay time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.
- Minimum Wage Violations: Paying employees less than the required minimum wage under New York and federal law.
- Illegal Deductions: Employers deducting wages unlawfully for uniforms, equipment, or other expenses.
- Illegal Tip Pooling or Withholding Tips: Employers cannot unlawfully retain or distribute tips meant for employees.
- Unpaid Commissions or Bonuses: Failure to pay earned commissions or contractual bonuses is considered wage theft.
- Misclassification of Employees: Wrongfully classifying workers as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits and overtime.
- Failure to Provide Final Paychecks: Employers withholding wages after termination or resignation.
If you have experienced any of these violations, you may have a strong wage theft claim. Contact us today – an experienced wage theft lawyer from our team will help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Requirements for Employers Under the Wage Theft Protection Act (WTPA) in New York
The Wage Theft Protection Act (WTPA) is a critical piece of legislation in New York that strengthens employee rights and imposes stricter requirements on employers. Under the WTPA, employers must provide written notice of pay rates, pay frequency, and other wage-related information to employees in their primary language. The law also increases penalties for wage violations, ensuring that employees can recover not only unpaid wages but also significant damages. Additionally, the WTPA enhances protections against employer retaliation, making it illegal for employers to punish workers for asserting their wage rights. This act provides powerful tools for employees seeking justice in wage theft cases.
How The Howley Law Firm Can Help as a Wage Theft Lawyer
At The Howley Law Firm, we understand the complexities of wage theft cases and are committed to providing aggressive legal advocacy. When you choose us as your wage theft attorneys, we will:
- Evaluate Your Case Thoroughly: We offer a free consultation to assess your claim and determine your legal options.
- Gather Strong Evidence: Our team will collect pay stubs, time records, witness statements, and other crucial evidence to build a compelling case.
- File a Lawsuit or Claim: We will file a lawsuit against your employer or pursue a claim with the New York Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Negotiate Settlements: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will fight for a fair settlement to recover your unpaid wages.
- Litigate Aggressively: If necessary, we will take your case to court to ensure you receive full compensation.
With years of experience in employment law in New York, we are dedicated to holding employers accountable and securing justice for our clients.
Damages Available in a Wage Theft Claim
Victims of wage theft in New York may be entitled to significant compensation. When you file a wage theft claim, you may be eligible for:
- Unpaid wages and overtime: Employers must compensate workers for all hours worked, including overtime pay.
- Liquidated damages: Employees may recover an amount equal to their unpaid wages as a penalty for the employer’s violation.
- Interest on unpaid wages: Courts may award interest on wages that were unlawfully withheld.
- Legal fees and court costs: If your claim is successful, your employer may be required to cover your attorney fees and litigation expenses.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving willful misconduct, additional punitive damages may be awarded.
The amount of damages you can recover will depend on the specifics of your case. Our wage theft attorneys will evaluate your claim and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
Why Choose The Howley Law Firm for Your Wage Theft Case?
At The Howley Law Firm, we have a proven track record of success in employment litigation. Our founder, John Howley, Esq., brings decades of legal experience in representing employees in wage theft cases. With a background in defending multinational corporations, we now leverage our knowledge and experience to protect the rights of employees who have been wronged by their employers.
We pride ourselves on our personalized approach to legal representation. Unlike large firms that treat clients as case numbers, we take the time to understand your unique situation and craft a legal strategy tailored to your needs. Whether you are an individual worker or part of a larger class action lawsuit, we are committed to delivering top-tier advocacy and securing the justice you deserve.
Contact The Howley Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you believe your employer has failed to pay you the wages you are owed, do not wait to take action. Wage theft cases are subject to statutes of limitations, meaning that you may lose your right to compensation if you delay.
Contact The Howley Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced wage theft attorney in New York. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process of recovering your unpaid wages. Call us now to learn more about how we can help you fight back against unethical employers.
FAQs
Wage theft occurs when an employer fails to pay employees the full wages they are legally entitled to under federal and state laws. This can include unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, illegal deductions, and misclassification of employees. If you believe your employer has withheld wages or failed to comply with wage laws, you may have a valid claim.
Our experienced wage theft attorneys provide aggressive legal representation to recover your unpaid wages. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, file claims with labor authorities or courts, and negotiate settlements or litigate if necessary. Our goal is to ensure you receive the full compensation you are owed.
However, it’s not advisable to wait until the last minute to file a claim or lawsuit. Seek prompt legal advice to avoid jeopardizing your right to compensation.
Yes, under New York labor laws, employees may be entitled to additional damages such as liquidated damages (which can double the amount of unpaid wages), interest on unpaid wages, and attorney’s fees. In cases of willful violations, additional punitive damages may also be awarded.
The statute of limitations for wage theft claims in New York is generally six years, but it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and strengthen your case. Consulting with a New York wage theft lawyer as soon as possible increases your chances of recovering the wages you are owed.
Retaliation for asserting wage rights is illegal under both state and federal laws. If your employer demotes, fires, or takes any negative action against you for pursuing a wage theft claim, you may have grounds for an additional legal claim for retaliation, which could lead to further damages.
Yes, wage theft protections apply to all workers, regardless of immigration status. Employers cannot use your immigration status against you in a wage theft case, and you are entitled to recover unpaid wages just like any other employee.
