Minneapolis Wage Theft Lawyers

Fighting for Employees in Hennepin County & Twin Cities Metro

Unfortunately for many U.S. workers, their employers can engage in wage theft practices,  depriving them of all they are owed in income. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Labor, $3.24 billion in stolen wages was recovered for workers from 2017 to 2020. This highlights the prevalence of wage theft nationwide and how it can be recovered. 

If you believe you have lost income due to wage theft, RWI Law can help. You can seek legal recourse against your employer through a civil claim. Our employment law team understands how wage theft can occur, the laws it violates, and how to seek legal remedies. We can review your situation to determine if you have a valid claim and aggressively represent you in seeking the justice you deserve.

Contact RWI Law online or at (320) 408-2614 to request a consultation with one of our Minneapolis wage theft attorneys. 

What Is “Wage Theft?”

Wage theft occurs when an employer fails to pay employees the wages they are legally entitled to, including overtime, minimum wage, or agreed-upon compensation. This unethical practice can significantly impact workers, leading to financial instability and increased stress. 

Wage theft disproportionately affects low-wage workers, who often lack the resources to seek legal recourse, adversely affecting their quality of life and ability to support their families.

How Wage Theft Is Committed in the Workplace

Wage theft can manifest in multiple ways, including but not limited to:

• Unpaid overtime: Employers failing to pay time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 in a week.
• Paying below minimum wage: Compensation that falls below the federal or state minimum wage requirements.
• Misclassification of employees: Employers misclassifying workers as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits and overtime.
• Subtracting time: Employers deducting time from an employee's total work hours without justification.
• Forbidding breaks: Not allowing employees to take legally mandated breaks and not compensating them for such breaks.
• Withholding benefits: Failing to provide or compensate employees for health benefits, vacations, or sick days as promised.
• Delayed payments: Late payment of wages that can result in financial insecurity for employees. 
• Falsifying time records: Altering or manipulating an employee’s recorded hours to reduce the pay owed.

What Should You Do If You Have Suffered Wage Theft?

If you believe you have suffered wage theft, it is essential to take immediate action to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Start by documenting all relevant details, including pay stubs, work schedules, and any communication with your employer regarding pay issues. 

This documentation will serve as crucial evidence in your case. Next, consider addressing the issue directly with your employer—many wage theft cases can be resolved through open communication. 

If the matter remains unresolved, you may need to file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) or the U.S. Department of Labor, depending on your situation. Additionally, consulting with an experienced wage theft attorney can be invaluable. 

AT RWI Law, we can provide guidance on your legal options and help you navigate the complexities of the process. Legal representation can significantly improve your chances of recovering lost wages and holding your employer accountable for their actions. You must act promptly due to time limits for filing complaints and pursuing claims.

Legal Remedies in Wage Theft Claims

If you believe you've been a victim of wage theft, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. These are typically sought through a legal claim against your employer.

Potential Remedies

• Back pay: This is the most common remedy, representing the total amount of wages owed to you for work performed.
• Overtime pay: If you work overtime without proper compensation, you are entitled to time and a half of your regular hourly rate for those hours.
• Liquidated damages: In some cases, you may be eligible for liquidated damages, which are essentially a penalty for the employer's wage violations. These damages often double the amount of unpaid wages.
• Penalties: Depending on the specific wage law violations, additional penalties might be imposed on your employer.
• Attorney's fees: In many cases, a successful wage theft claim can result in the recovery of attorney's fees.

How RWI Law Can Help

At our firm, we can evaluate the specifics of your situation and advise on the best course of action. In pursuing wage theft claims, we can negotiate settlements with your employer or represent you in court. Our representation can provide peace of mind; it allows you to focus on your work and personal life while knowing your case is in capable hands. Our employment law team has helped countless individuals in the Twin Cities region enforce their right to the full payment of wages earned.   

You can reach us online or at (320) 408-2614 to consult a Minneapolis wage theft lawyer.