
The Florida workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine are recognized leaders in labor and employment law. We have successfully handled all types of overtime and wage claims, recovering compensation for workers throughout Florida. If you have an issue regarding your pay, we can help you seek compensation for unpaid wages, interest, and other damages.
Our Florida Attorneys Handle All Types Of Overtime And Wage Dispute Issues
Employees go to work expecting to get paid. When their paychecks consistently fail to add up, it is often due to wage violations committed by the employer. Unfortunately, in a bad economy, aggrieved workers are afraid to reveal blatant abuses. But it is illegal for any employer to retaliate against employees for pursuing overtime wages or to prevent them from filing a claim.
The law protects employees from wage and overtime abuses perpetrated by employers who are trying to cut corners. Workers should familiarize themselves with the employee handbook, if available, and consult our qualified attorneys about any suspected abuses. Our Florida personal injury lawyers can assist with many wage and labor issues, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Salary
- Vacation pay
- Commissions
- Minimum wage
- Unpaid overtime/hour disputes
- Wage theft
- Unauthorized deductions
- Reporting early, extra tasks
- Employee misclassification
- Payment for “on call” status
- Accumulated sick or medical leave
Federal And State Laws Protect Florida Workers Deprived Of Overtime And Owed Wages
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping standards affecting both full and part-time employees. The law applies to enterprises with employees who engage in interstate commerce, whether they produce, handle, sell, or work on the goods. The FLSA covers most companies with at least $500,000 in annual dollar volume of business. Even if the employer does not meet this standard, the FLSA may still cover its employees in any workweek when they are “individually engaged” in any activity “closely related” to the production of goods for interstate commerce. Although the Act “exempts” some workers from its overtime pay and wage provisions, these exemptions are narrowly defined.
Under the FLSA, “nonexempt” workers are entitled to a minimum wage of at least $7.25 per hour. Where the state provides a different minimum wage, the employee is entitled to the higher wage. Employees must receive overtime pay if they work over 40 hours per week at a rate “not less than one and one-half times” the regular pay rate. The FLSA generally requires bonus payments to be included as part of an employee’s standard pay rate in computing overtime, with some exceptions.
However, the FLSA does not require overtime pay for work on weekends, holidays, or regular days of rest, unless employees work overtime on these days. Extra pay for work during these times is a matter of agreement between the employer and the employee. Employees denied overtime are entitled to the unpaid overtime wages and double the wages owed. They are also entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees.
Our Lawyers Can Help Your Recover Fair Payment
Our Florida workers’ compensation overtime and wage dispute lawyers will go the extra mile to ensure you get the wages owed. Compensation in a labor dispute case may include the following:
- Unpaid wages. Our attorneys will prove you put in the hours you claim. We will fight to ensure you receive your full back pay, overtime pay, or the difference between what your employer paid you and what they actually owe. You may also receive interest on unpaid wages.
- Penalties. According to Florida Statutes § 448.110, victims of overtime and unpaid wage violations can win “liquidated damages” in an amount equal to their unpaid wages. This means that if you win $2,000 in unpaid wages, the court may award you up to $4,000.
- Legal fees. If you prevail, the court will order your employer to pay your legal and attorney fees. Our firm works on contingency, which means we charge you nothing upfront or out of pocket. We only collect payment if and when we win your case, so there is no risk to get started.
Do Not Wait Too Long To Pursue Your Overtime And Wage Dispute Case
If you were denied overtime or wage payments, consult the experienced Florida workers’ compensation overtime and wages dispute attorneys at the Law Offices Anidjar & Levine today. The FLSA provides a two-year statute of limitations for recovering unpaid overtime wages unless the employer committed a willful violation of labor law. In that case, the employee has three years from the date of the injury to bring a claim. Any delay can result in the loss of important evidence and bar your right to relief.
Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine For A Free Consultation
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we have extensive experience litigating overtime and wage disputes and are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. We provide the highest quality legal representation to workers in Florida. Contact us for a free consultation and connect with an attorney near you today.