Frederick, MD Wage and Hour Violation Attorneys

Aggressive Wage and Hour Violations Attorneys Supporting Clients in Frederick, Maryland

Have you been denied payment for your hard work? If so, you may be entitled to compensation under state and federal laws against wage theft. Although nearly every worker is protected under these laws, few people know how to exercise these rights. If you have suffered from wage theft at your workplace, a Frederick, MD wage and hour violation attorney can fight for a full remedy on your behalf.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we are passionate about the rights of employees. Our firm has a client-centered approach, handling every case with an individualized approach. We will devise a strategy that suits your needs, working to hold your employer accountable for acts of wage theft.

Understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act

Under federal law, employees throughout the country are entitled to a minimum wage and eligibility for overtime pay. This is covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This act specifies that "bona fide" executive and administrative employees are exempt from overtime pay. This means that if you are in a managerial position or you are involved in running the company, you might not be eligible for overtime pay.

Maryland law states that in order to qualify as a manager, you must be responsible for overseeing the activities of at least two employees AND you must have meaningful input on the hiring, firing, and promotion of staff. Maryland also requires that to be exempt as an administrative employee you must not only be involved in running the company but you must also make important high-level decisions. If these requirements are not met, you might be considered non-exempt for the purposes of collecting overtime pay. At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can review your case to see if you have been misclassified as an exempt employee.

Why Documentation Matters in Wage Theft Claims

When your employer has not paid you for your work, every hour counts. That is why it is important to log your hours meticulously to determine how much you are owed. If you suspect that you are not being paid for the hours that you put in, you should make note of when your working day starts and ends. If you notice any discrepancies between those hours and your pay stubs, it can serve as valuable evidence for a wage theft claim.

Additionally, you should also retain any records of communications with your employer or your workplace's HR department. Getting a statement in writing can make filing a claim much easier, as you can cite your employer's exact words about why you have not received the pay you deserve. At Melehy & Associates LLC, our attorneys can help you compile all of the necessary documentation to file your claim with the Maryland Department of Labor.

What Qualifies as Wage Theft in Maryland?

Wage theft can take many different forms. For instance, your employer may demand that you skip your breaks or fail to pay you for your mandated break time. In another example, your employer might tamper with your reported hours to pay you for fewer hours than what you actually worked. In any case, wage theft is inexcusable. Our attorneys can sit down with you to learn your priorities and address any questions you may have.

Once you have identified wage theft at your workplace, you should contact an attorney immediately. The attorney will evaluate your case carefully and determine whether to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Meet With a Frederick Wage and Hour Violation Attorney

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we stand as a proud champion of employees' rights throughout Maryland. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Frederick, MD wage theft lawyers today, call our offices at 301-587-6364 or contact us online today.