Gaithersburg, MD Wage and Hour Violation Lawyers

Experienced Wage Theft Claims Attorneys Representing Clients in Gaithersburg, Maryland

In an ideal world, everyone would get paid for an honest day's work. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Whether through negligence or malice, some employers skirt ethical guidelines by not paying their workers what they are owed. If this describes your situation, you should consider working with a Gaithersburg wage and hour attorney to evaluate your case and determine whether to file a lawsuit.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we are passionate about employees' rights. Our past results in representative cases speak to our aggressive advocacy and legal knowledge, as we fight for the best possible result in every case. Throughout your case, our attorneys will keep you informed of your rights and help you pursue a solution in line with your needs.

Overtime Laws in Maryland

Most employees in the state of Maryland are entitled to overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours worked per week. Typically, you must be paid at a rate of 1.5 times your regular pay after more than 40 hours of work per week.

There are certain exceptions to this rule, however. If you work at a bowling establishment or at an institution that provides nursing care other than a hospital, you might only be eligible for overtime pay after 48 hours. Agricultural workers can only collect overtime pay after 60 hours of work per week.

Sometimes, employers will try to get around overtime laws by asking employees to work off the clock. If you believe that you are not being justly compensated for overtime work, you should reach out to a wage hour attorney to discuss your options.

Misclassification of Employees

Sometimes, wage theft can take subtle forms. For instance, an employer may "promote" an employee to the position of manager, which may come with a pay increase and a salary. However, since managers are not protected under the state's overtime laws, this means that the employee in question could unlawfully be denied valuable pay for their work.

In Maryland, "Manager" is not just a title. You must meet specific requirements in order to be considered a manager, and if those requirements are not met, your employer may have misclassified you and unlawfully denied you overtime. To qualify as a manager, you must supervise two or more employees, and you must have meaningful input into personnel decisions, including hiring, firing, or promoting employees.

Additionally, some employers will improperly misclassify employees as independent contractors. This can be seriously damaging since contractors are not entitled to the same rights and benefits as employees. If you believe that your role has been misclassified by your employer, Melehy & Associates LLC can answer your questions and help you seek out compensation for any damages you may have suffered.

Other Signs of Wage Theft

It is important to remain watchful of wage theft at your workplace. One of the most effective ways to identify wage theft is to look at your pay stubs. If you were listed as working fewer hours than you actually put in, then you may have a strong case for a wage theft claim.

You should also be wary of your employer asking you to skip your breaks or lunch. You may be entitled to compensation for your breaks, and if you are not paid during that time, you can file a formal complaint to recover the payment that you deserve. At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can review your case to see if you have grounds to file a complaint or lawsuit.

Meet With a Gaithersburg, MD Wage Theft Attorney Today

If you have been denied fair compensation for your work, Melehy & Associates LLC can help you take legal action to enforce your rights. To schedule a free case evaluation with a Gaithersburg wage hour lawyer today, call our offices at 301-587-6364 or contact us online.