Did Your Employer Violate Wage and Hour Laws? You May Be Entitled to Justice

When employers fail to pay employees what they’re owed, it’s not just unfair—it’s illegal. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protects workers’ rights to proper pay, including overtime and minimum wage. If your employer knowingly shortchanged you, you could be entitled to additional compensation.

A recent court ruling highlights how important it is for employees to take a stand when wage violations occur. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has made it clear: If an employer’s violations are willful—meaning they knowingly broke the law or acted with reckless disregard—employees have the right to seek justice for up to three years of unpaid wages (instead of the usual two years).

How to Know if Your Employer’s Actions Were Willful

Employers may try to claim ignorance, but under the law, “willfulness” includes situations where:

• They failed to pay overtime even though they were aware of their obligations.

• They misclassified employees as exempt or independent contractors to avoid paying overtime.

• They ignored complaints or requests for fair pay.

The law doesn’t let employers off the hook for intentional misconduct. A jury will often decide whether your employer’s actions were willful, but to make your case, you need an advocate on your side.

Your Rights Under the FLSA

The FLSA guarantees that:

• Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a week.

• Employees must be paid at least the federal minimum wage (or the applicable state/local minimum wage if it’s higher).

• Retaliation against employees who complain about unpaid wages is strictly prohibited.

If these rights are violated, you may not only recover unpaid wages but also additional damages and attorney’s fees.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights

If you believe your employer has failed to pay you properly, it’s crucial to act quickly. Waiting too long could limit the amount of back wages you can recover.

At WorkRight Law, we represent employees like you who have been treated unfairly. Whether your employer’s violations were accidental or deliberate, you deserve fair pay for your hard work.

Call WorkRight Law today for a free consultation to discuss your situation. Together, we can hold employers accountable and ensure you get the justice you deserve.