Cleveland has a diverse economy. The metropolitan city is one of the three major GDP contributors in Ohio. Unfortunately, wage and hour violations happen very commonly in the city. 

Whether it is unpaid overtime or getting wrongly classified to avoid benefits, these practices affect how much you pocket at the end of the day. Employees can fight for justice by working with the best wage and hour lawyer in Cleveland, who will explain the law and your rights, and fight for what you earn. 

What Are Wage and Hour Violations?

A wage and hour lawyer covers things like the minimum wage, overtime pay, break time, and employee classification. Common violations may include:

  • The employer is not paying for overtime workers clocked after 40 hours per week
  • Asking employees to work before clocking in or after clocking out
  • Classifying workers as independent contractors or salaried employees to avoid paying overtime
  • Not giving employees the legally required breaks, including the lunch period

Whether these violations were intentional or not, at the end of the day, the employee is getting the short end of the stick. Employees in Ohio are protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and employers are required to pay a fair minimum wage and reimburse for overtime. 

How a Cleveland Wage and Hour Attorney Can Help

An attorney can help in the following ways: 

Evaluating Your Case

A skilled lawyer will review your pay records, work schedules, and employment agreement. This way, they can see if your employer has broken the law or included any unfair terms.

Explain Your Rights

Wage and hour laws can be complicated. Your lawyer will break down the rules and explain everything in simple language that is easy to understand. 

Collect Evidence 

Evidence can include pay stubs, time sheets, company policies, or statements from other coworkers. The stronger the evidence you have, the better the chances are of recovering what your employers owe you. 

Filing Complaints

When needed, your attorney will file claims through the Department of Labor. If the issue is not resolved and ends up in a lawsuit, an attorney will represent you in court.

Negotiate Settlements

Many cases that do not end up in court are negotiated through settlements. A good lawyer will handle this on your behalf and push for the maximum amount. They will even include penalties and attorney fees in your asking amount.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney With Local Experience

Employment laws vary, and having a lawyer who is familiar with Cleveland’s specific wage and hour rules is a big advantage. They will be familiar with local courts, agencies, and common defense tactics that employers in the area use. These local insights make a big difference in the outcome of your case. 

Conclusion

Unpaid wages are more than just numbers on your paycheck. They account for the hours in your life that you can’t get back. If you believe your employer has violated wage and hours laws, act quickly and speak to an attorney so that you can take the right actions to recover what is truly yours.