How to Recover Unpaid Wages Due to Wage Theft

Wage theft can take many forms. Unfortunately, it is far more common than it should be, and everyday employees across Pennsylvania are forced to fight for the wages they deserve. In this scenario, it is important to know that you have clear legal rights, and you can hire a lawyer to help you assert your legal rights against your current or former employer.

5 Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Wage Theft

But, while your legal rights may be clear, it is up to you to prove that you are entitled to unpaid wages. With this in mind, if you believe that you are a victim of wage theft, here are five important steps you should take as soon as possible:

1. Keep Documentation of Your Hours

You should keep documentation of your hours—both paid and unpaid. While you need to be careful about taking any documents from your employer’s premises, if you have electronic records, or if you can take photos of your timecards with your phone, these will be good enough for now. If you are still working for your employer, you will want to continue documenting your hours on an ongoing basis.

2. Keep Your Paystubs, W-2s or 1099s, and Other Pay-Related Documentation

You should also keep your paystubs, W-2s or 1099, and any other pay-related documentation you have received from your employer. Whether you are owed unpaid overtime, you have been misclassified as an independent contractor, or your employer simply hasn’t paid the wages you are owed, these could all be important evidence in support of your claim.

3. Keep Any Relevant Communications with Your Employer

In addition to keeping documentation of your hours and pay (or lack thereof), you should also keep any relevant communications with your employer. This includes any emails, text messages, direct messages, formal notices, voicemails or other documented communications you have in your possession.

4. Take Detailed Notes

You should take detailed notes as well. How long have you been dealing with unpaid wages? Are you aware of any of your coworkers being underpaid? Has your manager or supervisor said anything about withholding compensation or acknowledged that the company isn’t paying you as it should? These could all be important details for assessing and proving your claim for wage theft.

5. Talk to a Lawyer About Your Legal Rights

Finally, you should talk to a lawyer about your legal rights. If you have a claim for wage theft, you will need experienced legal representation. Strict time limits apply to wage theft claims in Pennsylvania; and, to help maximize your chances of filing a successful claim, you will want to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Philadelphia Wage Theft Lawyer Today

Do you have a claim for unpaid wages? Contact us to find out today. Call 267-273-1054 or tell us how we can reach you online to schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia wage theft lawyer at Murphy Law Group.