What are unpaid wages?
You worked. You deserve to be paid. If you look at your paycheck and something doesn’t add up, or if you’ve never received a pay stub at all, that’s not just frustrating. It may be a violation of the law. Unpaid wage claims arise when an employer fails to pay you what you’ve rightfully earned. This includes missing hours, withheld pay, and payments that don’t line up with your actual time worked. Sometimes the violation is obvious. Often, it’s hidden, and that’s where we come in.
Signs You May Have a Claim
If any of these situations sound familiar, you may be entitled to unpaid wages under state or federal law. Missing pay stubs, unexplained deductions, cash payments without records, or being paid the same amount regardless of hours worked can all be signs that your employer is violating wage laws. An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a claim.
How We Handle Your Case
When you come to us, we start by figuring out exactly how much you’re owed, and who owes it. The size and type of your employer matters. A large company generating significant revenue opens the door to federal court, which carries greater leverage. Smaller employers are handled in state court. We choose the right venue to maximize your outcome.
We also look beyond the obvious. Most clients don’t know where all their violations are, and that’s the point. We find violations that people don’t even know exist. For example: in New York, manual workers must be paid every week by law. Many employers pay biweekly, and that alone can be a $10,000 violation. We know where to look.
"We don't get paid unless you get paid."
– Lina Stillman, Esq.
The Guarantee
No Money Out of Pocket. Ever.
Federal and New York law include a “fee shifting” provision specifically because legislators understood that people whose wages are being stolen often can’t afford an attorney. Under this provision, if your employer violated the law, they pay our fees, not you. You pay nothing unless we win, and even then our fees come from the employer.
We only take cases where we believe there are violations. We’re not going to waste your time or ours. And when we take your case, we fight it like it’s our own.
Think this applies to you? Don’t try to figure it out alone, that’s what we’re here for. Call Stillman Legal P.C. for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you do.
Confidential. Multilingual available. No fee unless we win your case.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wage theft?
Wage theft happens when an employer fails to pay workers what they are legally owed. This can include unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, unpaid tips, illegal deductions, and off-the-clock work.
Can undocumented workers recover unpaid wages?
Yes. Undocumented workers generally have the right to be paid for the work they performed, including minimum wage and overtime. Immigration status does not give an employer permission to steal wages.
What should I do if my employer has not paid my wages?
- Do not stop showing up to work without consulting a lawyer first (unless safety is an issue), as they may claim you abandoned your job.
- Do demand your pay in writing so there is a paper trail of their excuses.
- Do not sign any document labeled a "release," "waiver," or "loan agreement" without legal review.
What evidence helps prove unpaid wages?
Helpful evidence may include paystubs, schedules, text messages, WhatsApp messages, photos, bank deposits, time records, calendars, witness names, uniforms, job postings, and personal notes about hours worked.
What is the deadline to bring an unpaid wage claim?
Deadlines depend on the law and the state. Some FLSA claims have a two- or three-year limitations period, while some state wage laws allow longer periods.
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Dealing with a similar problem? Think you might have a case? Send us a message now! Fill out the form here and our team will get in touch to evaluate your situation and guide you on the next steps.
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