Wage theft occurs when an employer deprives his, her, or its employees of the wages and benefits to which they are entitled under the law. This illegal practice is a prevalent problem across the nation. All too often, unscrupulous companies cheat employees out of the compensation they are due.
According to a 2014 study by the Colorado Fiscal Institute, Coloradans lose an estimated $750 million annually in unpaid, lawfully-owed wages and benefits. Today, that number is likely much higher.
Common Methods of Wage Theft
Wage theft encompasses a variety of illegal business practices. Some forms of wage theft are obvious while others can be hard to detect. There are even cases where employees are unaware they have not been paid what the law says they have earned.
Common forms of wage theft include:
- Not paying overtime
- Not paying for all hours worked
- Making employees work off the clock or during breaks
- Underreporting employee hours
- Taking unauthorized payroll deductions for job expenses such as tools or transportation
- Misclassifying workers
- Withholding and keeping tips
- Failing to issue unpaid wages after a worker has left a job
- Not paying a worker at all
What You Can Do About Wage Theft
If you suspect you are a victim of wage theft, you are not alone. Over 500,000 hardworking Colorado employees suffer from wage theft every year.
You probably feel uncertain about how to proceed in this situation. You want to recover your unpaid wages, but you aren’t sure how to do that. If you still work for the employer in question, you may be worried you will be penalized for trying to get the wages that are lawfully owed to you.
To learn about your options in this situation, schedule a free, confidential with our experienced employment attorneys. We will gladly discuss your potential legal claim, your options for recovery, what damages you may be able to obtain, and what fees and costs you may need to pay during this process. We will tell you right away if we don’t completely believe in the merits of your case.
Our team believes that dishonest employers should not get away with taking advantage of you and threatening your livelihood. If you proceed with a wage theft lawsuit, the skilled lawyers at LSTT will fight for back pay on your behalf. This process may include representing you in negotiations with your employer or in court if the issue requires litigation.
Schedule Your Free Wage Theft in Colorado Springs
You deserve to be paid for your hard work. If you have been denied fair pay, call (719) 689-8767 today to speak with our highly skilled employment lawyers. At LSTT, we proudly offer the experience and resources of a large law practice combined with the individualized attention of a boutique law firm.
Our attorneys have been recognized as “Top Attorneys” in multiple practice areas. We have won numerous cases in state, federal, and administrative courts. Our firm is rated AV Preeminent, the highest distinction given by Martindale-Hubbell.
Our team is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of our hardworking clients. LSTT proudly serves Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Castle Rock, and throughout Colorado.