Employees in {cities-ga}, Georgia have the right to be paid for all hours worked and to receive wages in accordance with the law and their employment agreements. When employers fail to pay earned wages, withhold overtime, or misclassify workers, employees may have legal options to recover what they are owed. The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. helps workers understand their rights and pursue lawful wage recovery.
What Are Unpaid Wage Violations?
Unpaid wage claims arise when an employer fails to properly compensate an employee for work performed. These violations can involve missed paychecks, unpaid overtime, unlawful deductions, or failure to pay minimum wage. Wage disputes may be governed by federal law, Georgia law, or contractual obligations.
Common Types of Unpaid Wage Claims
|
Type of Violation |
Examples |
|
Unpaid Overtime |
Not paying time-and-a-half for hours over 40 |
|
Minimum Wage Violations |
Paying below the federal minimum wage |
|
Off-the-Clock Work |
Requiring work before or after scheduled hours |
|
Misclassification |
Treating employees as independent contractors |
|
Unpaid Final Pay |
Failure to issue earned wages after termination |
|
Illegal Deductions |
Improper paycheck deductions or withheld bonuses |
Wage and Hour Laws That Apply in Georgia
Georgia does not have a comprehensive state wage and hour statute for private employers. As a result, most unpaid wage claims in Georgia arise under federal law, including:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Equal Pay Act(for pay discrimination)
The FLSA governs minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and employee classification.
Who Is Entitled to Overtime Pay?
Under the FLSA, most non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Common Misclassification Issues
- Salaried employees improperly classified as exempt
- Independent contractors who function as employees
- Job titles used to avoid paying overtime
Whether an employee is exempt depends on job duties, not job title.
What Employees Must Prove in an Unpaid Wage Case
To pursue an unpaid wage claim, employees typically must show:
- They were an employee (not properly classified as exempt)
- They performed compensable work
- The employer failed to pay required wages or overtime
- The amount of unpaid compensation owed
Employment records, schedules, pay stubs, emails, and witness testimony may support a claim.
Potential Recovery in Unpaid Wage Claims
Employees may be entitled to recover:
- Unpaid wages and overtime
- Back pay
- Liquidated damages (in certain cases)
- Attorneys’ fees and costs (where allowed by law)
Recovery depends on the nature of the violation and applicable law.
Time Limits for Filing Unpaid Wage Claims
Under federal law, unpaid wage claims generally must be filed within:
- 2 yearsof the violation
- 3 yearsif the violation was willful
Prompt legal review is critical to preserving claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer refuse to pay me if I didn’t clock in?
No. Employers must pay for all hours worked, even if timekeeping rules were not followed.
Do I have to be paid if I was paid in cash?
Yes. Payment method does not eliminate wage obligations.
Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a wage claim?
No. Retaliation for asserting wage rights is prohibited under federal law.
Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
- Experience handling wage and hour disputes
- Knowledge of federal and Georgia employment laws
- Strategic evaluation of misclassification and payroll practices
- Clear, professional communication
- Commitment to lawful and ethical advocacy
We help employees assert their rights while navigating complex employment laws.
Speak With an Unpaid Wages Lawyer in {cities-ga}, Georgia
If your employer failed to pay you properly in {cities-ga}, Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. can help you understand your rights and options. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation. The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is located at 1870 The Exchange, Suite 200, #1387, Atlanta, GA 30339. You can reach us at (212) 551-PAUL or visit www.cpaullawfirm.com. Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and take the next step toward recovering the wages you earned.