Protecting Workers From Wage Theft and Pay Violations
Every employee in New York is entitled to fair pay under state and federal law. Unfortunately, many workers are denied proper wages due to employer misconduct or deliberate wage theft. When employers break wage and hour laws, employees suffer financially — but the law provides strong protections.
At The C. Paul Law Firm P.C., we represent employees throughout New York who have been denied their rightful pay. From unpaid overtime to minimum wage violations, our attorneys fight to hold employers accountable.
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Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.?
- Wage & Hour Law Experience – Skilled in both state and federal wage claims.
- Aggressive Legal Advocacy – We pursue employers who cheat workers out of fair pay.
- Employee-Focused Representation – Dedicated to protecting workers, not corporations.
- No Fee Unless We Win – Many wage and hour cases handled on a contingency basis.
Common Wage & Hour Violations
| Violation Type | Examples | Legal Protections |
| Unpaid Overtime | No time-and-a-half after 40 hours | FLSA, NY wage laws |
| Minimum Wage Violations | Paid below New York’s legal minimum | NY Minimum Wage Act |
| Off-the-Clock Work | Required to work before or after shifts without pay | FLSA, NY labor law |
| Meal/Break Violations | No required meal periods, forced to work through breaks | NY Labor Law |
| Misclassification | Wrongly labeled “independent contractor” or “exempt” | FLSA, IRS guidelines |
| Tip Theft | Employer keeping part of tips or tip credits misused | NY Hospitality Wage Order |
| Final Paycheck Issues | Delay or failure to pay last paycheck | NY Labor Law |
Signs of Wage & Hour Violations
- You’re not paid overtime despite working more than 40 hours a week.
- You’re paid less than New York’s minimum wage.
- Your employer requires you to clock out but continue working.
- Your tips are shared with managers or withheld.
- You’re forced to buy uniforms or cover employer expenses.
- Your final paycheck was delayed or reduced after leaving your job.
Compensation Available to Workers
If your employer violated wage & hour laws, you may be entitled to:
- Unpaid wages and overtime
- Interest on unpaid wages
- “Liquidated damages” (double damages in many cases)
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
- Additional penalties for willful violations
What To Do If You Suspect Wage Theft
- Keep pay stubs, time records, and schedules.
- Document hours worked versus hours paid.
- Save emails, texts, or memos about work hours.
- Do not sign employer agreements without legal advice.
- Contact The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. to fight for your wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for wage and hour claims in New York?
Up to 6 years under state law, longer than federal law, which is generally 2–3 years.
Can salaried employees recover overtime?
Yes — many salaried workers are misclassified and still entitled to overtime pay.
What if I’m an undocumented worker?
All employees, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to fair wages under New York law.
Can I file a claim if I already left the job?
Yes. Former employees can still recover unpaid wages and penalties.
Serving the Greater New York Area
We represent employees facing wage & hour violations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and across New York. From hourly workers to professionals, we fight for the pay you rightfully earned.