Baltimore, Maryland Wage and Hour Theft Lawyers

Aggressive Attorneys for Wage and Hour Violations in Baltimore

You deserve to be paid for the labor at work. Unfortunately, some employers take advantage of their employees by paying them for less than the hours that they worked. If you need help collecting the compensation that you are owed, a Baltimore wage and hour violation attorney can help you take appropriate legal action.

At Freedman Law, LLC, our team of legal professionals are skilled at handling wage-hour violation claims. Across his career, Attorney Lindsay A. Freeman has helped numerous clients with issues of employment law at the state and federal level. You can trust our firm to stand up for your rights to fair pay as we seek an appropriate remedy for your losses.

What Is Wage Theft?

Wage theft occurs when an employer fails to pay an employee the full amount they are legally owed. Under both Maryland and federal law, workers are entitled to receive at least the minimum wage, overtime pay when applicable, and compensation for all hours worked. Unfortunately, some employers cut corners or violate these laws, resulting in unlawful wage losses for employees.

Examples of wage theft include failing to pay overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a week, requiring employees to work "off the clock," misclassifying workers as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits, and withholding final paychecks. Even small, repeated underpayments can add up to significant financial harm. An employment law attorney can help employees identify wage theft and determine whether legal action is warranted.

Employers may also promote an employee to a manager to commit wage theft, since managers are typically considered exempt from overtime pay. However, specific requirements must be met for an employee to be considered a manager. A manager must be responsible for supervising two or more employees, and furthermore, managers must have substantial input in hiring, promoting, or dismissing employees.

Evidence in a Wage Theft Claim

Your testimony, by itself, may not be enough to support a claim of wage theft. Strong evidence is critical to proving a wage theft claim. Employees should keep detailed records of their hours worked, including schedules, timecards, pay stubs, direct deposit receipts, and any communications with supervisors about pay. Even personal notes documenting when you worked and what you were paid can support your case if official records are incomplete.

Employers are legally required to maintain accurate payroll records, but employees should not rely solely on company files. Having your own documentation can make the difference in establishing a clear pattern of unpaid wages. An experienced attorney can review this evidence, compare it with federal and state wage laws, and help you prepare a strong claim.

Taking Legal Action Against Wage Hour Violations

Employees in Maryland who experience wage theft or wage hour violations have several options for pursuing justice. At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). At the state level, the Maryland Department of Labor can investigate complaints involving unpaid wages or overtime.

In some cases, you may need to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), particularly if wage violations are tied to discrimination or retaliation. An attorney can guide you through the filing process, ensure that all deadlines are met, and represent your interests during investigations or in court if your case proceeds to litigation. The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) can also address claims about unequal pay for discriminatory reasons.

Do I Have to Go to Trial for a Wage Theft Claim?

Not every wage theft claim ends up in a courtroom. In fact, many cases are resolved before trial through government investigations, negotiations, or settlement agreements. This is often ideal since it can save all parties significant time and energy.

If a case does proceed to court, the process can take longer, but it may also result in additional damages, such as compensation for attorney fees or, in rare cases, punitive damages. An employment law attorney can evaluate your situation, guide you through the administrative process, and prepare for litigation if it becomes necessary. For most employees, the important step is not fearing trial, but rather acting quickly to assert their rights and recover what they are owed.