What qualifies as unpaid overtime under New Jersey law?

Under New Jersey and federal law, most employees must be paid time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 per week. If you worked overtime without receiving proper compensation, you may have a legal claim.

Can salaried employees recover unpaid overtime in Atlantic City?

Yes. Being salaried doesn’t automatically mean you’re exempt from overtime. If your job duties don't meet the exemption criteria, you may be entitled to overtime pay regardless of your salary status.

How do I know if I’ve been misclassified as exempt?

Misclassification occurs when an employee is labeled exempt from overtime when they legally shouldn’t be. If your duties are routine or manual and you don’t supervise others, you may be misclassified and eligible for overtime pay.

What damages can I recover in an unpaid overtime case?

You may recover back pay for unpaid wages, liquidated damages (often double or triple the amount), and attorney fees. Some cases may also result in penalties against the employer.

How long do I have to file an unpaid overtime claim in NJ?

In New Jersey, you generally have six years to file a state unpaid wage claim and two to three years under federal law, depending on whether the violation was willful. It's best to act quickly to preserve your rights.

Atlantic City Wage Dispute Lawyers for Overtime Claims

Workers in Atlantic City, NJ are protected under both federal and New Jersey wage and hour laws. Despite these protections, many employees still experience wage theft—whether through unpaid overtime, misclassification, or being wrongly treated as independent contractors. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC represents Atlantic City workers in recovering wages they are rightfully owed.

Overtime Violations & Employee Misclassification

Employers often misclassify employees to sidestep overtime obligations. These practices may include:

Labeling employees as “exempt” from overtime when they don’t meet legal criteria
Paying a flat salary to avoid hourly wage requirements
Calling full-time staff “independent contractors” to deny benefits and protections

If you’ve worked more than 40 hours in a week without receiving time-and-a-half, your employer may be in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or New Jersey Wage and Hour Law.

What the Law Requires

Under the FLSA and New Jersey statutes, employees are entitled to:

Overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week
Timely and regular wage payments
Protection from unlawful pay deductions
Proper notice before any changes to pay rates

Holding Employers Accountable

When wage laws are violated, employers can be required to pay:

Unpaid wages and overtime
Liquidated damages (often equal to the amount of unpaid wages)
Penalties for noncompliance
Attorney’s fees and legal costs

NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC helps Atlantic City employees pursue wage claims through legal action or settlement. If you’re unsure whether your employer’s pay practices are legal, speaking to an experienced wage lawyer is a critical first step.

How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Assists Workers in Atlantic City

Employees who are denied full wages—whether still employed or not—may be entitled to compensation under New Jersey wage laws. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC represents workers in Atlantic City, NJ in recovering:

Unpaid overtime
Minimum wage shortfalls
Withheld commissions or bonuses
Compensation in misclassification cases

If your employer has violated wage laws, you have legal options. Our firm focuses exclusively on employment law and provides clear, step-by-step guidance through the claims process.

Common Ways Employers Violate Wage Laws

Despite clear regulations, wage theft remains a widespread problem in Atlantic City. Violations often include:

Minimum Wage Underpayment
New Jersey’s minimum wage is $14.13/hour. If you’ve been paid less, even for a portion of your hours, you may have a valid claim for back pay and statutory damages.

Overtime Pay Violations
If you’ve worked over 40 hours in a week and didn’t receive 1.5 times your hourly rate for the excess, your employer may be violating both federal and state law.

Unlawful Payroll Deductions
Employers cannot deduct costs for uniforms, equipment, or cash register shortages if those deductions push your wages below the legal minimum. Many deductions of this kind are illegal.

Withheld or Bounced Paychecks
Employers must pay full wages on time. If you received a paycheck that bounced or were paid late—or not at all—you may be eligible to recover full wages, penalties, and more.

Legal Remedies and Deadlines

Employees in Atlantic City can take legal action or file complaints with the New Jersey Department of Labor. Wage claims must be filed within specific time limits, so acting quickly is essential. If successful, you may recover:

Back wages
Liquidated or treble damages
Attorney’s fees and costs

NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC helps Atlantic City workers pursue full recovery through state or federal claims. We’ll evaluate your situation, calculate what you’re owed, and hold employers accountable.

Many Atlantic City employees—whether hourly or salaried—are legally entitled to overtime and full compensation under New Jersey wage laws. If your employer has failed to pay what you’ve earned, you may be entitled to:

Back pay for regular or overtime wages
Time-and-a-half compensation for overtime hours
Liquidated damages (up to triple the unpaid amount)
Attorney fees and court costs

NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC represents Atlantic City workers who’ve been underpaid, misclassified, or denied overtime. We enforce both federal and New Jersey laws to recover every dollar you’re owed.

Talk to a Wage and Hour Attorney

Wage violations can cost you more than just lost income—they may affect your financial stability long-term. If you’re dealing with unfair pay practices in Atlantic City, speak with an attorney who focuses exclusively on employment law. Call 973.270.0031 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options for recovery.