Employees in Egg Harbor Township are protected under both federal and New Jersey wage laws, yet many still experience wage theft. Whether you’ve been denied overtime pay, misclassified as exempt, or wrongly treated as an independent contractor, NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is prepared to help you recover the full wages you’ve earned.
Misclassification and Overtime Violations
Many workers are improperly categorized to avoid paying overtime. Common violations include:
- Incorrectly labeling employees as exempt from overtime
- Classifying workers as salaried to avoid hourly pay requirements
- Treating employees as independent contractors when they meet the criteria of full-time staff
If you’ve worked more than 40 hours per week and weren’t paid time-and-a-half, your employer may be violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or New Jersey wage laws.
Legal Protections for Workers
The FLSA requires that most employees receive overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week. New Jersey law complements this with additional wage protections, including rules on:
- How often you must be paid
- What deductions are allowed
- How and when your pay rate can be changed
Employers who violate these laws may be liable for back wages, penalties, and attorney’s fees.
How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Can Help
Our attorneys represent current and former employees in Egg Harbor Township who were denied fair wages. Whether you’re still employed or have moved on, you may be eligible to recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, and other compensation. We handle:
- Overtime violations
- Minimum wage claims
- Unpaid commissions and bonuses
- Misclassification disputes
If your employer has failed to comply with wage laws, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team focuses exclusively on employment law and can guide you through every step of the recovery process.
Why Wages Go Unpaid
Wage theft continues to affect employees across Egg Harbor Township. Despite clear protections under New Jersey labor laws, employers still withhold compensation in several illegal ways:
- Minimum Wage Violations: The legal minimum wage in New Jersey is $14.13 per hour. If your employer pays less, you may be entitled to recover unpaid wages and penalties.
- Overtime Pay Denials: Both state and federal laws require overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Failing to pay overtime is a common wage violation.
- Unlawful Deductions: Deductions for uniforms, equipment, or register shortages cannot reduce your pay below minimum wage. These types of deductions are frequently unlawful.
- Bounced or Withheld Paychecks: Employers must deliver full wages on time. Issuing a check without sufficient funds is a violation of wage laws and doesn’t relieve them of the obligation to pay.
When wages are unpaid, employees can file a legal claim or report violations to the New Jersey Department of Labor. Quick action is crucial—claims are subject to strict time limits. Employers may be required to pay triple the wages owed and cover legal costs.
Compensation for Unpaid Wages
Many employees—both hourly and some salaried—qualify for overtime and are entitled to full compensation under New Jersey law. If your employer has denied you proper pay, you may be eligible for:
- Back pay for unpaid wages
- Overtime compensation
- Liquidated (double or triple) damages
- Attorney fees and legal costs
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC helps workers in Egg Harbor Township recover the full wages they are owed. Whether you’ve been underpaid, misclassified, or denied overtime, our attorneys are prepared to enforce your rights under state and federal law.
Speak With a Wage and Hour Attorney
If you’re dealing with wage violations in Egg Harbor Township, contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC for experienced legal help. Call 973.270.0031 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our wage and hour team. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you’ve earned.