Carpenters are skilled workers, and they often put in a lot of hours. Carpenters can suffer wage theft just like workers in other professions. If you are a carpenter who has suffered wage theft, you do have rights. You can pursue a claim to recover the wages that you have lost plus any other damages you incurred as a victim of wage theft. Millions of workers fall victim to wage theft every year, so it is important to stay proactive and watch to ensure you are paid properly.
There are many ways that wage theft occurs, and it is your responsibility to be attentive and to notice any wage theft early on. Unfortunately, many workers don’t realize that wage theft is occurring, and by the time they catch on, they have lost a considerable amount of earnings and the statute of limitations for pursuing a claim or for recovering all the funds may have passed. You only have 180 days from the date of the theft to recoup compensation for your damages.
How Wage Theft As A Carpenter Occurs
There are many ways you could suffer wage theft as a carpenter. It could involve not being paid for all the time that you worked, not being overtime that you earned, not being paid on time, not being paid your agreed wage, or being misclassified so they don’t have to pay you overtime or so they can treat you like a contractor when you are actually an employee. You will need to maintain evidence and documentation for your wage theft claim against your employer. You may have been asked to work through your breaks or work later than scheduled then not paid for the extra time worked on a specific construction project.
You should always keep a copy of any time sheets or timecards. Also, be sure to document any breaks, and make notes detailing what you were working on. You should make notes regarding who you worked with each day because they are witnesses and can confirm when you worked. You should keep copies of all paystubs, your employment contract, employee handbook, and all work-related memos and emails. The more supporting documentation that you have for your claim, the more likely you are to succeed with your case.
What To Do If You Suffered Wage Theft As A Carpenter
If you realize that you have been a carpenter who suffered wage theft, you should gather all the supporting evidence and documentation that you can. You will need to make sure that you can prove that you were not paid for all the wages that you earned and that you were entitled to receive. Your first step will be to file a complaint with your employer. You will do this by contacting a manager or human resources. The more supporting documentation you can provide, the more likely you are to succeed with your claim.
You will need to maintain proof that you notified your employer. You should also keep any correspondence and responses received from your employer. If the matter doesn’t get resolved, or if your employer doesn’t take the matter seriously, you will take your claim to the next level. At this point, you will file a claim with the Wage and Hour Division. They will review the details and then instruct your employer to pay you what you are owed. If your employer doesn’t respond, or if the Wage and Hour Division believes the actions of your employer were intentional, they will suggest you take the next step and file a lawsuit against your employer.
When you file a lawsuit, a judge or jury will determine the outcome of your claim. They will determine if you suffered wage theft and how much you are owed for your damages from your employer. Damages may include lost wages, interests, legal fees, and other losses.
How An Employment Law Attorney Can Help
If you are a carpenter who has suffered wage theft, you should enlist the help of an employment law attorney who handles wage theft claims in your area. With the help of an attorney, you can gather all the supporting evidence and documentation that your claim needs to succeed.
When you consult with a lawyer, be sure to discuss their payment plan. Some attorneys work on a contingency basis while others require a retainer to be paid upfront. You do have limited time to pursue a claim, so complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today to share the details of your claim with an attorney.
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