Generally speaking, employers have a responsibility to pay fair compensation in a timely fashion to employees for the work they do. However, the laws that govern what is considered fair compensation and timely payment can vary by state. If you believe that you are not receiving the pay you deserve, keep detailed records of the work you do and talk to your employer. It may be that there is an honest mistake that is keeping you from receiving all the pay that you deserve.
The minimum wage is the lowest amount of money you can be paid per hour of work. The federal government imposes a federal minimum wage, and individual states can set their own minimum wages. The minimum wage for a state can be higher than the federal minimum, but it cannot be any lower. As of this writing, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, unless you are an employee who receives tips, in which case it is $2.13 per hour. It is illegal for an employer to pay you less than the federal minimum wage under any circumstances. If the minimum wage in your state is higher than the federal minimum, you are entitled to the higher wage of the two.
An independent contractor is a non-employee hired to do work for the company on a contract basis. Independent contractors retain control of the work they do and while they receive pay, they do not receive wages. They are not entitled to the rights and privileges afforded employees. For this reason, employers sometimes attempt to save money by treating employees as though they were independent contractors. However, it is not the employer who gets to decide who is an employee but the federal government. If you meet the criteria for an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act, you are an employee with rights no matter what your employer calls you.
Under federal law, there are 40 hours in a workweek. There is no law preventing your employer from requiring you to work more than 40 hours per week. However, if you work more than 40 hours in a single week, you are entitled to overtime pay. For every hour that you work over the usual 40 in a given week, you should receive one and one-half times your usual wage at least. If you cannot resolve the issue with your employer on your own, a legal team can help you file a lawsuit to recover what you are owed.
Underpayment isn’t always obvious. Beyond issues like overtime or minimum wage violations, there are more subtle red flags that could point to wage theft or noncompliance with labor laws.
If you think you’re not being paid fairly, taking early action is crucial. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and strengthen your case:
An employment litigation attorney doesn’t just provide legal advice—they advocate for your rights and help you recover the wages you’ve earned. Here’s how they can support your case:
If you suspect you’re being underpaid or that your wage rights have been violated, don’t wait to take action. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we’re committed to helping workers understand their legal rights and recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve experienced missed overtime, late payments, improper classification, or unclear commission structures, our experienced employment litigation attorneys can guide you through your options.
We offer confidential consultations to evaluate your case and provide honest, practical advice. There’s no risk in reaching out—and potentially thousands of dollars at stake if you’ve been underpaid over time. Protect your future, safeguard your financial stability, and get the legal support you need to hold your employer accountable.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward fair compensation.