Take The Right Steps When An Employer Withholds Wages
Seeing an employer withholding wages in Massachusetts places the everyday person in a difficult position, especially if a paycheck is being withheld after a layoff or termination. This is an unfortunate part of the uncertain times in 2025, where making ends meet can be complicated in an instant by an employer who clearly does not have the best interests of their staff in mind.
Many clients across Massachusetts are unaware of the legal protections in place intended to support and prevent these issues from happening. Even with the Massachusetts Wage Act in place, these issues still persist. Hiring a qualified labor law or unpaid wages attorney can work to push back on these challenges, helping you receive the money you are owed, and potentially, more.
Employer Withholding Wages: Pursue Unpaid Wage Claims With A Qualified Attorney
Failure to pay wages you are owed, or failure to properly pay correct overtime, is one of the first “red flags” that should prompt a call or email to a qualified legal representative. These issues happen all too frequently, and many clients are simply unaware that a potential “accounting error” may be something an intentional act of taking from staff of what is rightfully theirs.
The Massachusetts Wage Act states that employees who experience such challenges are entitled to damages that can be three times what they are owed. Damages can also include legal and attorney fees for taking part in the process itself, ensuring that clients are awarded fair compensation for their time and effort, and for hiring proper legal counsel.
Fighting back against an employer who has withheld wages can be intimidating, but the truth is that with the right legal representation, the process can work in your favor. Whether or not you are currently employed by your employer or you have been recently let go, reaching out to a law firm can confirm your suspicions and help make sense of these challenges that are undoubtedly stressful for both you and your family.
Other Wage-Related Red Flags To Keep In Mind
Another tactic used on behalf of employers is delaying a final paycheck, either as some form of punishment or as part of a greater layoff. Workers’ rights in Massachusetts are both deep and complex, and clients should know that the Massachusetts Wage Act includes protections regarding the timing of payment. Never take the promises made on behalf of an employer at face value, as many hourly workers must be paid either weekly or bi-weekly.
In terms of vacation pay or paid time off, these elements of your employment contract are also protected under state law. Should an employer claim that you simply can’t take time off, or are required to complete extra work in your off time, this too could warrant a call to a qualified attorney. For employees who have a pre-determined number of sick days, should an employer fail to fairly compensate you for the agreed-upon sick days in your contract, that too should also warrant further discussion with an attorney.
Further, employers in Massachusetts can not legally “retaliate” against you for exercising your legal right to claim lost wages or unpaid overtime. This means that an employee can work alongside an attorney to recover what they are entitled to, and still maintain their employment without any consequence. Should a staff member be let go, face punishment at work, or be bullied as a result of hiring a law firm to address their lost wage concerns, it would be the employer who violates state law if they retaliate.
First Steps For Claiming Unpaid Wages in Massachusetts
Should you suspect you are not being paid properly for any reason, it is essential to collect as much information as possible about the challenges you are facing. Everything from email correspondence, employment contracts, and pay stubs are important details that can help you receive what you are legally entitled to. Begin by documenting the conversations you have had with your employer regarding your concerns, including conversations between you and an HR representative. Information is critically important, and your careful collection of such information can help expedite the process and help you move on from these challenges.
In order to successfully navigate the legal process in Massachusetts, clients will need to both hire an attorney and file a complaint directly with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Having a qualified attorney who specializes in lost wages can ensure every detail is covered, ensuring you receive the maximum amount of damages possible.
Fogelman Law LLC: Attorney Services With Care and Compassion
As a law firm specializing in Massachusetts employment law, we are all too familiar with the challenges of unpaid wages facing people from all walks of life. We have seen countless cases where an employer fairly compensates their staff. Our decades of experience and personalized legal services can help people from across Massachusetts find solutions to some of the most complex lost wage cases.
You are not alone during these difficult and stressful times. Having an attorney navigate the process for you can work to prevent mistakes when you file a claim, but also ensure you receive every dollar legally entitled to you. Massachusetts workers have incredibly strong legal protections, including under the Wage Act, and you are within every bit of your rights to hire a law firm that can push back on even the most intimidating employers.
Contact us today and explore the legal options available to you. Take part in a free consultation and confirm your suspicions. There is no harm in simply calling and inquiring about your rights.. Call or email us now to learn more and begin the process of recovering your lost wages today.
