Do You Have Unpaid Wages? Get The Money You Earned.
West Virginia has very specific wage statutes and regulations that have been in place for a long time. Still, many employees are not aware of their rights such as when they are entitled to unpaid wages and overtime. Some employers try to take advantage of an employee’s lack of knowledge in this area. So, if you suspect your rights have been violated, we can help.
“You work hard for your paycheck. Employers in West Virginia are not allowed to cheat you out of the pay you have earned. Call us to discuss your wage and overtime problem. Even if you are not sure whether your employer is breaking the law, we will explain the law and how we can help.” — Attorney JB Akers
At Akers Law Offices, our attorney will explain your legal options. We regularly represent clients with employment law claims in the Charleston area and we have handled cases throughout the state. You need to act quickly because statutes of limitations can limit your right to recovery.
Your Legal Rights As A Worker In West Virginia
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state law, you have certain rights, including:
- Minimum wage: In West Virginia, the minimum wage is $8.00 per hour and $8.75, effective January 1, 2016.
Breaks: If you work a certain number of hours in a shift, you have a right to a meal break. - Overtime: If you work more than 40 hours per week, you are entitled to time and a half of your pay for those overtime hours. There are exceptions to this for exempt employees who perform executive or administrative work. Some employees may avoid paying overtime by incorrectly classifying an employee as exempt.
- Preparation time: You are entitled to be paid for the time you spend at work preparing to start your shift. For example, if your job requires that you put on special safety gear at work, you should be paid for that time.
- Minimum wage: In West Virginia, the minimum wage is $8.00 per hour and $8.75, effective January 1, 2016.
When you are considering filing a claim against your employer for a violation of the laws regarding wage and hour, it’s likely you feel fearful and unsure about taking that step. Whether your employer unintentionally or intentionally violated wage and hour laws, we will work diligently to secure the wages you earned and help prevent future violations. We know how to investigate these types of claims and we can provide you with advice and representation at every stage of your case.
Is it worth the cost to fight for your pay? For Wage Payment and Collection Act claims, however, we are often able to make the employer pay our clients’ attorneys fees.
Get Legal Help Now and Contact Our Attorney About Your Overtime Wages
If you are unsure about your rights, we can help. To learn more about your rights and employment law in West Virginia, email lawyer JB Akers or call our office in Charleston at 304-720-1422 or toll-free at 888-720-1422. Evening and weekend appointments are available at our offices or at a location convenient to you.
