Washington, D.C., Unpaid Wages Lawyers

Helping Claim Wages You’re Owed in the District of Columbia & Maryland

Unpaid wages represent a significant challenge for many employees, encompassing issues like wage and hour violations, illegal deductions from paychecks, or failure to reimburse necessary expenses. Such practices violate legal standards and can severely impact an employee’s financial stability and quality of life. In Washington, D.C., where living costs are high, missing wages can mean not being able to afford essential expenses, creating undue stress and hardship.

Understanding your rights under labor laws is crucial. Wage theft is not only unethical—it's illegal. All workers are entitled to receive at least the minimum wage, and employers must adhere to laws requiring payment at regular intervals. Additionally, employees who are terminated or resign must receive timely payment of their final salaries. These regulations allow you to be fairly compensated for the time and effort you dedicate to your job.

For over two decades, Melehy & Associates LLC has stood as a steadfast advocate for employee rights in Washington, D.C. With a deep understanding of local employment laws, our team approaches each case with sophistication, skill, and tenacity. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we strive for just outcomes to respect and fulfill our clients' rights and needs.

If you are in Washington, D.C., and believe you have not received the wages you are rightfully owed, schedule a consultation by calling us at (301) 205-5276 or messaging us online.

What Are Unpaid Wages?

Unpaid wages refer to any monetary compensation that an employer legally owes an employee but has not paid. This payment includes any remuneration an employee earns based on time worked, tasks completed, piece rates, or other agreed-upon calculation methods. 

Under the Code of the District of Columbia § 32-1301(3), the definition of wages is extensive, encompassing the following:

• Salaries
• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Fringe benefits paid in cash
• Any other remuneration promised, whether orally or in writing

Unpaid wages can occur in various situations, often undermining the employee's financial stability and trust in the workplace. 

Common scenarios include:

• Failing to pay the minimum wage
• Making unlawful deductions
• Misclassifying employees
• Failing to pay the agreed wage
• Requiring off-the-clock work
• Not paying overtime
• Delaying payments
• Withholding final paychecks

Rights Under D.C.’s Employment Laws

The District’s employment laws help workers receive fair and timely compensation for their labor. According to the Code of the District of Columbia § 32-1302, employers must establish regular paydays in advance. These paydays must occur at least twice per month. However, exceptions exist for administrative, professional, or executive employees, who must be paid at least once per month.

D.C. mandates a minimum wage exceeding the federal minimum. This rate applies to all employees, providing a base level of income for workers across various sectors. In addition to the minimum wage, the law requires that employees who work more than 40 hours per week receive overtime pay. The rate is 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for every hour worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. 

The District’s labor laws also provide guidelines regarding the payment of final wages upon the termination or resignation of an employee. If an employer discharges an employee, the owed wages must be paid on the next business day following the discharge. In cases where an employee resigns, the employer must pay all owed wages by the next regular payday or within seven days of the resignation, whichever comes first.

Steps for Claiming Unpaid Wages

If you suspect that you have not been paid all the wages you are due in Washington, D.C., it is important to take systematic action to address the issue. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

• Gather and organize supporting documentation. Collect all pertinent documents that can substantiate your claim. This paperwork includes timesheets, pay stubs, employment contracts, and relevant employee handbook sections discussing pay and overtime.
• Document your concerns and communicate with your employer. Before escalating the issue, try to resolve it internally. Document all instances of suspected unpaid wages and prepare a formal written notice to your employer detailing the discrepancies.
• File a Claim with the D.C. Office of Wage-Hour. If your employer does not respond satisfactorily to your written notice, file a claim with the Office of Wage-Hour. This agency enforces labor laws in D.C. and can investigate your claim.
• Consider legal action. If the Office of Wage-Hour cannot resolve the issue satisfactorily, or if you prefer a direct approach, consider filing a lawsuit against your employer. Legal action allows you to seek unpaid wages and any additional compensation resulting from the violation, such as legal fees.
• Contact an attorney. Consulting an employment law attorney can be invaluable at any point in this process, especially if you initiate legal proceedings. A lawyer can offer strategic advice tailored to your situation and help protect your rights.

A Trusted Partner for Unpaid Wage Claims

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we navigate the complexities of unpaid wage claims, offering unwavering support to our clients through every step of their legal journey. Understanding the stress and financial strain caused by unpaid wages, we prioritize swift and effective resolutions. We believe that every worker deserves to be paid fully and on time for their contributions and stand ready to uphold these rights through legal channels.

We encourage any worker facing issues with unpaid wages in Washington, D.C., to call our attorneys at (301) 205-5276 or contact us online.