The recovery of unpaid wages is vital when you are out of pocket and need to pay the bills. Trying to recover unpaid wages through a government agency like the Department of Labor (“DOL”) can be a long and cumbersome process. To recover unpaid wages faster, you should consult an experienced employment attorney.

Rowdy Meeks Legal Group LLC represents employees throughout the United States in wage disputes.

Filing a Recovery of Unpaid Wages Claim With A Government Agency

Let’s look at the process of submitting an unpaid wage claim, according to the Kansas Department of Labor.

First, an employee must complete a wage claim form. The Office of Employment Standards will then review and process the claim. Once the claim is processed, the Labor Conciliator will notify the employer along with the claim. The employer has ten business days to respond in writing to the claim.

There will then be a hearing where the employer and employee will submit supporting documentation, testify, and tell the presiding officer what happened. Once the decision on handling the unpaid wage claim is finalized, the employer can pay the employee or offer them a settlement. However, the collection process can take a long time.

When you file a claim with a government agency, it takes a long time to pursue it. You are also likely to recover less wages than if you consulted an employment attorney.

Going The Legal Route in the Recovery of Unpaid Wages

Ask an experienced employment attorney to assess your case. Rowdy Meeks Legal Group LLC offers free case evaluations. We will determine the strength of your claim, and explain your rights based on federal and state laws.

An employment attorney who deals with wage and overtime violations can also help put pressure on your employer.

• An attorney can draft a formal demand letter on your behalf, outlining the amount owed, the legal basis for the claim, and a deadline for payment. A letter of demand can prompt your employer to resolve the issue quickly.
• Attorneys skilled in employment law can negotiate with your employer to reach a settlement agreement that gets you the pay you deserve.
• Threatening or initiating legal action can push your employer to prioritize resolving unpaid wage issues. 

An experienced employment attorney can expedite the recovery of unpaid wages and secure the compensation you deserve. Their legal expertise, negotiation skills, and advocacy can make the recovery process easier and lead to a prompt resolution of your unpaid wage claim.

Help The Process By Being Prepared

You can make the process of recovering your unpaid wages quicker by being prepared for your initial meeting with an employment attorney.

• Collect any relevant documentation related to your employment and wages, including pay stubs, timesheets, employment contracts, emails, and other correspondence with your employer. These documents will help the attorney assess the merits of your case and determine the amount of unpaid wages owed to you.
• Write down a timeline of events. Include things like when you started working for your employer, your job responsibilities, any changes in pay rates or hours worked, and instances of unpaid wages. Be as detailed as possible and include dates, amounts, and descriptions of any relevant incidents.
• Make a list of questions and concerns you have about your unpaid wages, the legal process, and potential outcomes.
• Be prepared to discuss your financial situation, including any financial hardships you’ve experienced due to unpaid wages. This information may be relevant in determining the urgency of your case and identifying potential damages.
• Remember, you do not need records of your unpaid work time to bring an unpaid wages case.  The law is clear that an employee’s memory of hours worked establishes unpaid hours when the employer fails to keep accurate records of all time worked.

Working With an Employment Lawyer Like Rowdy Meeks Legal Group LLC

Rowdy Meeks Legal Group LLC represents employees throughout the United States in wage disputes. We have the experience, resources, and track record to help you get the pay you earn.

To learn more about the recovery of unpaid wages, you should contact us today.