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Wage and Hour Lawyer in New York City

New York City Wage and Hour Claims Lawyer
Key Takeaways
  • New York City employees are legally entitled to all earned wages under state and federal wage and hour laws.
  • Employers may commit wage theft through unpaid overtime, off-the-clock work, tip theft, or misclassifying employees.
  • New York law allows workers to recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, and penalties for wage violations.
  • Employees are protected from retaliation when reporting wage theft or other unlawful employment practices.
  • An experienced wage and hour lawyer can investigate violations, file claims, and pursue full compensation on a worker’s behalf.

Every day, countless New York City employees are cheated out of money and not paid their legal wages. Under both state and federal laws, employees must receive all earned wages.

A wage and hour lawyer in New York City at Joseph & Norinsberg, founded in 2014, can help you pursue lost wages from your employer. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how a New York City employment lawyer can offer legal aid.

Table of Contents

Why Workers Choose Joseph & Norinsberg for Wage and Hour Cases

If you have not been paid your legal wages, contact Joseph & Norinsberg’s NYC attorneys for wage and hour disputes. We have ample experience providing tailored legal aid for wage theft in NYC.

Our team of experienced wage and hour attorneys in New York is committed to fighting passionately and aggressively for every client who walks through our doors, no matter the client’s identity or case size.

We take great pride in our five–star rating on Google because it represents our clients’ satisfaction with our high-quality legal services. At our firm, we treat every client as if they were a member of our own family. Many of our clients stay in touch with us long after we have given them legal aid and resolved their cases.

Real Results for Real NYC Clients

At the end of the day, we understand that our clients need results. We have a strong track record of securing high-value case results on their behalf:

  • Employment lawsuit settlement: Attorney Duffy was part of a legal team that prevailed at summary judgment in a case involving an employer accused of misappropriating employee tips.
  • Wage and hour settlement for trade workers: We secured a recovery for a class of workers who alleged they were denied overtime pay for transporting work vehicles and working through unpaid meal breaks.
  • Class action settlement for more than 3,000 office cleaners: Representing lead plaintiff Sonia Portillo and other cleaners, we obtained a favorable outcome in a case involving allegations of unpaid wages for travel between job sites.
  • Settlement for a master electrician and event lighting coordinator: We secured a significant settlement for a client who alleged her former employer failed to pay wages she was owed and terminated her after she raised the issue.
  • Settlement for seven mechanics over late wages and unpaid overtime: We represented seven workers who alleged they were paid late and shorted on wages despite being classified as manual workers entitled to weekly pay under New York law. We obtained a successful outcome within a few months.

Past results do not guarantee future case outcomes. 

Great firm and quality service. Highly recommend them for discrimination and wage issues.
– Jordan B.
My experience with Joseph & Norinsberg LLC from the beginning to the end was excellent! Shout out to John Meehan who I worked with throughout. The whole process was extremely professional to the highest point, I couldn't ask for a better lawyer! His guidance and legal information through my case was extremely caring and dedicated to getting me the best compensation! #1 Best law firm! Very grateful! Thank you so much, John. Couldn't ask for more! It was a pleasure working with you and the team!
– Mark Estela
Ms. Erica Meyer, an attorney with Joseph and Norinsberg LLC demonstrated the breadth of her legal experience and knowledge when I engaged her to represent me in a complex and contentious case. Her ability to quickly negotiate a settlement was outstanding, avoiding any unnecessary and costly litigation. I was always kept up to date with progress reports with timely follow-through by Ms. Meyer and staff. I highly recommend Ms. Meyer and Joseph and Norinsberg LLC for potential clients seeking legal representation.
– Marilyn Brischler
$5 million
SETTLEMENT

Settlement for an employment in a very litigious lawsuit. Attorney Duffy was on a team that proved summary judgment that the employer defendant had misappropriated tips from its employees.

$3 million
SETTLEMENT

Wage and hour settlement successfully obtained on behalf of a class of trade workers. This recovery compensates employees who were denied full overtime pay for time spent transporting work vehicles and working through unpaid meal breaks.

$2.7 million
SETTLEMENT

Class action settlement for more than 3,000 office cleaners – This class action was represented by class representative and lead plaintiff Sonia Portillo. The plaintiffs alleged unpaid wages for traveling between job locations throughout their workday. Despite the company’s denial of wrongdoing, we obtained a favorable outcome for the plaintiffs.

$500,000
SETTLEMENT

Settlement for a master electrician and event lighting coordinator – Their claims of unpaid wages were against their former employer, a well-known owner and operator of event spaces in New York City. The defendant terminated our client’s employment after she raised the issue. Despite strong opposition, we obtained a significant settlement for our client.

$397,250
SETTLEMENT

Settlement for a group of mechanics who alleged late wages and unpaid overtime – Although they were considered “manual workers,” which entitled them to weekly pay, they were not paid on time. In fact, they were underpaid by the defendant several hours per week. Our firm represented seven clients in this action and obtained a successful outcome in just a few months.

Compensation You Can Pursue in a Wage and Hour Dispute

Under the Wage Theft Prevention Act in New York, you may be entitled to several types of compensation for your wage and hour dispute. The damages you can recover may include unpaid wages and different types of statutory damages. In New York, you may receive up to 100 percent of your lost wages in liquidated damages.

Employers who retaliate against a worker for raising a wage complaint may be ordered to pay liquidated damages of up to $20,000. Employers may also face civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first violation, $2,000 for a second, and $3,000 for third and subsequent violations, as well as separate damages for failing to provide required wage notices or pay stubs.

If the employer fails to pay in full within 90 days of the final order to comply, the Department of Labor may add 15 percent in damages to a judgment.

To learn more about the specific types and amount of compensation you can receive for your dispute, consult our wage and hour lawyers in New York City. We can assess your case, calculate the amount your employer owes you, and provide guidance on the best path forward.

The Time Limit for Filing a Wage and Hour Claim

Although average working hours have declined dramatically over the past 150 years, employees still face wage disputes, unpaid overtime, and pressure to work beyond their scheduled hours.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, an employee only has two years to bring an action for unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime compensation, or liquidated damages. If the violation was willful, the deadline extends to three years. By contrast, the New York State statute of limitations for filing a wage and hour claim is six years.

If you do not file an action before the deadline, you may be barred from filing a wage and hour claim. Do not wait to seek legal representation. The sooner you reach out to our firm for legal aid, the sooner we can investigate and file your case.

How to Tell if Your Employer Is Stealing From You

Wage and hour disputes can cause substantial income losses. These repercussions are especially pronounced among individuals in positions such as waitstaff, freelance designers, and rideshare drivers.

Employers can be held liable for engaging in various forms of wage theft, including:

  • Not paying overtime
  • Paying less than minimum wage
  • Asking you to work off the clock
  • Shaving or manipulating hours
  • Stealing tips
  • Falsely misclassifying you as an “independent contractor”
  • Failing to provide wage notices or accurate pay stubs

If you have experienced any of these violations, speak with our wage and hour lawsuit lawyers in New York today to discuss your legal options. We are here to offer high-quality legal representation and to ensure you know your full legal rights and options.

Employees at large New York City employers like Mount Sinai Health System, JPMorgan Chase, and NewYork-Presbyterian may encounter workplace concerns involving unpaid overtime or excessive hours, and if you believe your employer has violated your rights, talk to Joseph & Norinsberg about your legal options.

Steps Involved in a Wage and Hour Case in New York

Handling a wage and hour legal dispute alone can be daunting. You do not have to take it on alone. We are here to provide legal aid. Below are the basic steps involved in a wage and hour claim:

  • Initial consultation and case evaluation with a lawyer: First, meet with a wage and hour lawyer in New York City to discuss your situation. Be sure to provide details about your employment and any suspected violations. Our lawyers will evaluate the merits of your case.
  • Investigation and gathering of evidence to support the wage and hour claim: Next, your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your wage records and employment history. They will evaluate the extent of violations and wage theft to build a robust case.
  • Filing a complaint with the appropriate agency or court: Your attorney will prepare and file a formal complaint before the all-important deadline.
  • Negotiation and settlement discussions with the employer or their legal representatives: After filing your complaint, your lawyer will negotiate with your employer and their legal representatives. Our attorneys will use their negotiation skills to pursue a fair settlement agreement.
  • Litigation to pursue compensation and justice for the victim of wage theft: If your employer refuses to negotiate a settlement for an appropriate amount, your lawyer can represent you in formal legal proceedings. An attorney at law will stand by you throughout the life of your claim.

Get a Free Consultation With a New York City Wage and Hour Attorney

Wage and hour claims can be challenging, especially if you are not a lawyer. That is where Joseph & Norinsberg’s experienced NYC wage and hour claim lawyers come in.

Our wage and hour lawyers in New York City have the resources, knowledge, and experience to fight for the enforcement of individual rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact us for a free consultation. Our trial-tested law practice can also assist with cases involving wrongful termination, unlawful raise denials, and other legal issues. 

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