Experienced Minneapolis Wage And Hour Violation Lawyers
Last updated on April 1, 2025
If your employer has violated wage and hour laws, it is important to understand your rights and seek experienced legal guidance. Our skilled Minneapolis attorneys are here to help you navigate these claims and recover the wages you are owed.
At Neaton & Puklich, P.L.L.P., our Minneapolis attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in handling wage and hour violations. We are committed to providing personalized legal services and protecting your rights in the workplace.
What Are Wage And Hour Violations?
Wage and hour violations occur when employers fail to comply with laws regarding compensation, working hours, and employee rights. Common examples of these violations include:
- Minimum wage violations: Workers must receive at least the minimum wage required by law, either the federal or state rate, whichever is higher. Employers cannot pay less than this amount.
- Overtime pay violations: Employees who work over 40 hours in a week should be paid at a time-and-a-half rate for those extra hours. Failing to provide overtime pay is a violation of wage laws.
- Misclassification of employees: Some workers may be wrongly classified as exempt from overtime pay to avoid paying them for additional hours worked. This misclassification is illegal if the employee’s role doesn’t meet exemption criteria.
- Unpaid breaks or meal periods: Workers must be paid if they are required to work through breaks or if their breaks are interrupted by job duties.
- Failure to pay for all hours worked: Any time spent on job duties, even outside regular hours or before/after clocking in, should be compensated.
If you suspect wage and hour violations, it is important to take action. You may have the option to file a complaint with government agencies or pursue legal action to recover unpaid wages.
Industries That Often Violate Wage And Hour Laws
Certain industries are more prone to wage and hour violations due to their work environments, pay structures and workforce dynamics. Employees in these sectors often face challenges in obtaining the compensation and benefits they are legally entitled to in Minnesota.
- Hospitality: Jobs in hotels, restaurants and catering services often involve irregular hours, tipped wages and overtime work. Employers sometimes miscalculate overtime or fail to meet minimum wage requirements.
- Health care: The demanding schedules of health care workers, including nurses, caregivers and administrative staff, can lead to unpaid overtime, skipped meal breaks or violations related to on-call pay.
- Retail: Retail workers frequently encounter issues such as being required to work off the clock, being denied overtime pay or being misclassified as exempt employees to avoid paying additional wages.
- Construction: With long hours and variable pay structures, construction workers are vulnerable to wage theft, unpaid overtime and not receiving proper breaks as required by law.
If you suspect wage and hour violations, taking action early can help protect your legal rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.
FAQ: Minnesota Wage And Hour Claims
Understanding the legal framework surrounding wage and hour claims is essential to protecting your rights as a Minnesota employee. The answers to some frequently asked questions can guide you through the claims process.
How long do I have to file a wage and hour claim in Minnesota?
Under state law, the statute of limitations for an employee wage and hour claim is two years from the date of the violation. However, if the act was intentional, the time to file may extend to three years. Acting promptly is critical to preserving your right to pursue compensation and justice.
As an independent contractor, am I eligible to file a wage and hour claim?
In Minnesota, independent contractors generally cannot file a wage and hour claim under the same protections as employees. However, you can still pursue a claim for unpaid wages based on your contract or if you were misclassified as an employee. It is crucial to assess your work arrangement carefully and seek advice from a seasoned wage and hour attorney.
What is the difference between labor law violations and wage and hour violations?
Wage and hour violations pertain to compensation-related issues such as failure to pay minimum wage, unpaid overtime or incorrect classification of employees. In contrast, labor law violations encompass a broader scope, including workplace safety, harassment and discrimination. Understanding these distinctions can help you determine the appropriate course of action.
What are the advantages of choosing to work with an experienced wage and hour attorney?
An attorney experienced in wage and hour claims can be invaluable in navigating employment law issues. They understand the regulations and know how to aggressively advocate for your rights in negotiations or litigation. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help you significantly improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
If you have experienced wage and hour violations, it is important to consult with a Minneapolis lawyer who understands these laws and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us at CALL or via email to schedule a consultation.