Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers helps workers in Tacoma when their rights are violated. One of the most basic rights every worker has is to be paid the state minimum wage. Even though this is clearly spelled out in the law, many employers still try to get around paying you or your coworkers correctly. If you find yourself in this situation, our team can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.

Should You Get a Lawyer?

Not being paid correctly–whether it’s minimum wage or other type of “wage theft”– is incredibly stressful. Not only are you missing out on income, but it also opens the door for other types of violations of your pay. This is something no worker wants to go through, but there are legal options. That said, you might be wondering if you should get a lawyer. It depends on the situation. Some workers might be able to go directly to their employer and fix the issue.

However, if this isn’t possible, you need to think about your options and how getting our lawyers can help you:

  • Explaining how the law works and what your options are
  • Gathering and putting evidence and documentation together for a claim
  • Negotiating with your employer
  • Filing an L&I claim or even a civil lawsuit to help you get wages back

You don’t need a lawyer to handle a minimum wage claim, but the process can be stressful. We’re here to make things easier for you and your family while also making sure that the wage theft is addressed and fixed.

What Options Do You Have If You’re Not Being Paid Minimum Wage?

Not being paid minimum wage can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to protect your rights in Tacoma. But again, it all comes down to your particular situation. Here’s a few options:

  • Meet with your employer – Start by discussing the issue directly with your employer. Bring up the problem and show any evidence of the violation. If they ignore or refuse to resolve it, you may need to move forward.
  • File an L&I Complaint – If talking to your employer doesn’t help, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Include details about the violation and any supporting documents to back up your case. L&I is the state agency responsible for enforcing the law when it comes to wages, so they’ll look into the potential claim and figure out what happened. If your complaint is accepted, L&I may hold a hearing where you and your employer present your evidence and arguments.
  • File a lawsuit – If the L&I process doesn’t lead to a fair result, you might consider filing a lawsuit. This is a big step and should be discussed with an experienced lawyer. Our legal team can guide you through your options and explain what to expect. By filing a lawsuit, you may recover “damages” like:

    • Unpaid wages
    • Liquidated damages (usually double your unpaid wages)
    • Interest on unpaid wages
    • Attorneys’ fees and court costs

The right path depends on your situation. While talking to your employer might resolve the issue, many times, minimum wage violations aren’t isolated. That’s why other steps are available, and our team is here to support and guide you.

How Do Employers Violate Minimum Wage Laws?

Most workers in Tacoma know they should be paid at least the minimum wage. The Washington State minimum wage is set and adjusted regularly. Currently, the state minimum wage is:

  • $16.28 per hour.


Given that the law on minimum wage is fairly clear, you might think that your employer would do everything they can to make sure that you’re paid correctly. While this is true in a lot of cases, there’s also pretty stark examples of this not happening–and it’s not always apparent. Usually, employers do the following that violates minimum wage laws in Tacoma:

  • Paying below minimum wage – The most straightforward violation is paying an hourly rate below the legal minimum.

  • Not paying overtime – Employers might fail to pay the correct rate for hours worked over 40 in a week.

  • Off-the-clock work – Some employers ask you to work before or after your shift without paying for that time.

  • Illegal deductions – Certain deductions can reduce your pay below the minimum wage, which is against the law.

  • Misclassification – Employers may misclassify you as an independent contractor or exempt employee to bypass minimum wage laws.

While any one of these scenarios is difficult, it’s important to remember that this typically happens across all industries in Tacoma. This means that, no matter what your job is, you could face a situation where you’re not given minimum wage. And this opens the door for other violations. That’s why it’s important to know what you need for a strong claim.

What Types of Evidence Do You Need For a Strong Claim?

Again, nobody wants to face a situation where they’re not treated fairly at work. Unfortunately, though, you don’t have a lot of control over what your employer does. However, this doesn’t mean you’re powerless. You have options for fixing the issue, but it is going to require certain evidence like:

  • Paystubs – These are key records showing what you were paid and can highlight any discrepancies or missing amounts.

  • Timesheets – Keeping track of the hours you worked, especially if you’re paid hourly or worked overtime, is crucial.

  • Bank records – Save copies of bank statements or bounced checks to show proof of what you received or didn’t receive in wages.

  • Employer communications – Keep any emails, texts, or notes from your employer that mention pay issues or instances of unpaid work.

In Washington, receiving the minimum wage is a basic right for all workers. If your employer isn’t paying you what you’re owed, it can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to reclaim your lost wages. Our team can guide you through each step and explain your options.

Protect Your Rights at Work in Tacoma

You have basic rights as a worker in Tacoma, whether it’s being kept safe or paid fairly and at the state-mandated minimum wage. When this doesn’t happen, you can turn to our team at Ferraro Vega. We’re here to protect your right to fair wages and help prevent your employer from continuing these practices. Contact us today for a free consultation to get the recovery process started.