Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers helps workers in Tacoma that aren’t being paid their bonuses and commissions. Getting paid fairly is the most basic expectation you have as an employee, and for many, bonuses and commissions make up a big part of their income. When your employer withholds that money, you have legal options. Our team is here to guide you through the process and fight for what you’re owed. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Can a Lawyer Help You?

You’re not required to hire a lawyer if your employer isn’t paying your bonuses or commissions in Tacoma. In some cases, the issue might be taken care of by simply talking to your employer. However, if you’re missing significant amounts or your employer refuses to cooperate, legal help can make all the difference.

At Ferraro Vega, we understand how stressful this situation can be and can help you by:

  • Reviewing your pay records to confirm what you’re owed.
  • Explaining your rights and the best steps to take.
  • Negotiating with your employer on your behalf.
  • Filing a complaint or lawsuit if needed to hold your employer accountable.

Missing out on bonuses or commissions can be stressful, especially if they’re a big part of your income. Our team is here to protect your rights and help you get what you’re owed.

What Are Your Options If You’re Missing Bonuses or Commissions?

Not being paid bonuses or commissions is a serious issue and considered a form of wage theft. While it can cause financial stress, there are steps you can take to recover what you’re owed:

  • L&I Complaint – Start by filing a complaint with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), the state agency that investigates wage disputes. They can determine if your employer violated the law and may provide evidence to support your case.
  • File a lawsuit – A civil lawsuit allows you to recover unpaid bonuses or commissions and may also include financial support for emotional distress or other damages. It’s a formal court action, though, so it can be lengthy and requires you to face your employer in open court.
  • Class action lawsuit – Chances are, you’re probably not the only worker that’s missing out on bonuses or commission. If other employees are also missing bonuses or commissions, you might be able to join or start a class-action lawsuit. This approach allows a group of workers to collectively recover unpaid wages in a single lawsuit against your employer.

Obviously, the choice is yours for how you want to legally approach the situation. What’s important to remember is that every situation is different. Regardless, you can work with our team and lean on us for guidance and support.

What Should You Do If You’re Not Being Paid Bonuses or Commissions?

Probably the most important thing you can do once you realize that you’re missing bonuses or commissions is to take action. But what specifically do you need to do? Aside from your legal options, it’s important to start gathering as much information and evidence as you can. To do this, you need to:

  • Look at documentation and records – Save any written agreements, emails, or contracts about your bonuses or commissions. Compare these to your pay stubs or payment records to show the difference between what you were promised and what you’ve received.
  • Talk to your coworkers – If coworkers have also been denied bonuses or commissions, their stories can back up your case and show a pattern of unfair practices. It can also help you gauge the potential for a class action lawsuit.
  • Review your company’s policies – Look at your employer’s policies on bonuses or commissions. If their policies don’t match what they promised you, it can support your claim.

Like any situation, the evidence you’re able to gather is going to tell you how viable your claim is. Taking these steps is a good way to form a solid foundation once you decide to move forward with getting your pay.

What Do Employers Do to Avoid Paying Bonuses or Commissions?

It’s fairly easy to see why your employer would avoid paying you a bonus or your commission–to keep the money for themselves. But even something as blatant as not paying you happens in different ways. Here’s how most employers try to get around paying these wages:

  • Misclassifying you – Employers may claim you’re not eligible for bonuses or commissions when you actually are.
  • Not tracking your performance – Failing to keep proper records of your work or sales makes it harder to prove you’ve earned your payment.
  • Delaying or withholding payments – Some employers intentionally delay paying bonuses or commissions, hoping you won’t notice or challenge them.
  • Changing the rules – Employers might alter the terms of your bonus or commission plan without telling you.
  • Hidden or confusing terms – Contracts or agreements may include unclear rules that make it difficult to understand when or how you’ll be paid.

Even if your job has unique terms, your employer must still pay you fairly for the work you’ve done. Withholding bonuses or commissions without a valid reason is unacceptable, but you have options that our team can help you with.

Get Help for Unpaid Bonuses or Commissions in Tacoma

Your employer has a responsibility to pay you what you’ve earned, including bonuses and commissions. If they’re failing to do so, it’s not just frustrating–it’s wage theft. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we’ll make sure you’re paid what you’re owed. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you hold your employer accountable.