How to File an Unpaid Wage Claim in Washington State

When you’re facing unpaid wages at your job in Washington, filing a claim isn’t the first thing you think of–or even something you want to do. But the reality is that taking action is an extremely important step in making things right. This brings up an important question: how exactly can I file an unpaid wage claim? To answer this and any other question you might have, reach out to our team at Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers for a free consultation.

How Do I File a Claim for Unpaid Wages in Washington?

When you’re in a situation where your pay doesn’t match the time you’ve worked, it’s pretty demoralizing. After all, that’s why you work–to take care of your family. So then, how do you actually file a claim to get these unpaid wages back? There’s actually a couple different ways:

• Filing an administrative claim. Your first move is often filing a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). They handle wage claims and can investigate situations where you weren’t paid properly. All you have to do is fill out a complaint form, and if L&I finds your employer broke the law, they can order back pay—and sometimes even fine the employer for the violation.
  
  
• Filing a lawsuit. If L&I doesn’t fully resolve the issue or if you’ve lost a significant amount of wages, you might need to file a lawsuit in civil court. It can take longer than going through L&I, but it also opens the door to recovering more in “damages” like:
  • Unpaid wages and overtime
  • Back pay for missed earnings
  • Liquidated damages (often double what you’re owed for wage violations)
  • Emotional distress damages if the situation caused significant stress or anxiety
  • Attorney’s fees and court costs
    
    

If other employees are also facing similar situations, you all might be able to band together with a class action lawsuit. This is when you all bring a claim together, which can make it easier to share evidence and strengthen your case. Remember, though, every situation is different. So, it’s important to look at why you’d need to file one in the first place.

Why Would I Need to File an Unpaid Wage Claim?

The need for filing an unpaid wage claim might sound simple, but often, it’s not. In most situations, unpaid wages unfold slowly–and in ways that can be hard to recognize:

• Unpaid overtime. You’re putting in extra hours—sometimes way more than 40 a week—and your paycheck doesn’t reflect it. Washington law says you should get time-and-a-half for that extra work, but some employers try to dodge it by messing with your hours or asking you to clock out while still working.
• Being misclassified. Maybe your employer calls you a “manager” or an “independent contractor,” even though you’re clearly an hourly worker. It’s unfair, it’s illegal, and it can mean you miss out on wages you’ve already earned.
• Delayed paychecks. You shouldn’t have to chase down your own paycheck. Washington law says employers have to pay you on time, and waiting weeks for a paycheck is a sign something’s off.
• Unpaid breaks. Washington law gives you paid rest breaks and meal periods, and if your boss keeps cutting them short or skipping them entirely, you should be getting paid for that time.
• Uniforms or equipment. If your job requires a uniform, tools, or safety gear, your employer can’t quietly make you foot the bill by paying for what you need.
  
  

At the end of the day, it’s not just about money—it’s about respect. You’ve put in the time, done the work, and you deserve to be treated fairly. That’s why Washington law exists—to make sure workers like you get the pay you’ve earned by filing a claim.

Should I Get Legal Help For My Unpaid Wage Claim in Washington?

If you’re working in Washington—whether you’re stocking shelves at a big retail store, helping customers on the floor, or managing a team—you’ve earned every dollar on your paycheck. But sometimes, things don’t add up. Some mistakes get cleared up quickly with HR. But if your employer keeps stalling, refuses to pay what you’ve earned, or ignores your questions, that’s when it helps to have someone on your side who knows the law and can step in to help you.

Here’s what our Washington unpaid wage lawyers at Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers can do for you:

• Go through your pay records and show exactly what you’re owed.
• Handle talks with your boss or HR so you don’t have to.
• Push for a fair outcome—whether that’s your unpaid wages or something more.
  
  

You work hard, and you deserve a paycheck that reflects that effort. You don’t have to just “wait it out” when something’s off. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us walk you through your options.