Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers help workers in Seattle when they aren’t being paid overtime. Most workers are familiar with overtime, but there’s also “double-time pay,” a higher form of overtime that can kick in after you go over certain work thresholds. If your employer is refusing to pay you double-time, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Would You Need a Lawyer?

It should be mentioned at the outset that there’s no law in Washington State that guarantees double-time pay. However, if your employer either promised it to you or has a policy that provides for it, double-time pay is something that they have to give you. Double-time pay is less common than overtime but remains a crucial part of working in Seattle, especially at certain jobs or projects.

If you’re not getting the double-time pay you’ve earned in Seattle, working with our lawyers can make all the difference. We’ll help you by:

  • Explaining Washington’s labor laws and proving your employer owes you double-time pay.
  • Gathering pay stubs, time records, and other evidence to support your claim.
  • Handling the tough conversations and negotiations so you don’t have to.
  • Filing a complaint or lawsuit to make sure your employer is held accountable.

Our goal is to help you recover every dollar you’re owed, including any penalties or interest.

While it feels overwhelming, our team will be there to support you through the entire claims process.

When Do You Get Double-Time Pay in Seattle?

In Seattle, some workers qualify for double-time pay, which is twice your regular hourly wage. Here’s when you’re usually eligible:

  • If you work more than 12 hours in a single day
  • If you work over 8 hours on the 7th straight day in a week

Not everyone qualifies for double-time pay–it depends on how your employer classifies you. Double-time pay is usually only available for “non-exempt” workers. These are typically hourly workers, but some salaried workers may also qualify if they don’t meet certain exemption rules.

If you meet this criteria and your employer has led you to believe they’ll give you double-time pay, it’s on them to provide it. If they don’t, they’re violating your agreement. At the same time, though, it can sometimes be hard to even know that you’re missing out on this extra pay. Usually, employers will do things like:

  • Misclassification – This is usually the most common way. Your employer might label you as exempt (salaried), even though you’re actually non-exempt and should qualify for double-time pay.
  • Lack of information – Employers may not explain double-time rules, leaving you unsure if you qualify.
  • Broken promises – Some employers promise double-time pay but don’t actually include it in your paycheck.
  • Bad record keeping – Employers might not track your hours properly, making it hard to tell if you’re owed double-time.
  • Mixing up overtime – Some employers pay overtime but skip double-time, hoping you won’t notice the difference.

Many workers stay quiet about missing pay because they’re afraid of losing their job or facing retaliation. If you’re unsure about your rights or think you’re being shortchanged, though, it’s important to speak up so you can protect your rights.

What Claims Options Do You Have For Unpaid Double-Time Wages?

The one good thing about unpaid double-time is that you’re still being paid–just not fully. This gives you certain legal options, but thankfully, unpaid double-time likely won’t leave you struggling financially. At the same time, though, if your employer believes they can get away with denying you double-time pay, they’ll probably try to do other things that’s going to hurt your bank account.

That’s when you need to know what your options are. Here’s what you can do:

  • File a Complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) – L&I enforces labor laws and investigates wage theft claims. If you file a complaint and they find your employer at fault, they can force your employer to pay the unpaid double-time wages.
  • File a civil lawsuit – If your employer continues to deny you double-time, you can file a lawsuit. With our help, you can take your case to court and recover your unpaid wages, along with potential damages.
  • Join a class action lawsuit – If other employees are also missing double-time pay, you may be able to join a class-action lawsuit. This allows a group of workers to take collective legal action and recover unpaid wages together.

Unpaid double-time isn’t just about missing pay–it’s your employer stealing from you. By filing a claim or lawsuit, you may be able to recover:

  • The unpaid double-time wages with interest
  • Liquidated damages (potentially double the unpaid amount)
  • Reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses
  • Attorneys’ fees
  • Emotional distress damages

Standing up to your employer takes courage, but it’s important to act within the legal timeframe. In Washington, you typically have three years from the date of the unpaid wages to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you lose your ability to even file a claim and recover this money.

How Should You Approach Unpaid Double-Time Violations?

Dealing with unpaid double-time wages in Seattle can feel frustrating, especially since employers control your schedule, classification, and pay structure. While the agreement is simple–you work, and they pay–it doesn’t always go as planned when employers don’t do what they’re supposed to do.

But it’s also about what you can do in this situation. Here’s how you should approach it:

  • Keep good records – Keep clear records of the hours you’ve worked, including overtime and double-time hours, and compare them to your pay stubs. This is essential for proving any violations.
  • Understand your status – If you’re an hourly employee, you’re likely non-exempt and eligible for double-time. If you have any paperwork that shows this clearly, save it for your claim. Outside of that, make a note of any talks, text messages, or emails that would show this.
  • Talk to your employer directly – Once you confirm that you’re missing double-time pay,  take the issue directly to your employer. If it’s an honest mistake, they might correct the error and pay what’s owed.

It’s obviously not a good situation to be in, but when you’re missing double-time pay, you have to have clear evidence to form a solid foundation for a potential claim. Taking these steps will help with that, but you can also turn to our experienced team for guidance and support.

Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers Can Help with Unpaid Wages in Seattle

Unpaid wages–whether double-time or overtime–can cause serious stress at your job. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we’re here to protect your rights and make sure your employer pays you correctly.

Don’t wait to take action if you’ve been a victim of unpaid double-time wages. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us fight to get you the wages you’re owed.