Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers guides workers through the claims process when they aren’t being paid correctly in Seattle. Getting paid is the simplest expectation you have as a worker, but not everyone is paid the same way. Some workers make a significant amount of their income from bonuses or commissions. When your employer tries to take those away from you, you have certain options that our team can help you with. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Should You Get a Lawyer?

You aren’t required to get a lawyer when you’re not being paid your bonuses or commissions in Seattle, or anywhere else in Washington. In fact, some of your issues might be resolved just by going to your employer directly. However, if you’re missing out on significant bonuses or commissions, it’s likely that you’ll need legal help.

Our team at Ferraro Vega understands what you’re going through and can help you by:

  • Looking at pay records or agreements to confirm you’re being denied bonuses or commissions
  • Explaining what your best options are
  • Negotiating with your employer directly on your behalf
  • Filing an administrative complaint or civil lawsuit to get your money

You obviously don’t want to be in a situation where you’re not being paid correctly, especially if you earn a lot in bonuses or are commission-only. Still, you have rights and options, and our team can stand up for you during this process.

How Should You Approach Unpaid Bonuses or Commissions?

Not being paid bonuses or commission is one of the easier pay violations to spot, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy situation. You rely on your pay a great deal, so when any of it is taken away, it makes things challenging. And although you have options, it’s still about what you can prove. So, if you think your bonuses or commissions aren’t being paid, here’s how you should approach the situation:

  • Keep track of records – Keep track of any verbal or written agreements about bonuses or commissions. This usually revolves around things like signed contracts, emails, or company policies. Keep pay stubs and records showing what you were paid compared to what you’re owed.

  • Gather witness statements – If coworkers have experienced similar issues with unpaid bonuses or commissions, their testimony can help strengthen your case.

  • Review company policies – Look at your employer’s written policies on bonuses or commissions. If they don’t match your specific agreement, that can support your claim.

When you have enough evidence to show your employer has withheld payments, it certainly helps you in the next steps. But it’s also about facing your employer with a claim, and that can be challenging.

What Are Your Options If You’re Not Being Paid Bonuses or Commissions?

At its core, not being paid bonuses or commission is a form of wage theft. Unpaid wages are very serious, and though it causes financial trouble for you in the short-term, you do have options for getting that money back. Usually, it involves the following steps:

  • File a Complaint with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) – Filing a complaint with L&I is often the first step. This is the state agency that investigates wage disputes and can figure out if your employer broke the law. If nothing else, L&I can provide evidence that you can use in a bigger claim.
  • File a lawsuit – You also have the option to file a lawsuit. A civil case allows you to recover unpaid bonuses or commissions, as well as additional damages for things like your emotional distress.

  • Class action lawsuits – For pay disputes, one of the best ways to recover wages is to band together with others. If other employees at your company are also missing bonuses or commissions, you may be able to join or start a class-action lawsuit. This lets a group of workers file a single lawsuit to recover unpaid wages/

Every situation is different, but our team will build a strategy tailored to your case. Whether through an L&I complaint, lawsuit, or class action, we’ll make sure you’re able to get what you’re owed.

How Does Your Employer Not Pay You For Bonuses or Commissions?

Facing unpaid bonuses or commission is an extremely frustrating situation. Your employer seemingly holds all the cards when it comes to when and how they pay you. What’s more, bonuses–and commissions to a lesser extent–are extra pay on top of your hourly wage or salary. So, it’s not like you’re not being paid at all. Still though, a situation where you’re not being paid correctly is unacceptable and opens the door for other violations.

But it’s still important to look at how these things happen:

  • Misclassifying you – Your employer might incorrectly say you don’t qualify for bonuses or commissions when you actually do.

  • Not tracking your sales or performance – Your employer may fail to keep accurate records of your work, making it hard to prove you earned the bonus or commission.

  • Delaying or withholding payments – This is usually the most common way employers do this, where they intentionally hold off on paying you, hoping you won’t notice.

  • Changing the rules – Sometimes, employers change the terms of your bonus or commission plan without telling you.

  • Hidden or unclear terms – Your contract or plan may have confusing or hidden rules that make it unclear when or how you’re supposed to get paid.

Again, every workplace and situation is different, so there are some exceptions to the rules around bonuses and commissions. For example, if the nature of your job prevents you from earning bonuses or commissions as agreed, your employer may be able to adjust the terms. However, you must still be paid fairly for the work you’ve done, and your employer can’t simply withhold earnings without a valid reason.

Contact Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers For Unpaid Bonuses or Commissions in Seattle

Employers in Seattle have certain responsibilities to make sure they pay employees correctly, including for bonuses and commissions. If your employer isn’t paying you as promised, this can create frustration and financial strain.

At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we’re committed to standing up for your rights. Don’t let your employer get away with withholding your bonuses or commissions that you’ve earned–contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you.