Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers backs the Washington workforce and takes action when employees are missing income on their paychecks. A company’s refusal to pay bonuses and commissions should never be allowed to stand. If this has happened to you and you want to know how to hold your employer financially accountable, contact us today for a no-obligation, free consultation. We can help you find the best path to winning back the money you’ve worked hard for.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Collect Unpaid Bonuses and Commissions?
You don’t have to have a lawyer to file a Worker Rights Complaint Form in Washington.
If your unpaid wages don’t involve a lot of money yet, and your employers show a willingness to fix the issue, you may not need a lawyer’s assistance with your case. However, if the amount you are owed is adding up, and your company isn’t taking your complaints seriously, it’s a good idea to talk to a Washington Unpaid Wages Lawyer.
A skilled lawyer can guide you to the best path to protect yourself and your job and to earn the most possible for what’s been taken, sometimes even more than your employer owes you.
These are some other reasons you may want to consult with a lawyer over the bonuses and commissions you haven’t received:
- If your wage loss is substantial, consult with a lawyer
- If your case is complex, consult with a lawyer
- If your case will require a lot of investigative work, consult with a lawyer
- If your employer will be fighting the claim, you should consult with a lawyer
- If your employer involves corporate lawyers to oppose your case, consult a lawyer
- If your employer is hinting that you could lose your job or be demoted if you don’t drop your case, contact a lawyer
- If you feel you may have to file a lawsuit to secure the money that’s yours, consult with a lawyer
- If coworkers are dealing with the same frustrating problem in trying to get bonuses paid, consult with a lawyer
A large, faceless employer may not understand how damaging missing out on the bonus pay you were counting on can be for you and your family. A smaller company may be struggling to make payroll and looking to pass along the financial consequences to you.
We want to make sure the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) administrators, and if necessary, judges and juries, understand the hardships you’ve faced. With the full story and the evidence, they have the best chance to award you what’s fair.
What Are My Options for Getting Unpaid Commission from My Washington Employer?
You can file a wage complaint with the L&I. The state agency will investigate your case and can compel your employer to pay what’s owed. This would usually be your first step, but you can also sue your company if you don’t get fully compensated for what was withheld. When smaller amounts are involved, you also have the option to take your employer to small claims court.
Most bonuses and commissions are considered wages. The L&I will be concerned if you don’t receive everything promised. They’ll consider it unpaid wages and will look into the employer’s actions. The L&I would also step in if your unpaid bonuses and commissions dropped you under the state’s minimum wage.
Commissions are commonly earned by people in sales jobs, real estate, and the insurance industry. Employees who make a sale receive a percentage of the dollar amount for certain purchases. They can also receive bonuses for meeting certain sales targets. These benefits are guaranteed under several Washington codes, including RCW 49.48.150.
When filing a lawsuit, your case would usually hinge on your company breaking the terms of your work contract or those found in company policies.
Whether you file a claim with L&I or file a lawsuit over unpaid bonuses and commissions, an attorney with Ferraro Vega can represent you and often improve the outcome of your case. Your attorney would present your case before state agency officials and before a judge to make sure what happened to you got the attention it deserved. Your lawyer would also fight for every cent that you are owed.
In some cases, your attorney can secure more for you than you are even owed. If an employer is found to have purposely withheld earnings from you, they may be forced to pay you double what’s owed for lost benefits and wages. In some instances, the employer must also pay your attorney fees. These protections for workers are explained in the Revised Code of Washington 49.52.070.
What Types of Bonuses Can I File a Claim Over?
There are generally two types of bonuses in the workplace. State labor officials would generally only take action over the bonus plan that’s documented with terms set in work agreements.
The Nondiscretionary Bonuses are spelled out in work policies or contracts and are usually tied to performance or given when certain goals are met.
The Discretionary Bonuses are less official and are given out randomly by employers as they wish. Washington’s Department of L&I usually wouldn’t take action over these bonuses given by bosses at they see fit.
However, when discretionary bonuses are given out in a pattern or verbally promised or implied, employees can still file a lawsuit and recover money. A Washington employment lawyer can help victims determine what they’ll need for a successful case.
Should I Get Bonuses and Commissions I Am Owed If I Quit?
Yes. Your right to unpaid wages includes any bonuses and commissions earned before you quit or are terminated. The income you’ve already worked for can’t be taken away.
These wages are due on the final paycheck, which should be provided on the next payday.
Contact a Washington Unpaid Bonus and Commissions Lawyer Today
If your employer isn’t reimbursing you for the bonuses and commissions promised to you, you have legal rights that need to be protected. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we’re here to help you make sure you get paid. We take up the fight until you receive what you are owed.
We help victims of wage theft in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and across Washington State. We help victims regardless of their immigration status. Labor laws are in place to help everyone. Employers who make threats against anyone simply because they are reporting a wage issue are breaking the law. We can help see that violators are punished and that our clients’ jobs and income are protected.
At the same time, we safeguard your job security and shield you from any retaliation from employers. Our legal team knows the city, state, and U.S. labor laws and will work hard to hold your employer accountable. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation.
