Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers helps workers in Seattle when their workplace rights are violated. When you go to work at your job, you have certain rights when it comes to your pay. One of the most basic ones is a minimum wage, but even that can be taken away from you by your employer. When this happens, you have options. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.

Do You Need a Lawyer For a Minimum Wage Claim?

You don’t need a lawyer to file any type of claim in Washington, but the reality is that facing violations of your pay or other workplace rights is incredibly stressful. So, while you don’t technically need a lawyer, having our team on your side in this situation can really help you. Here’s what we can do for you:

  • Explain your rights under the law and your available options
  • Assist you in collecting evidence and necessary documentation
  • Negotiate with your employer to find a resolution
  • File a lawsuit, if needed

You don’t have to handle a minimum wage claim on your own. While the law protects your rights, the process can be overwhelming. Our team is here to support you and your family, make sure your employer is held accountable, and help you recover the unpaid wages that were taken from you.

How Will Your Employer Violate Your Right to a Minimum Wage?

Most workers in Seattle know they have to make at least minimum wage. In fact, Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards mandates a minimum wage for all workers, regardless of company size, of at least:

  • $19.97 per hour.

Further, as of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will be raised to $20.76 per hour. This is a stark example of why working in Seattle is beneficial, but unfortunately, employers will try to skirt around this regulation. Usually, they do this by:

  • Not paying you the minimum wage – This is the most common way, where your employer pays you an hourly rate that’s below what’s required by law.

    Not paying you overtime – Similarly, your employer might not give you the right pay rate when you work over 40 hours per week.

  • Off-the-clock work – Sometimes, your employer will tell you to work before or after your shift without paying you for it.

  • Illegal deductions – Employers can sometimes make illegal deductions that lower your pay below the minimum wage.

  • Misclassifying you – Other times, you might be misclassified as an independent contractor or exempt employee to avoid paying you the minimum wage.

As you can see, there’s actually a lot of ways where your employer might try to get around paying you a minimum wage. These actions can leave you with unpaid wages and put a strain on your finances and family. So, in this situation, knowing your rights can help you fight back if this happens to you.

What Legal Options Do You Have If You’re Not Paid Minimum Wage?

For as helpless a feeling as it is to not be paid minimum wage in Seattle, it does leave you with several options for protecting your rights. Here’s a few of these options:

Here’s what the process generally looks like:

  • Talk to your employer – Before taking formal action, try to resolve the issue directly with your employer. Start by discussing the problem and sharing any evidence of the minimum wage violation. If your employer refuses to address it or does not respond, you may need to take the next step.
  • Go to hearings – If your complaint is accepted, L&I may schedule a hearing to review the case. During this hearing, both you and your employer will present your evidence and arguments.
  • File a lawsuit – If the hearing doesn’t lead to a satisfactory outcome, you might need to file a lawsuit. This decision is significant and should be made after consulting with an experienced lawyer. Our legal team can guide you through your options and explain what to expect. By filing a lawsuit, you may recover:

    • Unpaid wages
    • Liquidated damages
    • Interest on unpaid wages
    • Attorneys’ fees and court costs

Obviously, the best path you need to take depends on your situation. You may be able to talk directly with your employer and straighten everything out. However, not paying you minimum wage is rarely an isolated incident, which is why the other options are available to you. Our team can guide and support you, but you have to think about what you need to do also.

How Can You Prove You Weren’t Paid Minimum Wage?

It can be intimidating when your rights at work are violated, whether it’s harassment, a hostile environment, or not being paid what you’re owed. If you’re not receiving the minimum wage, you need to make a claim–and that involves proving your case. Luckily, gathering evidence for unpaid wages is pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can show what happened:

  • Paystubs – These provide a record of what you’ve been paid and can reveal if there are any discrepancies or missing amounts.

  • Schedules or timesheets – Keeping a record of your work hours, especially if you’re an hourly worker or have worked overtime, is essential.

  • Bank records – If checks from your employer bounced or if you want to show direct deposits, keep copies of your bank statements as proof.

  • Written messages from your employer – Save any emails, texts, or notices related to pay issues or unpaid work from your employer.

Getting minimum wage is a fundamental right in Washington, no matter what your job is. If your employer isn’t honoring this, it’s frustrating–but there are steps you can take to address the issue and recover what you’re owed. Our team can explain your options and then guide you through the process.

Work With Experienced Seattle Employment Lawyers

At Ferraro Vega, our team of experienced Seattle employment lawyers knows how difficult it is when you aren’t paid what you’re owed. We’re here to fight for the wages you’ve been denied and to help make sure you and your coworkers don’t face these issues again. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help you.