Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers proudly supports Seattle workers who have been forced to cover on-the-job expenses due to unreimbursed expense claims. This refusal to approve compensation often goes against Washington and Federal labor laws. If this has happened to you and you want to know how to hold your employer financially accountable, contact us today for a free consultation.

Do I Need an Employment Lawyer to Recover Unreimbursed Expense Claims?

You may have spent money in the scope of your job duties, for work travel, or simply to purchase work-related equipment and supplies that allow you to do your job. If your employer denies responsibility for the charges, you could suddenly be facing an unexpected and large financial loss.

If you try to fight an unfair decision made by your employers, you may have to face off against their corporate lawyers. You could even risk losing your job for speaking up. This is on top of being stuck with bills your employer should cover.

Having a skilled Seattle Unreimbursed Expense Claims Lawyer on your side may be the only way to get reimbursed while staying protected. Our attorneys fully investigate your reimbursable cost. We examine your company’s policies and the state and federal laws that apply. With evidence in hand, we demand the return of your hard-earned money and other benefits for the ordeal you’ve been put through.

Expenses You Shouldn’t Be Held Responsible For

State and federal labor laws guarantee the repayment of some expenses employees may encounter. Company policy can also promise certain reimbursements in employment contracts. In some cases, a boss may have requested that an employee cover certain expenses with the promise of a refund. Bosses should be held liable for verbal commitments as well.

These broken promises are grounds for claims and lawsuits. Companies and corporations can get into legal trouble when they go back on their word once a purchase has already been made.

These are just some of the expenses that employees working in Washington should expect reimbursement for:

  • Vehicle Expenses, Mileage, and Fuel Costs: Money to pay for the upkeep of your personal vehicle used for work purposes or for maintaining a work-provided vehicle. Compensation for the money you spend to fill your tank with gas. Money for the mileage and wear and tear you put on your own vehicle.
  • Business Travel Costs – Money for airfare and other transportation. Reimbursement for lodging costs, food, and other expenses related to your business trip.
  • Home Office/Work From Home Expenses – Recoverable expenses may include the cost of office supplies, computers, and any materials used in their daily tasks. Even rent and utilities could be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Equipment and Supplies – Anything you require in order to complete your job duties. Anything from power tools to paper clips.
  • Certification and Course Costs – Any costs associated with certifications that allow you to do your job. That may include the costs of safety training and classes that let you advance in your profession.

The duties of employers to fairly refund their employees can vary by company and profession. However, A skilled Seattle Employment Lawyer can go over corporate policies, citywide employment protections, Washington State labor laws, and Federal law to build a strong case for you. By putting pressure on your employer, we set out to recover the maximum reimbursement that should have been yours from the beginning.

More information on how a Seattle Unpaid Wages Attorney can help victimized workers.

Seattle Worker Expense Claims Protections

On top of state and federal protections, employees in Seattle can also count on safeguards provided by the city.

Seattle’s Wage Theft Ordinance (WTO) Section J:

“1. Is an employer required to reimburse employees for employer expenses? Yes. The Wage Theft Ordinance requires employers to pay employees “all compensation owed” by reason of employment. The term “compensation” includes reimbursement for employer expenses. More specifically, the law requires that an employer reimburse employees “for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of the employee’s duties….” SMC 14.20.020 (defining “compensation).”

Businesses can violate city, state, and federal laws when denying reimbursement to employees. In some cases, corporations may be guilty of breaking several sets of statutes. Employers can also ignore their company’s own policies on refundable expenses. These cases can hinge on the fine print in laws and company guidelines. Our attorneys can help you untangle these complex cases and make sure your money is returned.

Contact a Seattle Unreimbursed Expenses Lawyer Today

If your employer isn’t reimbursing you for all business expenses, 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.

At the same time, we safeguard your job security and shield you from any retaliation. Our 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.