Under law, workers must be paid an agreed upon wage. All workers in the United States must be paid at least minimum wage. For example, in New Jersey, workers must be paid at least $8.44 per hour. All wages must be paid within a specific time frame. Employers must adhere to certain rules and regulations. Unfortunately, sometimes this is not always the case. Some employers may refuse their inherent obligations to their workers. In that case, there are steps the workers can take in order to make sure they get the funds they are owed. All workers should be aware of their rights. They should also be aware of what they can do if they are denied the funds they are legally owed.

Keep Careful Records

If you think your employer is not paying you the wages you are due, the first thing you should do is check your records. You should have access to a list of your hours worked. If you think your employer is not honestly recording the number of hours you work, you should keep your own records. Note exactly when you come to work and when you leave. If you don’t know already, find out if the company offers paid breaks. Employers are legally required to offer breaks if you work a certain numbers of hours in a given time frame. Note when you leave and exactly when you return. Nursing mothers are legally entitled to breaks to express milk.

Note Any Discrepancies

Some employers try to short workers in minor ways. For example, you might not be compensated if you are asked to remain on the job past your hours. You might be shortchanged wages when returning from lunch. You should be aware of these issues and bring them to your employer. They might have made a mistake that can be corrected without any further problems.

When Problems Arise

Sometimes, problems arise and they cannot be resolved. In that case, you will need to consider legal measures. A lost wages attorney in New Jersey can be of great use. They can help you figure out what you need to do to recover your lost wages. When you work with them, they will help you figure out what actions you can take to get the compensation that you are owed. This is where keeping careful records can come in handy. You can demonstrate where and when you worked to the lawyer. They can then help you figure out precisely how much money you are due.

Special Circumstances

Unfortunately, an employer may be in dire straits. They might have gone out of business unexpectedly or skipped town without paying all of their employees and their creditors. This is where working with a lawyer is your best bet. The lawyer can help you get access to the wages you are due if there are any assets left. They will help determine which laws designed to make sure you are compensated properly may apply in this specific instance.