New York Wage and Hour Attorney

If your employer has not paid you correctly for the time you worked, a New York wage and hour lawyer at Hach & Rose, LLP can help you pursue the wages you are owed and take action under state and federal law.

Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, workers in every industry—from construction and hospitality to healthcare and retail—depend on fair pay to support themselves and their families. When employers fail to follow wage laws, the consequences can be immediate and long-lasting.

Wage and hour violations are not always obvious. You may be receiving a paycheck every week, but still not be paid properly for overtime, long shifts, or all the hours you worked. If something about your pay does not seem right, it may be worth taking a closer look.

At Hach & Rose, LLP, we represent New York workers dealing with wage disputes and unlawful pay practices. Call (212) 779-0057 to discuss your situation with our experienced employment law attorneys.

Why You Should Choose Hach & Rose for Your Wage and Hour Case

When you are dealing with unpaid wages or overtime issues, it is not just about correcting a paycheck, it is about holding employers accountable for how they treat their workforce.

At Hach & Rose, LLP, we bring a perspective shaped by decades of advocating for working people. With strong ties to the labor movement, our firm understands the realities employees face on the job and the pressure many feel when questioning their employer.

Clients choose our firm because we:

• Have a long-standing commitment to representing workers across New York
• Take the time to understand how pay practices affect your daily life
• Build cases based on detailed analysis of time, pay, and job duties
• Approach each matter with preparation and attention to detail
• Communicate clearly so you know what to expect

Wage and hour cases often involve patterns that develop over time. Identifying and proving those patterns requires the careful, informed approach that our team brings to every claim.

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What Is a Wage and Hour Claim?

A wage and hour claim focuses on whether an employer has complied with laws governing how employees are paid. These laws exist at both the federal and state levels, and in New York, workers often benefit from stronger protections than federal standards alone.

Rather than centering on a single event, these claims usually involve ongoing pay practices that affect employees over weeks, months, or even years. Common issues include unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, improper deductions, and failure to compensate workers for all hours worked.

Overtime Pay Issues

Many employees are entitled to additional pay when they work more than 40 hours a week. However, overtime violations can take several forms.

Some workers are never paid overtime at all, even though they regularly exceed 40 hours. Others receive overtime pay, but it is calculated incorrectly because the employer excludes bonuses, commissions, or other compensation from the rate.

There are also situations where employees are expected to complete tasks outside scheduled hours—before clocking in, after clocking out, or during unpaid breaks—without receiving additional pay.

Minimum Wage Violations

New York law requires employers to meet specific minimum wage thresholds, which may be higher than federal requirements. If your hourly rate falls below the applicable standard, you may be entitled to recover the difference.

In some industries, such as restaurants, employers may apply a tip credit. However, strict rules govern when and how that credit can be used. If those rules are not followed, the employer may still owe the full minimum wage.

Improper Pay Deductions

Employers cannot make arbitrary deductions from your wages. Certain deductions—such as for uniforms, equipment, or breakage—may violate the law if they reduce your pay below required levels.

Even small deductions, when applied consistently, can result in significant unpaid wages over time. We can review your payment history to determine if your employer has been improperly removing certain deductions.

Misclassification of Workers

Misclassification is a common issue in wage and hour cases. Employers may label workers as independent contractors or exempt employees, even when their job duties do not support that classification.

The law looks beyond job titles. It considers factors such as how much control the employer has over your work, your responsibilities, and how you are paid.

If your classification does not match your actual role, you may have been denied overtime or other protections.

Do I Have a Wage and Hour Case?

You may have a valid claim if your employer’s pay practices do not align with the law.

In many cases, workers begin to notice patterns, such as consistently working extra hours without additional pay or seeing discrepancies between hours worked and wages received.

Here are some questions that may help you evaluate your situation:

• Are you regularly working more hours than you are paid for?
• Does your paycheck reflect all the time you spend performing job-related tasks?
• Have you been told you are not eligible for overtime without a clear explanation?
• Are deductions being taken from your pay without your understanding?

It is also important to consider whether coworkers are experiencing similar issues. Wage violations often affect groups of employees rather than just one individual.

Even if you are unsure, reviewing your situation can help clarify whether your pay practices meet legal requirements. Our wage and hour attorneys are ready to discuss your unique circumstances and help determine if you have a viable claim for unpaid wages. Reach out today for a confidential consultation with our skilled team.

What Should You Do If You Notice Wage Violations?

If you believe your pay is not accurate, taking steps to document and understand the issue can help protect your position. Begin by tracking your hours independently. Even if your employer uses a timekeeping system, having your own records can provide an additional point of reference.

Save copies of pay stubs, schedules, and any communication related to your compensation. These records can help identify discrepancies and support your claim.

It may also be helpful to review your job duties and classification. Understanding how your role fits within wage laws can provide insight into whether your pay structure is appropriate.

Some workers consider raising concerns internally, but it is important to understand your options before doing so. In certain situations, how and when you address the issue can influence what happens next. We can explain your options and help protect your rights before you take action.

How New York Wage Laws Provide Additional Worker Protections

New York has developed a comprehensive set of wage laws that go beyond federal standards, offering workers additional safeguards.

One of the most significant differences is the higher minimum wage requirements in many parts of the state, including New York City and surrounding areas. Employers must follow whichever law—federal or state—offers greater protection.

New York also requires employers to provide detailed wage statements and notices, ensuring that employees have clear information about their pay. Missing or incomplete wage documentation can itself be a violation.

Another important feature is the state’s approach to wage theft. Workers may be able to recover unpaid wages over a longer period under New York law than under federal law alone.

Certain industries are also subject to additional rules, including requirements related to spread-of-hours pay and scheduling practices. These layered protections mean that even if a situation appears unclear under federal law, it may still qualify as a violation under New York law.

Who May Be Held Liable in a New York Wage and Hour Claim?

In wage and hour cases, responsibility typically falls on the employer. However, liability is not always limited to a single entity. Depending on how the business operates, responsibility may extend to:

• Company owners or executives
• Managers who control pay practices
• Multiple entities in joint employment situations

For example, workers placed through staffing agencies or subcontractors may be considered employees of more than one entity. In these cases, each party’s role in determining wages and working conditions becomes relevant.

Understanding how your employer is structured can help identify all parties responsible for wage violations. We can review your employer’s structure and explain how your rights may be affected.

What Damages Are Available in a Wage and Hour Lawsuit?

If your employer failed to pay you properly, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the difference between what you were paid and what you should have received. This can include:

• Unpaid wages
• Unpaid overtime
• Additional damages that are tied to the unpaid amount in certain cases
• Interest on unpaid compensation

Because wage violations often occur over extended periods, the total amount owed can grow significantly over time. The specific recovery available will depend on the details of your case and the applicable laws. We can explain in more detail during a confidential case review.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Wage and Hour Claim in New York?

Time limits for wage and hour claims depend on whether the claim is brought under federal or state law.

Under federal wage law, claims are generally limited to two years, with an extended period available in certain situations involving willful violations.

New York law may allow workers to recover unpaid wages over a longer timeframe, which can be an important factor in evaluating a claim.

Because these deadlines directly affect the amount of compensation available, working with our team to address the issue sooner rather than later can be beneficial.

How a Hach & Rose Lawyer Can Help You

Wage and hour claims often require a detailed examination of records, policies, and work patterns. Employers may rely on complex pay systems or classifications that make it difficult to identify violations without a closer look.

Our role is to break down those systems and determine whether your pay reflects the work you performed. We begin by reviewing your employment situation in detail, including how you are paid, what your responsibilities are, and how your hours are tracked. This allows us to identify inconsistencies and potential violations.

From there, we take steps to build your case, including analyzing payroll data, reviewing time records, and identifying broader patterns that may affect multiple workers. Our team works to present a clear, well-supported claim that reflects the full scope of what you are owed.

We understand that wage disputes can create financial strain and uncertainty. Our goal is to help you recover what you earned and move forward with greater stability.

FAQs About Wage and Hour Claims in New York

Contact the Trusted New York Wage and Hour Lawyers at Hach & Rose Today

You showed up for work. You put in the time. You should be paid fairly for what you contributed. When employers fail to meet that obligation, it can affect more than your paycheck—it can disrupt your financial stability and your ability to plan for the future.

At Hach & Rose, LLP, we represent workers across New York who are dealing with unpaid wages, overtime issues, and improper pay practices. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can take the next step toward understanding your options.

Call (212) 779-0057 to speak with our team.

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