At HSGLaW, we proudly represent working people who’ve been shorted on their pay — whether that’s unpaid overtime, withheld wages, or illegal deductions from their checks. Through individual lawsuits and collective actions, we help workers fight for the wages they’ve rightfully earned.
Our attorneys are experienced in litigating wage and hour cases under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other federal and state laws. Whether you’re a delivery driver, hourly worker, tipped employee, independent contractor, or salaried staff member misclassified by your employer, we’re here to help you recover what you’re owed.
What Is a Wage & Hour Violation?
Wage and hour violations happen when employers break labor laws around how employees are paid. These violations can cost workers hundreds or thousands of dollars — and they’re more common than most people realize.
Common violations include:
- Unpaid overtime (working more than 40 hours per week without extra pay)
- Off-the-clock work (asking employees to work before clocking in or after clocking out)
- Misclassification of employees (as independent contractors or salaried to avoid paying overtime)
- Illegal wage deductions (for breaks, uniforms, or equipment)
- Failure to pay minimum wage
- Tip violations (taking tips, failing to meet the tipped minimum wage requirements)
These violations hurt not just your paycheck — they violate your rights as a worker.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The FLSA is the federal law that governs wages, overtime, and other basic labor protections. Under the FLSA:
- Non-exempt workers are entitled to 1.5x their regular rate of pay for all hours over 40 in a workweek
- Employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage (or higher state/local rates if applicable)
- Employees must be properly classified (not wrongly labeled as contractors or exempt to avoid paying them fairly)
If you’ve been underpaid, you may be eligible to recover:
- Unpaid wages
- Liquidated damages
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
We’ve helped employees across industries pursue these claims and win real compensation.
Our Experience in Wage & Hour Litigation
Our firm has litigated wage and hour cases in nearly every business sector — from fast food and hospitality to delivery services, construction, healthcare, and professional workplaces. We understand how employers attempt to cut corners and how to build strong cases for workers.
Ditsworth v. P&Z Carolina Pizza, LLC (Papa John’s)
In this hybrid FLSA collective action and Rule 23 class action in the Western District of Kentucky, we represented delivery drivers who claimed they were paid below minimum wage due to under-reimbursed vehicle costs.
We stay at the cutting edge of wage and hour law, which is constantly evolving. Changes to FLSA interpretations and court rulings can affect whether workers are considered exempt or non-exempt, what counts as compensable time, and more. Our team monitors these developments to protect our clients’ rights.
Who We Represent
We represent workers from all walks of life — including those who may not even realize they’ve been underpaid. Our clients include:
- Hourly workers in restaurants, retail, hospitality, and warehouses
- Tipped employees, including servers, bartenders, and valets
- Construction and manual labor workers
- Health care and home care employees
- Delivery drivers and rideshare workers
- Administrative professionals and salaried workers misclassified as “exempt”
- Independent contractors who may actually qualify as employees under the law
If you think something feels off about your paycheck or schedule, we’re here to take a closer look.
How a Wage & Hour Case Works
We help clients pursue both individual lawsuits and collective or class actions when wage violations affect many employees at once.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Free Consultation: You tell us your story, and we review your pay records if available.
- Investigation: We dig into your hours, classification, job duties, and employer policies.
- Filing a Claim: We may file an FLSA lawsuit individually or as a collective/class action.
- Notice & Opt-in: In collective actions, other employees with similar claims can join the lawsuit.
- Settlement or Trial: We fight for full recovery, whether through negotiation or in court.
You don’t need to pay us up front. We work on a contingency fee basis — which means you only pay if we win money for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’ve been misclassified?
If you’re labeled as “exempt” or “independent contractor” but regularly work overtime, follow a schedule, or have limited control over your job — you may be misclassified. We can help assess your true employment status.
What counts as off-the-clock work?
Any time your employer expects you to perform job duties without clocking in — such as prepping before your shift, cleaning up after clocking out, or answering work calls during unpaid time — could qualify as off-the-clock work.
What is a collective action?
It’s like a class action, but under the FLSA a group of employees with similar wage claims can band together and sue an employer as a collective group. Others can “opt in” once the case is approved.
How far back can I claim unpaid wages?
Typically, the FLSA allows you to recover up to two years of unpaid wages — or three years if the violation was willful. State laws may extend that period.
Why Choose HSGLaW?
- Decades of labor law experience
- Successful wage and hour recoveries across multiple industries
- Class and collective action leadership experience in federal court
- Clear, respectful communication with every client
- Strong reputation for representing working people — not corporations
We don’t just handle wage cases — we fight for dignity, fairness, and respect for every worker we represent.
Contact HSGLaW
Think you’ve been underpaid, misclassified, or had wages wrongly withheld? Don’t stay silent. Let HSGLaW review your case and help you take action.
Call us or fill out our secure contact form today for a free, confidential consultation.
