Unpaid Overtime

Federal law requires employees who have worked over 40 hours in a week to receive one and a half times their normal pay rate. There are exceptions to this law, but employers often misunderstand or misapply the rules at the employee’s expense. If you are not being paid for overtime, your employer may be violating the Fair Labor Standard Act. If this is the case, you may not only be entitled to the amount that is owed to you, but an additional amount of liquidated damages and attorney’s fees.

At Keogh Law, Ltd., our lawyers have extensive experience representing employees who have been denied overtime pay. We understand the regulations set forth in the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and Illinois laws that can be used to protect your rights. We represent individuals throughout Illinois as well as nationwide, performing as trusted co-counsel.

If you have worked overtime and your employer is refusing to pay you what is due, contact our attorneys today online or by calling 866-726-1092. 

Does Your Employee Classification Match Your Job Duties?

Employees fall into one of two categories; exempt employees and nonexempt employees. Exempt employees are not covered by the FLSA and are not entitled to overtime pay. An exempt employee will typically:

• Manage the work of other employees
• Receive either a salary or an hourly wage
• Have responsibility, independence and authority over his or her work
• Handle the creation and application of workplace policies and make decisions within the company

Employers will often classify an employee as exempt when, in fact, they are not. For example, giving an employee the title of “assistant manager” without giving the employee the authority to manage other employees.

Employers may also classify workers as “independent contractors” when their job duties are more in line with those conducted by a normal employee. We will mount a thorough review of your situation to determine if you have been subject to a misclassification. We will fight to get you the compensation to which you are entitled.

Helping You Get What You Deserve

Employers are not allowed to exchange overtime pay for personal days and other benefits. Employers are not allowed to have meetings on “off-the-clock” time. You’re entitled to receive overtime pay for the extra hours you put in. If your employer has not paid you overtime to which you’re legally entitled, at Keogh Law, Ltd., we can help you enforce your overtime rights.

Under federal law, if your employer knowingly and willingly refuses to pay you overtime wages, you are entitled to the amount owed to you. You may also be entitled to an additional equal amount as liquidated damages, plus attorneys’ fees.

Under Illinois law, an employer who willfully withholds overtime pay may be liable to pay the employee a penalty of 2% of the amount of monthly overtime pay arrearage.

Call for a Free Consultation With an Illinois Wage and Law Claims Lawyer

If you are concerned that you are being denied overtime pay, we can help. Contact our Chicago unpaid overtime attorneys online or call 866-726-1092 for a free consultation. We handle a majority of our cases on a contingency basis.