Cook County Unpaid Overtime Lawyer

It should not happen, but many employees work longer hours per week and do not receive the overtime pay as required by law. If you are not being compensated for your extra hours, a Cook County unpaid overtime lawyer from the S.T. Legal Group could help get what you have rightfully earned.

Our employment attorneys understand the rules that govern employer obligations regarding overtime pay. Every case starts with an evaluation so we can learn more about your situation and develop a strategy to achieve your goals.

What Are the Overtime Laws in Illinois?

Employees are protected by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) found under 29 United States Code §§ 201-219, minimum wage laws, and similar state-level regulations. In general, employers are required to pay time-and-a-half of the regular rate for time worked beyond 40 hours a week. This mainly applies to hourly workers, but it could include salaried employees if they have been misclassified as exempt.

Employers have been known to skirt these rules by:

• Paying the regular wage for overtime hours
• Manipulating timecards to avoid extra hours
• Requiring off-the-clock work or unpaid breaks
• Incorrectly classifying employees as independent contractors

Our attorneys have extensive experience with unpaid overtime claims in Cook County and are familiar with such schemes. We could help employees take the steps necessary to be paid what they are owed for their work.

How S.T. Legal Group Handles These Cases

It is common for employees to be unsure about their rights and what actions they could take against their employer, especially because it can feel intimidating when facing a seemingly powerful company. Our unpaid overtime attorneys in Cook County understand that not being paid causes undue stress, so we work to make the process efficient and transparent.

Our approach to each case includes:

• Conducting a detailed audit of the wages paid and hours worked
• Calculating the total unpaid wages
• Filing the claim with the appropriate state or federal authority
• Negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation if necessary

It is important to remember that these claims have some strict filing deadlines, so any delay could be costly. For example, 29 United States Code § 255, the case must be filed within two years from the date the payment was due, though this could be extended to three years if the employer’s violation was willful.

Protections From Employer Reprisals

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against their employees for asserting their rights to overtime pay under both the FLSA and the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (820 Illinois Compiled Statutes 115). These protect employees from termination, demotion, or reduced hours after filing a complaint.

If an employer takes any of these actions, our attorneys could include other damages in addition to unpaid wages in a Cook County claim. Workers should never have to fear punishment for asserting their rights, and S.T. Legal Group could help hold employers accountable.

Talk to a Cook County Unpaid Overtime Attorney About Seeking Back Pay

If you believe your employer has not paid you for your work, talk to a Cook County unpaid overtime lawyer at S.T. Legal Group. Our compassionate team could evaluate your case and explain your legal options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.

By acting now, you could prevent continued wage loss and maximize your financial recovery. Contact S.T. Legal Group today to schedule a consultation with a member of our team and tell us about your situation.