Commissions and Bonuses
Our attorneys can file a claim for you
Wage and hour claims involving commissions or earned bonuses can be complicated legal matters. That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer who thoroughly understands the rules and regulations involving such cases.
Our Ohio employment attorneys at Gibson Law, LLC have years of experience handling such cases. As a result, we know what evidence to look for, what questions to ask and how to compile the strongest possible legal case.
What’s the secret to our success? Our lawyers have a unique perspective when it comes to such cases. Attorneys Bradley L. Gibson and Angela J. Gibson previously represented employers in wage and hour claims. Now, we put that knowledge and expertise exclusively to work for employees just like you.
What’s the difference between a commission and a bonus?
Many companies offer certain workers commissions and bonuses. In particular, salespeople are often eligible for such additional financial compensation. While bonuses and commissions might seem the same, there are distinct differences between them.
A commission is a set amount of money an employee receives in profits or as a portion of the revenue. For example, many salespeople, real estate agents and stockbrokers often receive a percent of each sale as a commission.
An earned bonus is an amount of money paid to an employee as an incentive for achieving a specified goal or quota, such as a certain number of sales or certain dollar amount in sales or profits. These types of bonuses are different than holiday bonuses or other annual bonuses, which are solely at the discretion of an employer.
Many commission and bonus agreements between employers and employees are legally binding contracts, clearly spelled out in writing. If you have not been paid a commission or a bonus, you may have a strong legal case. That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer right away.
Can my employer withhold my commissions?
Even though you may be legally entitled to a commission for your work, some employers may try to withhold your commission and claim they don’t have to pay you. Is that true? Can a company deny paying an employee a commission?
A common excuse that companies use for not paying commissions is because an employee was fired or quit. But Ohio’s wage and hour laws are clear. Even if you were fired, quit or still work for the company, you are entitled to all earned commissions.
Can my employer withhold my bonus?
Like commissions, an employer cannot withhold any earned bonuses you are rightfully entitled to receive as a bonus as part of your work, regardless of whether you are still an employee or you were fired or quit.
It’s important to specify that such rules in Ohio apply to earned bonuses as opposed to holiday bonuses, annual bonuses or other discretionary bonuses given by an employer. In such cases, an employer can simply decide to not pay a bonus to employees.
If you are not sure about whether or not you are entitled to a bonus, it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to additional compensation as part of your job, even if the company no longer employs you.
Demand the money you rightfully earned. Contact us
Even if your legal case seems straightforward, don’t simply assume that your employer or former employer will pay you your commission or earned bonus. In such cases, many companies hire lawyers to defend their actions and deny your claim.
That’s not right. That’s why our legal team wants to meet with you. We believe employees deserve to be paid the money they rightfully earned, whether it’s a commission or an earned bonus. Contact our law firm for a consultation with a member of our legal team.