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Employment Attorneys Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH
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LOCAL: 513-834-8254
866-230-2169
Local: 513-834-8254

Unlawful Wage Deductions Attorney

We can hold your employer accountable

Strict wage and hour laws in Ohio specify exactly what can lawfully be deducted from an employee’s paycheck or wages. Unfortunately, some employers don’t follow these rules and regulations. As a result, many employees are paid less due to unlawful wage deductions.

If you suspect this is happening to you, it’s important to take strong legal action. That’s why our Ohio wage and hour claims lawyers at Gibson Law, LLC want to meet with you. We know what to do because we have been handling such complex legal cases for years. As your attorney, we can carefully review the details of your case and explain all the legal options available to you.

What is an unlawful wage deduction?

Employers may deduct from their employees’ wages in only limited circumstances.

Federal law allows wage deductions specifically for:

  • Cost and maintenance of uniforms.
  • Employee stealing employer’s property.
  • Clients or customers failing to pay bills.
  • Employee damaging the employer’s property.

Ohio law allows deductions for similar reasons but requires the employee’s written agreement for deductions made for the loss or damage of wares, tools or machinery caused by the employee.

In addition, even if an employer deducts the employee’s wage for an allowed reason, the deduction cannot reduce the employee’s wages below minimum wage or overtime premium.

For example, an employer is prohibited from deducting an employee’s payment for the cost of equipment the employee damaged, if the cost would reduce the employee’s pay below the minimum wage ($10.45 per hour in Ohio) for that pay period.

Whatever the circumstances of your particular case, make sure you fully understand your rights. Make sure you talk to an experienced lawyer familiar with wage and hour laws in Ohio.

Can I sue my employer for unlawful wage deductions?

One of the best ways to obtain the compensation you deserve for unlawful wage deductions is to file a wage and hour lawsuit against your employer. In most cases, an employee can file such a lawsuit in court or in the form of an administrative claim with Ohio's labor department.

In addition, you may also be able to sue your employer for damages, a legal term for financial compensation. This is especially true if you can prove that your employer intentionally withheld certain deductions. In such cases, you may be able to successfully sue for punitive damages.

However, it’s important to note that legal cases involving unlawful wage deduction lawsuits can be extremely complicated. That’s why it’s essential that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible to learn more about all your legal options, including filing a lawsuit.

How can a lawyer help me with my case?

You might think your legal case will be straightforward, especially if your employer clearly broke the law and made unlawful wage deductions from your paycheck. But the reality is such cases are rarely simple. That’s because many employers often deny doing anything wrong. That’s why you need an attorney representing you.

When you have a skilled legal team in your corner, they can help you in many different ways. Our team can:

  • Thoroughly investigate your claim, including examining pay stubs, timesheets, work schedules and other written documentation.
  • Consult with experts if necessary when building your legal case
  • Deal directly with your employer and their attorneys on your behalf
  • Negotiate a settlement agreement on your behalf, if possible
  • File a lawsuit or take other legal action on your behalf, if necessary.

The stakes are often very high in such cases. Employers know this, especially if they have been illegally deducting different expenses from employees’ paychecks for years. In such cases, companies often hire a legal team to defend their actions. Your lawyer can level the playing field and make sure your concerns are heard loud and clear.

Put your trust in a firm that puts your needs first. Contact us

We understand how frustrating and confusing legal cases can be involving unlawful wage deductions in Ohio. That’s why we want to help. Simply contact us for a consultation with a member of our legal team at one of our two office locations in Cincinnati or Dayton.

Our Locations

Cincinnati, OH

9200 Montgomery Road
Suite #11A
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 834-8254

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Dayton, OH

11 W. Monument Ave
Suite 304
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 884-1185

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