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Losing one’s job is bad news in any economy, but some employers make it unnecessarily difficult for their former employees to collect their final paychecks. This causes additional financial stress on individuals who need to suddenly secure new employment and who need the money to make ends meet until they do. Fortunately, Connecticut and Massachusetts have laws that not only forbid excessive paycheck delays but allow former employees to seek significant legal damages in the event of violations. If you were fired but did not receive your paycheck, let Stanfield Bechtel Law help you get what the law entitles you to have.
Connecticut Law About Final Paychecks
Under Connecticut law, whenever an employer fires an employee, the employer is required to pay the employee’s wages in full no later than the following business day. Employers can face severe penalties for violating this law. For instance, employees can recover twice the full amount of wages that were owed, plus attorney’s fees and court costs, by filing a lawsuit against the employer. In addition, employers that violate this law may be ordered to pay various financial penalties to the Connecticut Department of Labor.
Massachusetts Law About Final Paychecks
The law regarding final pay is even stronger in Massachusetts. The worker must be paid the same day that he or she is terminated from employment. Rather than just double pay, a fired employee can claim treble (triple) damages if the employer violates this law. That is in addition to court costs and attorney’s fees and any penalties the state may assess.
What Should I Do If I Am Not Paid?
The first thing you should do after being notified that you are no longer employed is to document whatever communication you received from your employer to that effect. Most employers provide written notice of termination, but some decide only to verbally inform their employees. In the latter case, make a note of the date and time you received verbal notice and who gave it to you. Follow up with your former employer in writing to confirm that you will be paid according to the law in your state.
Some employers try to claim that the employee was not laid off but instead voluntarily quit. The distinction does matter because it affects the date when the employer must pay the worker. In Connecticut, an employee who quits must receive his or her final paycheck on the next regularly scheduled payday. The law is similar in Massachusetts: workers who quit must be paid on the next regular payday or by the first Saturday after they leave employment if there is no regular payday. If any communication you receive from your employer is vague about whether the company considers you to have quit or been fired, confirm the matter in writing.
Were You Denied Your Paycheck? Talk To Us
If your employer fired you but has refused to pay you in full for any reason, reach out to us. We can explain your rights and take the steps needed to fight for the pay you deserve if your former employer broke the law. Find out why so many Connecticut and Massachusetts workers count on the legal guidance of Stanfield Bechtel Law. Give us a call today to schedule your confidential consultation.