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Lost Wages Lawyer in Texas: Recover the Pay You Deserve

If your paycheck didn’t match your hours—or worse, it never showed up at all—you’re not alone. Wage violations happen more often than most people realize. Fortunately, the law is on your side. A lost wages lawyer can help you recover what your employer owes you and hold them accountable under state and federal labor laws.

Whether you’ve been underpaid, denied overtime, or fired without receiving your final paycheck, this guide explains your rights and how a lawyer can help you fight back.

What Are Lost Wages?

Lost wages are any earnings you should have received from your employer but didn’t. This can include:

• Unpaid hourly wages or salary
  
  
• Overtime pay you earned but weren’t paid
  
  
• Commissions or bonuses that were promised
  
  
• Final paychecks after quitting or being fired
  
  
• Reimbursements or paid time off that wasn’t honored
  
  

Wage theft can happen to any employee—hourly, salaried, tipped, part-time, or full-time—and in any industry.

Common Examples of Lost Wage Violations

You might need to speak with a lost wages lawyer if your employer:

• Refuses to pay you for all hours worked
  
  
• Tells you to work “off the clock”
  
  
• Misclassifies you as an independent contractor
  
  
• Withholds your last paycheck after quitting or being fired
  
  
• Doesn’t pay required overtime (1.5x your regular rate after 40 hours/week)
  
  
• Makes unauthorized deductions from your paycheck
  
  
• Steals tips or service charges
  
  
• Fails to pay the Texas minimum wage of $7.25/hour
  
  

⛔ Even small amounts of missing pay can add up quickly—and the law allows you to recover back pay, penalties, and sometimes even double damages.

Your Rights Under Texas and Federal Law

Workers in Texas are protected by:

✅ Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

• Requires overtime pay
  
  
• Sets minimum wage
  
  
• Applies to most private employers
  
  

✅ Texas Payday Law

• Covers final paychecks, wage deductions, and timely payments
  
  
• Enforced by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
  
  

✅ Federal and State Anti-Discrimination Laws

• Protect you from being retaliated against for asking about or filing a wage claim
  
  

💡 These laws also protect non-citizen and undocumented workers, who are fully entitled to fair pay.

Can You Sue for Lost Wages in Texas?

Yes. If your employer violates wage laws, you can:

• File a claim with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
  
  
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
  
  
• Hire a lost wages lawyer to file a civil lawsuit on your behalf
  
  

A lawsuit can help you recover:

• Back pay
  
  
• Unpaid overtime
  
  
• Interest and penalties
  
  
• Attorney’s fees
  
  
• Liquidated damages (up to 2x your unpaid wages)
  
  

When to Hire a Lost Wages Lawyer

A lawyer can help if:

• Your employer is ignoring your complaints
  
  
• You’re owed pay but don’t know where to start
  
  
• You’ve been retaliated against or threatened
  
  
• You’re part of a group of workers with the same issue
  
  
• You want to recover wages quickly and legally
  
  

Working with an attorney often increases your chances of recovering full wages—and makes sure your employer doesn’t get away with it.

Statute of Limitations for Wage Claims in Texas

⏳ You don’t have forever to file.

• Texas Payday Law claims: Must be filed within 180 days of the missed payment
  
  
• FLSA claims: Must be filed within 2 years (or 3 years if the violation was willful)
  
  

Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to collect what you’re owed.

Can You Be Fired for Filing a Wage Claim?

No. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for asserting your right to fair pay. If your employer:

• Fires or demotes you
  
  
• Reduces your hours
  
  
• Harasses you at work
  
  
• Threatens immigration consequences
  
  

…you may be able to file an additional retaliation lawsuit and recover even more in damages.

How Much Can You Recover with a Lost Wages Lawyer?

Every case is different, but successful claims often recover:

Employees working multiple shifts, overtime, or in tip-based jobs are especially likely to recover significant amounts.

The Lange Firm: Fighting for Fair Wages Across Texas

At The Lange Firm, we’re dedicated to standing up for Texas workers who’ve been mistreated, underpaid, or ignored. Our legal team works with clients in:

• Construction
  
  
• Hospitality and food service
  
  
• Healthcare and caregiving
  
  
• Retail and customer service
  
  
• Office and administrative roles
  
  

We offer free consultations, clear guidance, and no up-front fees. You only pay if we win your case.

📞 Ready to get what you’re owed? Contact The Lange Firm today and take the first step toward recovering your wages.

Final Thoughts

If you’re missing paychecks, unpaid for overtime, or shorted on wages, don’t wait. A lost wages lawyer in Texas can help you enforce your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

✅ Don’t let your hard work go unpaid. The law is on your side—and so are we.