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Unpaid Wages Attorney in Texas: How to Recover What You’re Owed

Unpaid wages are more common than you might think—and if you’ve worked without proper compensation in Texas, you have rights. Whether you’re missing overtime pay, have been shorted on your final paycheck, or were misclassified as an independent contractor, a skilled unpaid wages attorney can help you fight back and recover what you’re legally owed.

In this guide, we explain how Texas wage laws work, your rights as an employee, and how an attorney can make all the difference in getting paid.

What Are Unpaid Wages?

Unpaid wages refer to any compensation you’ve rightfully earned but didn’t receive, including:

• Regular hourly or salary pay
  
  
• Overtime pay
  
  
• Bonuses or commissions
  
  
• Final paychecks
  
  
• Vacation pay (in some cases)
  
  
• Reimbursement for expenses or hours worked off the clock
  
  

Signs You May Be Owed Wages

You might need to contact an unpaid wages attorney in Texas if:

• Your employer refuses to pay for all hours worked
  
  
• You were not paid overtime after working 40+ hours in a week
  
  
• Your paycheck bounced or was delayed repeatedly
  
  
• You were paid below minimum wage
  
  
• You were forced to clock out early but continue working
  
  
• Your final paycheck was withheld or reduced without explanation
  
  

🚨 Important: These are violations of both federal law (FLSA) and the Texas Payday Law.

Texas Wage Laws: Know Your Rights

Texas employers must comply with:

• The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  
  
• The Texas Payday Law
  
  
• Department of Labor (DOL) and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) guidelines
  
  

Under these laws:

✅ You must be paid at least $7.25/hour (minimum wage)
✅ You’re entitled to time-and-a-half overtime pay for hours over 40/week
✅ Final wages are due within 6 days of termination (if fired) or next payday (if you quit)

Common Violations That Lead to Wage Claims

• Misclassification: Being labeled an “independent contractor” when you should be an employee
  
  
• Off-the-Clock Work: Not being paid for pre-shift/post-shift duties
  
  
• Illegal Deductions: Money taken from paychecks without your consent
  
  
• Unpaid Overtime: Denial of time-and-a-half after 40 hours/week
  
  
• Tip Pooling Violations: Improper sharing of tips among non-tipped staff
  
  

How an Unpaid Wages Attorney Helps You

A Texas unpaid wages attorney can:

• Review your pay history and employment status
  
  
• Gather evidence (pay stubs, timesheets, communications)
  
  
• File claims with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) or Department of Labor (DOL)
  
  
• Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court
  
  
• Help you recover double damages and attorney’s fees (if applicable)
  
  

⚖️ Many wage claims are resolved without trial—but if court is necessary, a lawyer can make or break your case.

What Can You Recover?

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:

💰 Some cases result in thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in compensation—especially when multiple pay periods or group claims are involved.

How Long Do You Have to File?

⏱ Federal Deadline (FLSA):

• 2 years for standard violations
  
  
• 3 years for willful violations
  
  

⏱ Texas Payday Law:

• 180 days from the date your wages were due
  
  

✅ Tip: The sooner you act, the stronger your claim.

Can I File a Wage Claim Without a Lawyer?

Yes—but your chances of success and the amount you recover may be significantly lower. Employers often dispute claims, delay payment, or retaliate. A lawyer:

• Levels the playing field
  
  
• Ensures compliance with complex filing requirements
  
  
• Increases your chances of recovering full damages
  
  

Most unpaid wage attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.

What If I’m Still Employed?

You can still file a wage claim while employed. Texas law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who assert their rights.

If retaliation occurs—such as demotion, schedule cuts, or firing—you may have an additional claim for damages.

Group Wage Claims and Class Actions

If your coworkers are experiencing the same wage violations, you may be able to file a collective action or class-action lawsuit. This strengthens your claim and may increase pressure on the employer to settle.

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we represent workers across Texas who’ve been shorted on their paychecks. Whether it’s overtime, minimum wage violations, or unpaid final pay, our team fights for fair wages and justice.

We help:

• Hourly workers
  
  
• Restaurant staff and tipped employees
  
  
• Construction and trade workers
  
  
• Healthcare workers
  
  
• Delivery drivers
  
  
• Misclassified contractors
  
  

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and get the compensation you’re owed.

Final Takeaway

If you’ve worked hard but haven’t been paid what you deserve, don’t wait. Wage theft is illegal—and a skilled unpaid wages attorney in Texas can help you stand up for your rights.

✅ Act quickly, preserve your records, and contact The Lange Firm for expert help.