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Wage Claim Lawyer in Texas: Get Help Recovering Unpaid Wages

If your employer hasn’t paid you for your work, you’re not alone—and you have rights. Whether it’s unpaid overtime, missing hours, or a withheld final paycheck, a wage claim lawyer can help you recover what you’re owed.

In Texas, employment laws protect workers from wage theft and unfair pay practices. If your employer refuses to pay you correctly, an experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and fight to get your money back.

What Is a Wage Claim?

A wage claim is a legal complaint filed by an employee who believes they have not been properly compensated. It typically involves:

• Unpaid regular wages
  
  
• Overtime pay violations
  
  
• Missed final paychecks
  
  
• Unpaid commissions or bonuses
  
  
• Illegal deductions from pay
  
  
• Minimum wage violations
  
  

In Texas, wage claims can be filed through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) or handled through private lawsuits—especially when large amounts of money are involved or when multiple employees are affected.

Signs You Should Contact a Wage Claim Lawyer

• You’re regularly shorted on your paycheck
  
  
• You work overtime but aren’t paid time-and-a-half
  
  
• Your employer asked you to work off the clock
  
  
• You were misclassified as an independent contractor
  
  
• Your final paycheck was delayed or never issued
  
  
• You’re not receiving promised bonuses or commissions
  
  
• You’ve filed a complaint and now face retaliation
  
  

How Wage Laws Work in Texas

Texas employers must comply with:

• The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (federal law)
  
  
• The Texas Payday Law (state law)
  
  

These laws require that:

• Employees be paid at least minimum wage ($7.25/hour in Texas)
  
  
• Overtime pay be provided for hours over 40/week (1.5x pay)
  
  
• Final wages be paid promptly after termination
  
  
• Illegal deductions (like uniforms, damages, or mistakes) be prohibited
  
  

How a Wage Claim Lawyer Can Help

A qualified wage claim attorney will:

✅ Review your pay history and employment agreement
✅ Calculate how much you’re owed
✅ Gather documentation and evidence
✅ File your claim with the Texas Workforce Commission or U.S. Department of Labor
✅ Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit
✅ Represent you in hearings or court proceedings

In many cases, you may be entitled to:

• Back pay for unpaid wages
  
  
• Overtime compensation
  
  
• Liquidated damages (double the amount owed for willful violations)
  
  
• Legal fees and court costs
  
  

What’s the Wage Claim Process in Texas?

1. Collect Documentation

• Timesheets
  
  
• Pay stubs
  
  
• Contracts or offer letters
  
  
• Texts or emails from your employer
  
  
• Witness statements
  
  

2. File a Wage Claim

• Through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) within 180 days
  
  
• Or with the Department of Labor (DOL) (if federal law applies)
  
  
• In some cases, your attorney may recommend filing directly in civil court
  
  

3. Employer Investigation

• The agency or court investigates and notifies your employer
  
  
• Your employer can respond, settle, or dispute the claim
  
  

4. Resolution or Lawsuit

• Many claims are resolved through negotiation
  
  
• If not, your lawyer may file a lawsuit to recover your unpaid wages and damages
  
  

Common Violations Handled by Wage Claim Attorneys

• Off-the-clock work: Not paying employees for time before or after shifts
  
  
• Unpaid overtime: Paying straight time instead of time-and-a-half
  
  
• Paycheck delays: Withholding pay after an employee quits or is fired
  
  
• Illegal deductions: Charging for uniforms, equipment, or mistakes
  
  
• Tip theft: Confiscating tips or misusing tip pools
  
  
• Misclassification: Treating employees as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits or overtime
  
  

What Damages Can You Recover?

How Long Do You Have to File a Wage Claim in Texas?

• 180 days to file with the TWC under Texas Payday Law
  
  
• 2 years under the FLSA (3 years if the employer willfully violated the law)
  
  
• 4 years for breach of written employment contracts
  
  

⏳ Don’t wait too long—missing a deadline could mean forfeiting your wages entirely.

Can You Be Fired for Filing a Wage Claim?

No. Retaliation is illegal under both Texas and federal law. If your employer:

• Cuts your hours
  
  
• Demotes you
  
  
• Harasses you
  
  
• Terminates your employment
  
  

…you may be able to file an additional retaliation lawsuit and seek more damages.

What If You’re Not a U.S. Citizen?

Immigration status does not affect your right to earn fair wages. Wage laws in Texas protect:

• Undocumented workers
  
  
• Work visa holders
  
  
• Temporary employees
  
  
• Part-time or full-time workers
  
  

A wage claim lawyer can help protect you from employer threats or intimidation based on your status.

How The Lange Firm Helps Workers in Texas

At The Lange Firm, we advocate for workers across Texas who are underpaid, exploited, or mistreated. Whether your claim is big or small, our attorneys will help you get what you’re owed—quickly and professionally.

We handle:

• Individual and group wage claims
  
  
• Restaurant and service industry disputes
  
  
• Construction and contractor misclassification cases
  
  
• Tip violations and withheld commissions
  
  
• Wrongful termination due to wage disputes
  
  

📞 Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start your wage recovery journey.

Final Takeaway

Wage theft is illegal—and no paycheck should ever be short, late, or missing. With the help of an experienced wage claim lawyer in Texas, you can take back control, hold your employer accountable, and recover every dollar you’ve earned.