Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania
My recent employer owes me my last two paychecks but refuses to pay me. I have tried to do this as civil as possible but she will not work with me. This has been going on since April, I went through the department of labor and when i received my checks they bounced and she will not send me new ones. What kind of legal actions can I take in order to get paid?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Before I respond to your inquiry, I must state that we have not spoken, I have not reviewed the relevant documents and facts, and I do not represent you. Therefore, my discussion below is not a legal opinion, but is informational only. Finally, my discussion applies only to issues to which Pennsylvania or Federal law apply, unless otherwise specified.
That being said, Pennsylvania has a statutory remedy known as the Wage Payment and Collection Law. (43 P.S. � 260.1 through 43 P.S. � 260.10). Much like your dealings with the Department of Labor, this statute allows a remedy for your non-payment of wages. It allows you to not only file a complaint to receive compensation from your employer (the company) but also creates personal liability for the decision makers of the company as well. If you are successful on your claims, you also may be entitled to 25% in liquidated damages and attorney�s fees. You should speak with an employment attorney in your area to discuss your rights and a reasonable course of action. However, please be advised that as this statute is simply a remedy, you will need to bring additional claims, such as breach of contract, in order to bring this claim of violation of the wage payment and collection law. The statute of limitations for a contract claim is four (4) years from the date of injury.
If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me at the below address(es) or number.
Robert H. Graff
The Ezold Law Firm, P.C.
One Belmont Avenue,
Suite 501
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
(610) 660-5585
www.ezoldlaw.com