Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

Re: Employment question

To answer question one, other than turning to L & I, the only means I know of for collection is by private action. Presumably you have already asked to be paid. Next step would be to hire an attorney to pursue your claims for you. I am assuming you can show that you did the work and you can show that an agreement existed as to salary rate and/or commission. As an intervening next step, I would also urge you to find another job, first. Working for an employer that you are taking legal action against is never pleasant and has no long term promise.

To answer question two, as far as mentioning the situation to a customer, truth is a defense against defamation. However, I would urge you not to do that again. Your employer is probably not paying you at least in part because he does not have the money. Driving his customers away will make that situation worse and make it harder for you to collect. Also, if you decide to get a job elsewhere, having a reputation for badmouthing your present employer is not likely to help, even if the employer richly deserves it. Finally, while truth is a defense, you still do not want to have to go through the legal hassle of defending yourself.

As far as finding an employment law attorney, I do not know of one in your area (I checked the zip code), but the best way to find a good attorney is to ask another attorney. If you know an attorney in your area that handles any field (family law? personal injury? DUI defense? anything!) ask them for a referral to an employment law attorney. Lawguru may also have listings.

Good luck!