How to Contest an Unfair Wage Claim in Houston, TX
Wage disputes are a growing concern for business owners in Houston, TX, and handling them can feel overwhelming. If you’re facing what you believe to be an unfair claim, you’re not alone—many employers find themselves defending against accusations of unpaid wages, overtime violations, or employee misclassification. These claims can lead to serious consequences, including financial penalties, reputational damage, and even lawsuits, making it critical to address them quickly and carefully.
At Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C., our Houston wage and hour defense lawyers know businesses need guidance through these difficult employee matters. Our attorneys have helped countless Houston businesses protect their finances and reputation when an employee files an unfair wage claim against them. With decades of experience in civil court, attorney Roger G. Jain has helped businesses navigate through these sensitive and potentially costly employee matters.
Understanding Wage Claims in Texas
A wage claim arises when employees believe they haven’t been properly paid for their work. This might include unpaid wages, overtime violations, or withheld commissions. Texas labor laws govern wage disputes, and in some cases, federal regulations like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) also govern wage disputes.
For instance, overtime disputes are common. Non-exempt employees must be paid time and a half for hours worked over 40 in a week, but employers sometimes misclassify workers as exempt to avoid paying overtime. Other frequent issues involve withheld final paychecks, bonuses, or commissions, as well as violations of the minimum wage requirement, which in Texas follows the federal standard of $7.25 per hour.
Step 1: Evaluate the Legitimacy of the Claim
Take a moment to step back and really look at the situation. Double-check that the employee is classified correctly under the FLSA. Do your payroll records match up with the hours they worked and the wages they received? Mistakes can happen, but not every claim is fair. That’s why having clear, accurate records is so important—it helps protect your business and ensures you handle the situation the right way.
Step 2: Understand the Relevant Laws
Texas law (such as the Texas Payday Law) requires employers to pay workers on time and in full while following clear rules about what can and can’t be deducted from their pay. Federal laws, like the FLSA, outline rules for employee overtime, minimum wages, and employee classification.
As an employer, you must know how these rules apply to your business and make sure you’re following them.
Step 3: Responding to a Wage Claim
If you’re an employer and receive a notice about a wage claim, it’s important to act quickly. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will ask for documents like payroll records to look into the claim. You’ll need to show clear evidence that you followed labor laws and fix any mistakes in the claim. If you ignore the notice or don’t provide all the information, it could lead to fines or a decision that goes against you.
The TWC will likely open an investigation to look through your documents. They may even want to interview you or others at your company. Be prepared for anything during this investigation. Make sure that your records are organized, and double-check them for accuracy. You want to be able to explain your side to the TWC in a clear and concise way – with visual evidence.
Step 5: Seek Legal Representation
Wage disputes can quickly become complex, especially when significant amounts of money are at stake. An experienced Houston wage and hour dispute attorney can gather evidence, craft a compelling argument, and help you through the procedural aspects of the claims process.
An attorney can review your policies and payroll practices to identify vulnerabilities and build a robust defense. If the case escalates to litigation, you will be glad to have a strong legal advocate on your side.
Preventing Wage Disputes in the Future
Preventing wage disputes starts with strong payroll systems that calculate pay accurately and keep reliable records of hours worked and wages paid. Employers should also regularly check their policies to ensure they follow Texas and federal labor laws.
It is just as important to train managers and HR staff properly. When managers understand wage and hour laws, they can avoid mistakes like misclassifying employees or failing to pay overtime. They can also handle employee concerns early, preventing small issues from becoming big problems.
Using these strategies, employers build trust, improve communication, and create a fair workplace where wage disputes are less likely to happen.
Contact Our Houston Wage and Hour Defense Lawyers
Contesting an unfair wage claim in Houston can feel overwhelming, but it is possible to achieve a fair resolution. If you are an employer defending against a claim, understanding the laws, gathering strong evidence, and consulting an attorney are your best tools for success.
If you’re facing a wage dispute, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Houston-based civil litigation attorney at Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C. We can help you through this difficult time so you can focus on other important business matters. Reach out to us online or call 713-981-0600 to get started.
Roger Jain is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists his clients in the following areas of practice: civil litigation, business law, criminal defense, juvenile law, estate planning and family Law.