Wage and Hour Lawyer Ann Arbor, MI

Do you work for an employer in Ann Arbor and believe they haven’t paid you for all the time you’ve worked, including overtime? Employees in Ann Arbor work in numerous industries, including higher education, healthcare, and technology. However, employers of all sizes may commit violations of state and federal wage and hour laws by failing to pay workers all the money owed to them under the law. Contact Fagan McManus, P.C., for a free initial case review with a wage and hour lawyer to learn how our firm can help you stand up to your employer and demand fair compensation for your labor.

Understanding Wage and Hour Laws in Ann Arbor

Various state and federal laws govern wage and hour rules in Ann Arbor. The key federal wage and hour law is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which includes the following provisions:

Setting a baseline minimum wage for the U.S., although states, counties, and municipalities can set higher minimum wages for workers within their jurisdictions
Requiring employers to pay one-and-a-half times the regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek by a non-exempt employee
Establishing rules allowing employers to take a “tip credit” against the minimum wage for employees who work in a job that customarily and regularly receives tips, which enables employers to pay an hourly wage below the minimum wage if the employee receives enough tips in an hour to reach the hourly minimum wage
Defining hours worked as time during which an employer requires a worker at the employer’s premises, at a prescribed worksite, or on duty

Michigan wage and hour laws also provide various protections for workers in the state. State law imposes a higher minimum wage than set by federal law, with the minimum wage scheduled to increase to $15 per hour in 2027. Employers may pay workers under 16 just 85 percent of the state minimum wage.

Under Michigan law, workers have 12 months after a violation to file a claim for non-payment of wages or fringe benefits. However, workers have three years after a violation to file a claim for failure to pay at least minimum wage or failure to pay overtime. Workers also have two years after a violation to file a claim alleging violations of the FLSA, or three years if a worker alleges an employer’s willful violation of the FLSA.

Common Wage and Hour Violations

At Fagan McManus, P.C., our attorneys regularly represent hardworking individuals who have experienced financial loss due to wage and hour violations such as:

Minimum wage violations
Unpaid overtime (failing to pay non-exempt employees time-and-a-half for all hours over 40 worked in a workweek)
Misclassifying workers as exempt from overtime rules or as independent contractors not subject to wage and hour laws
Requiring off-the-clock work, such as prep work, cleanup, or security screenings
Improper wage deductions, including deductions for disciplinary action or deductions that lower pay beyond minimum wage (including overtime)

For example, a wage and hour violation may occur when a restaurant pays a cook a flat weekly or monthly wage but requires the cook to work enough hours that the per-hour pay they receive falls below minimum wage. Violations can also occur when employers prohibit workers from clocking in until they’ve performed specific tasks essential to their jobs, such as preparing workstations. An employer can also violate Michigan’s wage and hour laws by deducting pay for broken equipment, missing inventory, or unpaid customer bills, unless the employee consents to the deduction in writing without intimidation or fear of termination.

Workers in Ann Arbor at Risk of Wage and Hour Violations

Certain categories of workers in Ann Arbor may face a higher risk of experiencing violations of their rights under state and federal wage and hour laws, including:

Hourly wage workers, such as retail staff, manufacturing workers, or distribution center employees
Hospitality workers, including restaurant servers, bartenders, or hotel housekeeping staff
Healthcare aides
Delivery drivers
Gig economy workers who work for companies rather than as self-employed contractors

Wage and hour violations can occur in businesses of any size. Although intentional violations may occur in smaller businesses, corporations can also commit violations due to administrative oversights or issues with a company’s timekeeping or payroll systems.

What to Do If You Suspect a Violation

If you believe your employer has paid you less than you’ve earned for your work, taking prompt action can help you with a wage and hour claim should you choose to pursue legal action. Steps to take if you suspect an employer’s violation of wage and hour laws include:

Keep copies of your time records and pay stubs to track how much pay you should receive.
Make notes about your work activities, including work-related tasks you must perform before you clock in or after you clock out.
Document conversations with supervisors and managers, especially regarding any pay complaints you make.
Do not sign any documents presented to you by your employer without first consulting an experienced employment law attorney.

Finally, when you experience an adverse employment action, such as a reassignment, demotion, or termination, after complaining about potential violations of wage and hour laws, you should talk to an employment law attorney as soon as possible about pursuing a retaliation claim against your employer.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

When you have a wage and hour claim against your employer in Ann Arbor, the legal team at Fagan McManus, P.C., can help you seek financial recovery for the work you’ve performed by:

Thoroughly investigating your claim to secure critical evidence, such as time sheets, pay stubs, employment contracts, written correspondence, and witness testimony
Evaluating your legal claims based on the nature of the violations, such as minimum wage or overtime violations
Calculating your lost wages to ensure we pursue a full financial recovery for you
Ensuring you meet filing deadlines and vigorously pursuing the compensation you deserve, whether through a settlement or by taking your case to court to hold your employer accountable for violating your rights

Why Choose Fagan McManus, P.C.?

Taking on an employer in a wage and hour case can seem daunting and cause you considerable anxiety and stress. However, you don’t have to pursue your claim alone. Hiring an experienced attorney can provide you with the guidance and support you need. Choose a wage and hour lawyer from Fagan McManus, P.C., to help you hold your employer accountable for failing to pay you the money you deserve for your work because:

Our firm has a proven track record of success holding employers accountable for violating workers’ rights. We’ve taken on companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations.
Our lawyers work tirelessly to fight for your financial interests in wage and hour cases and to ensure you understand your rights and options so you can make informed decisions at each step.
We strive to provide you with the personal attention and responsive support you need as you pursue financial recovery and justice from an employer that has improperly withheld your hard-earned pay.

Contact Our Firm Today for Help

If your employer in Ann Arbor has paid you less than owed to you under state and federal law, you may have the right to pursue legal action to seek the compensation you deserve. Contact Fagan McManus, P.C., today for a free, confidential consultation with a wage and hour attorney to discuss your legal options for pursuing a financial recovery of the wages your employer should have paid you for your hard work.