The Fair Labor Standard Act (“FLSA”) is an important body of legislation enacted by the United States government to protect employee rights and ensure workers are treated fairly. The primary claims regarding improper wages and overtime pay are handled by this Act, as well as those pertaining to exemption status. The Act contains provisions for holding managers, directors, or officers personally accountable for any violations found to have occurred on their watch—ensuring that employees who make such claims will receive justice even if they are not able to prove a direct action against them. The FLSA is essential in making sure the workplace remains a safe and equitable environment for all employees.
Dismissing employees is never simple, and there are certain situations where it may be the only choice. It is a difficult decision, particularly if it involves a long-serving and senior member of the team, and can result in complications if the proper procedures are not followed or if the termination is perceived as retaliatory.
There is a common misconception among employers that an agreement between the employer and employee on compensation, such as salary, is sufficient protection against FLSA claims. However, this is not the case. Even if the employee agrees to a salary, the employer must prove that the employee is exempt to avoid FLSA liability for improper wage compensation.
FLSA claims can be costly, as employers may be liable for damages and attorney fees, which can be significant in FLSA cases. Therefore, employers in Florida need to comply with the FLSA regulations and seek legal advice to prevent potential liability.
FLSA claims are legal actions initiated by employees for unpaid wages. These claims often arise from the misclassification of an employee as exempt or non-exempt or a failure to provide minimum wage and overtime pay as mandated by state and federal laws. Such claims may be filed not only against the company but also personally against the manager or owners of the organization. Due to the severity of these claims, it is crucial to carefully examine the facts and circumstances surrounding each employee and the company’s policies during their employment.
There are several examples of FLSA claims that can arise in Florida. Some of the most common include:
Retaliatory discharge claims are legal actions initiated by employees who have been wrongfully terminated for reporting an employer’s failure to pay wages or overtime or for violation of local, state, or federal labor laws. Each case is unique, and a thorough investigation of the complaint’s circumstances is necessary to build a strong defense. These claims are serious and can have severe consequences for employers, including damages, penalties, and legal fees. Therefore, businesses must implement policies and procedures to prevent retaliation against employees who raise legitimate concerns or complaints.
Florida businesses may face retaliatory discharge claims in the following instances:
In each of these situations, the employee may claim that their termination was retaliatory and file a lawsuit against the employer.
To effectively defend against FLSA and retaliatory discharge claims, it is crucial to work with an attorney with experience in complex business and employment legal matters and litigation and a strong financial background. At the Campbell Law Group, our team has the necessary expertise to defend companies facing these types of claims.
We are located in the Miami area but accept cases from all over the state of Florida. If you are a Florida-based employer grappling with an FLSA or retaliatory discharge claim, we can provide you with the experienced representation you need.
If you have an FLSA or retaliatory discharge case, please do not hesitate to contact us. We also offer additional resources, including blog articles, videos, and other materials, on this topic for your reference.
Yes, FLSA claims can hold managers, directors, or officers personally accountable for any violations of the Act. This means that if an employee files a claim against a company for unpaid wages, overtime, or improper exemption status, the managers, directors, or officers of that company may also be held liable.
While Florida is not a prevailing wage state, Florida-based companies doing business in other states, such as New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, may face prevailing wage claims for failing to pay required wages on certain types of contract employment for specific trades when providing services or labor for public projects on behalf of state entities or the federal government.
Working with an attorney experienced in complex business and employment legal matters and litigation for FLSA and retaliatory discharge claims is important because these cases can be complex and require specialized knowledge and experience. Additionally, managers, directors, or officers may be held personally accountable for FLSA claims, so it is important to have strong legal representation.
The statute of limitations for FLSA and retaliatory discharge claims is generally two years from the date of the alleged violation or three years if the violation was willful. However, there may be exceptions and specific circumstances that could affect the statute of limitations, so it is best to consult with an experienced attorney to understand the limitations that apply to your particular case.
The potential penalties for FLSA and Retaliatory Discharge Claims can include back wages, liquidated damages (an additional amount equal to back wages), attorney fees, and court costs. In cases of willful violations of the FLSA, the penalty can include civil fines and criminal charges. Additionally, employers found guilty of retaliatory discharge may be required to reinstate the affected employee and provide compensation for lost wages and benefits.
The Campbell Law Group P.A.
Focuses its practice on corporate and family law matters.
While representing clients whether in civil, corporate or family law matters, our company’s primary goal is first to help clients minimize the need for unnecessary litigation and conflict where possible. If litigation is necessary, our company is more than capable of representing you or your business’ interest and helping you achieve a fair outcome, while guiding you, your family and your company through the difficulties involved in litigation.
Corporate and Family Law Attorney and
Collaborative Family Law Attorney
Education
Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law – Hempstead, New York Juris Doctorate (2007)
Florida International University – Miami, Florida – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1998)
Admissions
Florida Bar (2009)
United States District Court for the Southern District (2013), Middle (2015) and Northern Districts of Florida (2018)
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida (2015)
Member of the Collaborative Family Law Institute, Inc. (2017)
Regina is the Managing Partner of The Campbell Law Group based in Coral Gables, Florida. She is recognized for her unique insight, resourceful problem-solving skills and understanding of how legal issues affect people and companies differently.
One of Regina’s biggest passions is litigation. Regina and The Campbell Law Group PA have seen a great deal of success in prosecuting and litigating business fraud and ponzi schemes, tortious interference with a business relationship cases, non-compete cases, shareholder actions, complex divorce and post-divorce actions, especially cases with recalcitrant parties with a talent at hiding assets and/or avoiding support obligations amongst others causes of action.
Regina is fluent in both English and Spanish and has assisted businesses and families from over twenty countries with their business and family legal needs.
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Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel: +1 (305) 460-0145
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