Getting paid less than the law requires is more than unfair–it’s illegal. Both federal and state laws set minimum wage standards to ensure workers receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. In Connecticut, the minimum wage is $16.35 per hour, while in New York it ranges from $15.50 to $16.50 per hour depending on the region. If your paycheck doesn’t reflect at least those amounts for every hour you work, you may be a victim of a minimum wage violation.

At Mitchell, Sheahan & Slippen, P.C., we help employees in Connecticut and New York protect their rights, hold employers accountable, and recover the wages they’ve earned. Contact us today to consult with an attorney experienced in wage and claims.

Minimum Wage Laws: What You Need to Know

Both federal and state laws set standards for the wages workers must receive. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. However, Connecticut and New York have adopted higher rates to better reflect the cost of living better, and employers in these states must comply with those state-specific rules noted above.

You should know that not every worker is treated the same under wage laws. For example, tipped employees, such as servers and bartenders, can be paid a lower base wage so long as tips bring their total earnings up to at least the state minimum. Different provisions may also cover interns, certain independent contractors, and workers in specific industries.

If your paycheck does not reflect at least the minimum wage in your state for every hour worked, your rights may have been violated. Understanding the baseline requirements is the first step in determining whether your employer has failed to pay you according to applicable law.

Common Ways Employers Violate Minimum Wage Laws

Employees who believe they’ve been short-changed should look for certain patterns that keep showing up. 

Here are some of the most common ways employers fall short of what you deserve:

  • Underpaying base wage–Setting your hourly rate below the required state minimum.
  • Misclassifying employees–Labeling you as “exempt,” “contractor,” or “intern” when you are entitled to hourly protections.
  • Not counting all hours worked–Failing to pay for prep, cleanup, or training time that is required by the job.
  • Withholding Illegal deductions–Pay for uniforms, tools, or breakages in ways that push your wages below the legal minimum.
  • Misapplying tipped worker rules–Misusing tip credits so that your combined wage and tips do not add up to the required minimum.

Legal Rights and Remedies for Employees

If your employer has failed to pay you the minimum wage, the law gives you tools to fight back. Both federal and state wage laws are designed to protect workers, and you may be entitled to more than just the wages you’re missing.

  • Back pay–Recovering the difference between what you were paid and what you should have been paid.
  • Liquidated damages–In many cases, doubling your claim through additional damages equal to your unpaid wages.
  • Attorney’s fees and costs–Employers may be required to cover your legal fees if you win.

There are also strict time limits for filing wage claims. The limit is 2 years under federal and Connecticut law, while New York allows for 6 years.

To make a strong case, keep proof such as pay stubs, schedules, timesheets, or emails that show the hours you worked and what you were paid. The more documentation you bring forward, the harder it is for your employer to deny the truth.

How Mitchell, Sheahan & Slippen Can Help

When you’ve been underpaid, it’s not just about the money. It’s about fairness, respect, and holding your employer accountable. Our employment lawyers know wage and hour law inside and out, and they’ve established a proven track record helping employees recover what they’re owed.

Sometimes that means pressing for a fair settlement through direct negotiation. Other times, it means standing by your side in court. We frequently represent workers in collective and class actions, where entire groups of employees have been affected by the same unlawful pay practices. Whether your claim involves one paycheck or hundreds of workers across a company, we’ll take the time to understand your situation and pursue every avenue for justice.

When you work with us, you’ll have a team that understands the law, understands the tactics employers use, and knows how to push back effectively.

Talk to a Minimum Wage Violations Attorney Today

You work hard, and you deserve to be paid fairly under the law. Minimum wage violations are more common than many people realize, but you don’t have to accept them. If you suspect your employer has shorted your pay, the sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

At Mitchell, Sheahan & Slippen, we’re here to listen, review your records, and explain your options. Don’t wait until it’s too late to assert your rights. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us help you recover the wages you’ve earned.