CLEVELAND — A former investigator for Columbiana County, Ohio coroner’s office recently settled his unpaid overtime lawsuit with the county over allegations that the office failed to pay overtime for hours spent on-call. While the defendant admits no fault in the settlement, the resolution is significant for the plaintiff as it finally brings closure to the litigation and recovery of hard-earned income.
According to the overtime pay lawsuit, the plaintiff worked as an investigator with the county coroner’s office, sometimes standing by “on-call” in case the office needed his assistance, something for which the plaintiff claims he was never paid. The plaintiff’s position, as many courts have agreed, was that he should be compensated for his on-call hours whether he was called onto the job or not.
The plaintiff originally filed his overtime pay lawsuit in November 2011 to recover is unpaid wages and refiled an amended complaint a few months later in 2012. The claim soon escalated after the plaintiff resigned from his position with the county claiming his employer retaliated against him and created a hostile work environment.
FLSA Retaliation Protections
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), it is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for engaging in a protected activity like filing an unpaid overtime lawsuit in federal court. Unfortunately, the plaintiffs allegations are an all-too-common occurrence in many workplaces where workers must struggle to recover all their wages.
In addition to recovering lost wages, interest on back pay, penalties, and attorney’s fees, overtime lawsuit plaintiffs may be entitled to other compensation if they can prove in court that their employer retaliated against them for filing the claim. Corrective actions in FLSA retaliation claims include reinstatement, promotion, front pay, and other compensatory damages.
Examples of common types of retaliation include discharge, creating a hostile work environment, or other materially adverse actions. Plaintiffs with questions about a potential unpaid overtime claim should contact an experienced overtime lawsuit attorney about their case.
Government Employee Overtime Pay Lawsuit
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you feel that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.