Chester Employee Misclassification Attorney

Employee misclassification remains a critical issue impacting both workers and businesses across various industries. At its core, employee misclassification occurs when workers are inaccurately categorized, affecting the legal protections and benefits to which they are entitled. For employees, this practice can lead to significant losses in wages, overtime pay, and eligibility for benefits. For employers, improper classification can result in severe legal and financial consequences.

At Miller Shah, we recognize that misclassification disputes are complex and high-stakes matters for all parties involved. With over 15 years of experience navigating the nuances of state and federal employment law, we are competent and compassionate in our efforts to safeguard employees’ rights and help employers comply with evolving regulations. We work tirelessly to provide clarity, pursue fair outcomes, and deliver results for our clients.

What is Employee Misclassification?

Employee misclassification refers to the improper categorization of workers under labor laws. Workers are often classified as either employees or independent contractors, with the distinction dictating their access to wage protections, benefits, and legal rights. Within the employee category, further classification distinguishes between exempt and non-exempt employees. Non-exempt employees are entitled to protections such as overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), while exempt employees are not.

Employers may be tempted to misclassify employees as exempt or as independent contractors to reduce costs. While this can minimize payroll expenses and tax obligations for businesses, it deprives workers the compensation and protections they rightfully deserve.  Moreover, employers held liable for misclassification face costly lawsuits, steep legal penalties, and serious reputational damage.

Common Scenarios of Misclassification

Misclassification can occur in various industries and circumstances, including:

• Independent Contractors vs. Employees: Workers are labeled independent contractors, yet perform tasks under the employer’s direct control, indicating they should be classified as employees.
• Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees: Employees are wrongly listed as exempt from overtime, despite failing to meet exemption criteria related to their salary or job duties.
• Gig Economy Misclassification: Workers in the gig economy, such as delivery drivers or app-based workers, are denied employee status despite providing services integral to the employer’s operations.

The implications of all these scenarios are far-reaching, affecting workers’ ability to earn proper wages, access employer-sponsored benefits, or claim protections under workplace safety laws. 

How Miller Shah Handles Misclassification Cases

Miller Shah is a nationally recognized law firm renowned for its ability to handle complex employment classification disputes. We have both successfully represented employees seeking redress for wage and hour violations and advised employers striving to comply with state and federal laws. Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of FLSA regulations, state-specific employment laws, and the nuances of evolving statutory requirements, allowing us to provide strategic counsel to aggrieved employees and businesses navigating employment compliance alike.

Emphasizing a client-focused approach, we offer tailored strategies to resolve misclassification claims effectively. When appropriate, we pursue class action lawsuits to maximize recovery for workers impacted by widespread employer practices. We are proud of our record of securing significant settlements and judgments for misclassified workers.

Contact a Chester Employee Misclassification Attorney Today

If you believe you have been misclassified as an independent contractor or exempt employee, or if you are an employer seeking guidance on employee classification, Miller Shah can help. Reach out to a dedicated Chester employee misclassification attorney committed to providing personalized legal counsel and delivering impactful results. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.