Connecticut Employee Misclassification Lawyer

Employee misclassification is a legal issue with serious consequences for both workers and organizations. When employees are misclassified, they lose access to critical workplace rights and protections, while employers face significant legal and financial liabilities. If you suspect you are a victim of misclassification or if your business is navigating the complexities of compliance, obtaining experienced legal guidance is essential. A Connecticut employee misclassification lawyer at Miller Shah can help you understand your rights and obligations, ensuring the workplace works for employers and employees alike.  

What is Employee Misclassification?

Employee misclassification occurs when employers incorrectly categorize workers. One common instance is labeling an employee as an independent contractor, whether inadvertently or intentionally to reduce costs. Employers may also misclassify non-exempt employees as exempt from the protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), denying them overtime pay and other protections under federal labor law. These practices are not only illegal but also have far-reaching implications for workers’ wages, benefits, and overall job security. 

How Misclassification Impacts Workers

Workers misclassified as independent contractors or exempt employees are denied key legal protections and benefits. These include overtime pay, paid leave, health insurance, and retirement contributions. Additionally, independent contractors are responsible for their own payroll taxes and may not qualify for unemployment benefits or Workers’ Compensation in the event of job-related injuries. 

Denying workers the significant benefits and protections reserved for employees creates an unequal playing field in the workplace, costing employees their lawful entitlements while enabling unethical cost-saving practices. Misclassification directly impacts the financial and professional stability of workers and undermines labor standards across industries. 

Employees vs. Independent Contractors

The distinction between employees and independent contractors is critical but often misunderstood. Employees work under the direct control of their employer, adhere to set schedules, and use company-provided equipment. They are entitled to benefits like health insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and overtime pay. 

Independent contractors, on the other hand, work independently, set their own schedules, and typically use their own tools or equipment. They are not entitled to the same benefits and protections provided to employees. When workers are misclassified as contractors, they may unfairly lose essential protections and face undue financial and legal burdens. 

How Miller Shah Can Help

At Miller Shah, we combine decades of experience with a multifaceted understanding of employment laws to resolve even the most complex misclassification cases. We advocate for workers seeking to correct their classification and recoup their lost benefits, as well as for employers striving to comply with evolving regulations. 

For misclassified employees, we develop comprehensive legal strategies to recover lost wages and benefits, holding employers accountable for violations of state and federal labor laws. Our knowledge extends across industries, offering tailored solutions for every client’s case. 

For businesses, we help mitigate risk by providing proactive compliance guidance, addressing potential liabilities, and navigating the evolving legal landscape. Whether resolving disputes or offering preventative counsel, our team delivers practical, sophisticated solutions. 

Contact a Connecticut Employee Misclassification Lawyer

If you believe you’ve been misclassified or need clarity on how to properly classify the workers at your business, a Connecticut employee misclassification lawyer at Miller Shah can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your misclassification concerns.