Asked in Employment Law for Florida

Q: I'm being sued for unpaid overtime wages, liquidated damages and attorneys' fees. I own a convenience store in Florida

and the employee worked for me for a total of 6 weeks and between 20 - 40 hours in a week. I paid the employee $10/hr and had no contract. The employee quit after the first 3 weeks. However, was hired back 2 weeks later for another 3 weeks but was then let go. In the 6 weeks he was with us he called off 3 times usually minutes before or in 1 case 4 hours after his shift started. We had no choice but to let him go. When he threatened to sue us, he told us he just settled another law suit and received $10,000 for a similar situation and that we would have to pay for our unfairness. I pay well over the minimum wage and there was no overtime, so I don't know where I was unfair. However, could you please advise how to go forward. Thank you.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Tina El Fadel
Tina El Fadel
Answered
  • Boca Raton, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: If you were served with a lawsuit it is very important that you hire an attorney as soon as possible as you have to respond to the lawsuit within 20 days or risk having a default entered against you and your Company. Gather all the time cards and information you have on the employee suing you and provide the same to the attorney of your choice. Our firm handles these matters and offer no obligation free consultations if you would like to further discuss this matter.

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