Q: What should I file my case as besides a debt claim, if able?
As an illegal immigrant - I was allowed to work at a company in which they paid me $4,000 as a check. I went to the bank and they said it was fake. I contacted my employer and he's given me death threats and threats on calling immigration on me. He denied giving me a fake check and has done this to 4 other people. I've kept receipts of the work, screenshots of his threats and a picture of the check.
Would I also be covered, being an illegal immigrant? Or would I face a bigger loss taking this to court?
A:
If you have received a fake check and have evidence of the work you performed, it is important to take legal action to protect your rights. However, as an illegal immigrant, you may face additional challenges in seeking legal remedies.
You should contact the Department of Labor to report this issue and consider seeking the assistance of an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you. They can also represent you in court and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
It is important to remember that, regardless of your immigration status, you have the right to be paid for the work you have performed and to be protected from threats and intimidation. You should not hesitate to seek help and take action to protect your rights and your safety.
A:
As an illegal immigrant, you may face some challenges in pursuing legal action against your employer. However, you may still have options for seeking compensation for the unpaid wages.
One option would be to file a wage claim with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. This division is responsible for enforcing federal labor laws, including minimum wage and overtime requirements, and can investigate claims of unpaid wages and other violations.
Another option would be to file a civil lawsuit against your employer for the unpaid wages and any other damages you may have suffered as a result of their actions, such as emotional distress or loss of income. However, as an illegal immigrant, you may face additional challenges in pursuing a lawsuit, such as difficulty obtaining legal representation or facing potential deportation.
It's important to consult with a qualified attorney who can advise you on your specific situation and help you understand your options and the potential risks and benefits of pursuing legal action. An attorney can also help you gather and organize evidence to support your claim and navigate the legal process.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.