How can I get my final paycheck from my previous employer?
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How can I get my final paycheck from my previous employer?
I am trying to get my final paycheck from my last employer. I also have a company laptop, camera and GPS. Upon receiving my termination notice, my employer said that he would contact me in order to make the exchange of the check and equipment. This never happened. Today, I tried to make arrangements and was told that I have stolen the equipment and need to speak to an attorney. I don’t have the resources for this and I feel wronged by the whole situation.
Asked on June 15, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Indiana
Answers:
Jonathan Pollard / Pollard LLC
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you're in an office and you leave that job, its not too tough-- you leave everything there.
But if you don't work out of an office, and you have such equipment on your person, then you need to make arrangements to return everything to the company. The biggest thing here is that you must have something in writing. How did your last employer communicate these things to you? Do you have any emails saying "Drop the computer off and pick up your paycheck." If you do, that is excellent evidence of your position. If all of this was via phone, that makes it harder.
On the point re not getting your paycheck, you may have a claim for unpaid wages. You should send (or have a lawyer send) a letter to this comany demanding your wages. Even though the company claims you stole this equipment, they still have to pay you your wages. If they do not pay you within a certain period of time, you may be entitled to double damages and attorney's fees.
If the amount you are owed is less than $800, then you should contact the Indiana Division of Labor, 402 West Washington Street, Room 195, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2287, (317) 232-2673. They will help you for free.
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