Your benefits and compensation are more than just perks of the job—they’re part of the pay you’ve earned. When an employer denies you health benefits, withholds a promised bonus, or mismanages your retirement plan, it can have serious financial consequences. Employees often face complex policies, legal loopholes, and uncooperative employers when trying to recover what they’re owed.
At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we fight for employees who have been shortchanged on their benefits and compensation. If your employer isn’t paying you fairly or is mishandling your benefits, we can help. Call us today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Understanding Employee Benefits and Compensation
Employee benefits and compensation go beyond just salary—they include the financial and non-financial perks that contribute to your overall earnings. When employers fail to meet their obligations, employees may lose out on significant compensation they were promised.
Key components of employee benefits and compensation include:
- Health insurance – Employer-provided plans, COBRA continuation coverage, and medical expense reimbursements.
- Retirement plans – 401(k) contributions, pensions, and stock options.
- Bonuses and commissions – Performance-based or contractually guaranteed incentives.
- Wages and overtime – Proper classification, minimum wage protections, and overtime pay.
- Severance and paid leave – Compensation for layoffs, unused vacation, or family leave.
Federal and state laws deter employer misconduct, including ERISA, FLSA, and New York labor laws. However, companies may still deny benefits, miscalculate payments, or delay compensation. If you suspect unfair treatment, legal action may be necessary to recover what you’re owed.
Common Disputes in Employee Benefits & Compensation
Employees frequently face challenges when employers fail to uphold their commitments regarding benefits and compensation. These disputes often arise from mismanagement, contract violations, or deliberate non-payment.
- Denied or mismanaged health benefits – Employers may refuse to provide promised coverage, delay enrollment, or wrongfully deny claims. COBRA continuation coverage disputes are also common, leading to unexpected lapses in health insurance.
- Unpaid or reduced bonuses and commissions – Some employers withhold or decrease bonuses and commissions that were contractually agreed upon. Others manipulate performance metrics or retroactively change policies to justify non-payment.
- Retirement plan mismanagement – Employers may fail to contribute to 401(k) plans, miscalculate pension benefits, or violate ERISA protections, jeopardizing employees’ retirement security.
- Wage and overtime violations – Misclassifying employees to avoid paying overtime, making unlawful paycheck deductions, or failing to pay the correct hourly rate can lead to wage disputes.
Such disputes can significantly impact an employee’s financial well-being, often requiring legal action to recover unpaid compensation or benefits.
Legal Protections for Employees
Federal, state, and city laws regulating benefits and compensation protect New York employees. These laws establish employer obligations and provide legal recourse when rights are violated.
- ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) – Protects employees’ rights to health and retirement benefits, ensuring employers properly manage benefit plans and do not wrongfully deny claims.
- FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) – Governs minimum wage, overtime pay, and employee classification to prevent wage theft and unpaid compensation.
- COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) – Requires employers to offer continued health insurance coverage after job loss or transition.
- New York Labor Law – Establishes strict wage and hour protections, including overtime pay, earned commissions, and timely wage payments.
- New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act – Requires employers to provide paid sick leave, ensuring employees can take time off without retaliation.
Employees who experience violations of these laws can file claims for unpaid wages, denied benefits, and financial damages.
How Lipsky Lowe LLP Can Help
When an employer denies you the benefits or compensation you’ve rightfully earned, you don’t have to face the fight alone. Our firm is dedicated to advocating for employees in New York, ensuring they receive the wages, bonuses, and benefits they are owed.
We understand the complexities of employment contracts, benefit plans, and wage laws and use this knowledge to hold employers accountable. Whether through negotiation, administrative claims, or litigation, we pursue every available legal avenue to protect your financial interests.
Our attorneys will carefully assess the details of your claim, explain your legal options, and develop a strategy tailored to your situation. We know financial security is at stake, and we work diligently to recover what you deserve as efficiently as possible.
Take Action to Protect Your Benefits and Compensation
If your employer has denied you the wages, bonuses, or benefits you’ve earned, you don’t have to accept it. Lipsky Lowe LLP is ready to help you fight for your rights. We offer a confidential consultation to review your situation and discuss your legal options. Contact us today to secure the compensation and benefits you deserve.