At Welmaker Law, we believe every worker deserves fair treatment and justice, regardless of employment status. Led by Attorney Doug Welmaker, who has over 15 years of experience advocating for workers, our firm is dedicated to helping independent contractors stand up for their rights in wage and hour disputes. If you have been denied wages or benefits, we are here to secure the compensation you are owed.
Call (903) 664-8737 or reach out online to request a free consultation with our independent contractor attorney.
What Is an Independent Contractor in Texas?
In Texas, an independent contractor is generally defined as a worker who operates independently and is not under the direct control or supervision of the person hiring them. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and federal guidelines, such as those from the IRS, use specific criteria to distinguish independent contractors from employees.
Key factors include:
Control over work - Independent contractors have control over how, when, and where they work.
Financial independence - They typically provide their own tools, equipment, and resources, and they bear the risk of profit or loss.
Nature of the relationship - Independent contractors often work under a contract for a specific project or period, and they are not entitled to employee benefits like health insurance or paid leave.
Wage & Hour Issues We Handle for Independent Contractors
At Welmaker Law, we are capable of representing independent contractors in numerous types of disputes, including those that involve the following:
Misclassification - Many companies intentionally misclassify workers to bypass obligations such as overtime pay, minimum wage compliance, and payroll tax liabilities. If you suspect you have been misclassified, we can help you take action.
Failure to pay owed wages - Some independent contractors are denied payment or receive less than agreed-upon amounts. In such cases, Attorney Welmaker can fight to recover proper compensation.
Unlawful deductions - Employers may improperly deduct expenses for equipment, training, or other costs from pay, violating workers’ rights. We can investigate and address these illegal practices.
Breaches of contract - If your employer violates the terms of your agreement, we can hold them accountable through legal action.
Attorney Welmaker has 15+ years of experience representing independent contractors and other workers in Texas wage and hour law disputes. He has skillfully handled cases across various industries, such as construction, oil and gas, home healthcare, and others. With his extensive experience, you can count on him to strategize for success and work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests.
The Potential Outcomes of Legal Action
Taking legal action as an independent contractor may seem overwhelming, but it can lead to transformative outcomes.
Our firm works diligently to achieve results such as:
Recovering unpaid wages for work our clients have completed.
Securing damages for breaches of contract, employer negligence, and more.
Improving industry practices by holding employers accountable for malpractice.
Pursuing legal action demonstrates that workers like you will not tolerate exploitation. Driven by a commitment to workers’ rights, Welmaker Law can be with you at every step as you navigate your legal journey toward justice.
You do not have to face your legal battle alone. Turn to Welmaker Law for the skilled, experience-backed representation you deserve. We are proud to offer free consultations, which we can conduct in person or virtually. Additionally, our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless we win your case. This fee structure reflects our dedication to making legal services accessible to all workers who need the assistance of an attorney.
If you believe your rights as an independent contractor have been violated, it is time to take action. Call (903) 664-8737 or contact Welmaker Law online to set up a consultation. We support workers throughout Texas and beyond.
