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NRS 608.135 Civil action against employer for failure to pay wages; Labor Commissioner prohibited from taking jurisdiction of claim for wages during pendency of civil action.

Understanding NRS 608.135: Civil Action and Wage Claims in Nevada

In the state of Nevada, employees have specific rights when it comes to receiving their wages. One of the laws that protect these rights is Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 608.135. This law explains what an employee can do if an employer does not pay wages owed. It also outlines the role of the Nevada Labor Commissioner during these situations. This article breaks down NRS 608.135 in simple terms to help you understand your rights and what actions are available under Nevada law.

What Is NRS 608.135?

NRS 608.135 is part of the Nevada labor law that allows an employee to take civil legal action (a lawsuit) against an employer who does not pay them their due wages. This statute essentially gives workers the right to sue if they are not paid what they have earned under Nevada employment laws.

This law is especially important because some employers may delay or refuse to pay wages, hoping that workers will not know how to respond. Thanks to NRS 608.135, employees have a clear path to seek justice through the court system when this happens.

Employee’s Right to Sue

If you are a worker in Nevada and your employer has not paid you properly, you have the right to file a civil suit under NRS 608.135. This means you can go to court and ask a judge to require your employer to pay the wages you are owed. In many cases, you may also be able to recover legal costs and other damages depending on the situation.

It is important to keep good records of the hours you worked, your pay stubs, and any communications with your employer. These documents will help you prove your case in court.

Role of the Labor Commissioner

Nevada’s Labor Commissioner is a state official responsible for overseeing wage claims among other labor-related issues. In many situations, an employee can file a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner. The Commissioner will then investigate and try to resolve the situation.

However, under NRS 608.135, the Labor Commissioner is not allowed to take part in a wage claim that is already involved in a civil court case. This means if you decide to file a lawsuit against your employer about unpaid wages, the Labor Commissioner cannot handle the same complaint at the same time.

Key Points to Remember

  • Employees in Nevada have the right to file a lawsuit against an employer for unpaid wages under NRS 608.135.
  • Taking the issue to court means the Labor Commissioner cannot take action on that same claim.
  • It’s important to choose either the court process or the Labor Commissioner’s process, not both at once.
  • Keeping clear records of hours worked and payments is critical to support your wage claim.

Conclusion

NRS 608.135 provides Nevada workers with a strong legal option if they are not getting paid correctly. It ensures that employees do not have to wait helplessly when their hard-earned wages are withheld. If you find yourself in this situation, consider speaking with an attorney who is familiar with Nevada labor laws. Standing up for your rights is not just about protecting yourself—it also helps others by holding employers accountable under the law.