WASHINGTON D.C. — A Washington, D.C. medical transport driver recently filed an unpaid overtime lawsuit against a nationwide health care contractor based out of St. Louis alleging the defendant grossly underpaid local workers transporting non-emergency patients to and from Medicaid sponsored services. The complaint alleges that Medical Transportation Management Inc. paid drivers as little as $3.61 per hour, forcing drivers to stay over 40-hours per week on the job without minimum wage or overtime pay or risk losing their jobs.
According to the complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the plaintiff worked as many as 70 hours per week for a flat fee of only $325, without lunch breaks or overtime and was threatened with termination for refusing to transport patients. The allegations, if true, would be a violation of both local Washington, D.C. and federal wage and labor laws and could result in a substantial award for the plaintiffs, if successful.
Defendant Classified Drivers as Independent Contractors
The unpaid overtime lawsuit claims that the drivers worked in continuous shifts from 5am until 8pm, six days a week, and routinely totaled well over 60 hours on the job. However, the defendant allegedly classified the drivers as “independent contractors,” a common tactic used by unscrupulous companies attempting to increase profits at the expense of hardworking people.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), independent contractors are not considered employees and are therefore not eligible for overtime, minimum wage, and other labor and wage protections. However, these workers must meet several criteria established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the 20-factor independent contractor test.
The lawsuit seeks to recover minimum wages and overtime pay with interest, liquidated damages equal to back pay, attorneys fees, court costs, and any other compensation. Often times, courts may also impose injunctions against especially egregious offenders in addition to monetary compensation for victims in order to ensure the illegal business practices do not continue.
Medical Transport Driver Unpaid Overtime Lawsuit
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you believe that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.