Time Limit for wage dispute

[srader]

In March 2007 I was let go, and I pursued a discrimination complaint with the EEOC. That just finished, with a nuetral ruling. Since it is over two years, do I have any legal recourse to purue a dispute of a bonus that was not paid, per a written agreement? The NJ DOL said that they have a 2-year limit. Is it too late for a special civil court? Am I out of luck?

[Eagle]

If it is a written agreement then it is probably a contract and therefore the statute of limitations is 6 years. Here are the NJ statute of limitations for NJ civial cases:

Injury to Person 2 yrs. §2A:14-2

Libel/Slander 1 yr. §2A:14-3

Fraud 6 yrs. §2A:14-1

Injury to Personal Property 6 yrs. §2A:14-1

Professional Malpractice 2 yrs. §2A:14-2

Trespass 6 yrs. §2A:14-1

Collection of Rents 16 yrs. §2A:14-4

Contracts Written: 6 yrs. §2A:14-1; Oral: 6 yrs. §2A:14-1

Collection of Debt on Account 6 yrs. §2A:14-1

Judgments 20 yrs. from court of record §2A:14-5

[srader]

Thanks, how does NJ define a contract? You said if it is a contract...I have a series of emails, with a final response from the employer agreeing to terms.

[Eagle]

Well, basically a contract would exist if you both agreed to the terms and gave up something of value in exchange. It appears that you gave up you services in exchange for the bonus...it that correct?

[srader]

Yes, thanks, that is the way I see it. So, at this point the best avenue would be SPecial Civil and/or Small Claims, depending on the the dollar amounts.