Bounced paychecks, unpaid for weeks, credit affected

[puertotampa]

Georgia, Atlanta area
Just quit this job because at least unemployment can guarantee a paycheck.
Company is having major financial trouble. Started bouncing multiple paychecks to all employees. Went 5 weeks w/out getting paid at one point. That affected my relationship w/ my bank and also my credit as I was very late on several bills. Now I am behind 2, soon to be 3, paychecks. It is one specific owner that is at fault.
How can I get the money I'm owed, and can I sue for damages. About 5 other employees want to take this action.
Thanks,
Aaron

 

[presutin]

Small claims court is your way to recover as long as the total amount owed to each employee is under 5K. Good luck to you!

 

[puertotampa]

I'm curious about damages as well. If I get a lawyer, can they get something extra than just what I'm "owed".

 

[cbg]

Maybe. No guarantees. It's not owed to you under the law. You are owed exactly what wages you earned and were not paid; no more, no less. Georgia is not one of the very few states that allows for penalties to the employer.