Fitapelli & Schaffer Files Lawsuit Against Total Directional LLC

Fitapelli & Schaffer LLP has filed a lawsuit against Total Directional Services LLC, alleging that the company failed to properly pay overtime wages to oilfield workers across the United States.

What Does the Total Directional Lawsuit Allege?

The case, filed in federal court in Colorado, claims that Total Directional misclassified workers such as MWD Engineers, directional drillers, and other oilfield personnel as independent contractors and paid them a flat day rate, regardless of how many hours they worked. According to the complaint, these workers regularly worked demanding schedules, often exceeding 40 hours per week, while stationed at job sites for extended periods of time. Despite these long hours, they were allegedly not paid overtime wages as required under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Why Does Worker Classification Matter for Overtime?

The lawsuit further alleges that Total Directional exercised significant control over these workers, including assigning job sites, setting schedules, requiring compliance with company procedures, and providing the equipment necessary to perform their jobs. The complaint also alleges that workers were required to work consecutive days on “hitches,” sometimes lasting two weeks or longer, with shifts often exceeding 12 hours per day.

What Compensation Does the Lawsuit Seek?

The case seeks to recover unpaid overtime wages under federal law, as well as additional damages under applicable state laws. Attorneys Joseph Fitapelli and Armando Ortiz of Fitapelli & Schaffer LLP filed the suit.

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