Massachusetts has one of the nation's toughest laws on unpaid wages and commissions. Workers can recover triple the value of unpaid wages, interest, and legal fees. A company's intent is irrelevant, and honest mistakes or delays can lead to sizable judgments. Last summer, a Massachusetts superior court judge issued an important ruling on tardy wage payments. In the case of Littlefield v. Adcole Corp., a business was tardy in paying wages, but issued full payment before the employee filed suit. The Court held that the late payment was a defense to triple wage damages if it preceded litigation. The employer recovered triple damages on the interest due, but not on the wages themselves. Bear in mind the Littlefield decision was a superior court case, and it may not guide future cases. Companies should always pay wages and commissions when they are due, and it critically important to pay all regular wages and vacation wages at the time of termination. That said, when mistakes and delays do occur, employers should strive to pay wages as quickly as possible and prior to litigation. These tardy payments can help to avoid or reduce treble damages.