A finding that the injuries result from the injured worker's serious and willful misconduct means which of the following?

A finding that the injuries result from the injured worker's serious and willful misconduct means which of the following?

• A. A 50% reduction in the applicant's indemnity benefits
• B. The compensation otherwise payable shall be reduced by one-half
• C. 10% reduction if the injury causes PD greater than 70%
• D. No reduction if the worker is under 18

Answer: (B)

When the injury results from the worker’s serious and willful misconduct, the law imposes a 50% reduction in compensation that would otherwise be payable. This penalty targets wage-replacement benefits (indemnity) while typically leaving medical treatment unaffected. The exact statutory wording is that the compensation otherwise payable shall be reduced by one-half, which is why this phrasing is the correct choice. The other scenarios—such as a 10% reduction tied to a high permanent disability percentage or any exemption for workers under 18—do not apply to this misconduct rule.

When the injury results from the worker’s serious and willful misconduct, the law imposes a 50% reduction in compensation that would otherwise be payable. This penalty targets wage-replacement benefits (indemnity) while typically leaving medical treatment unaffected. The exact statutory wording is that the compensation otherwise payable shall be reduced by one-half, which is why this phrasing is the correct choice. The other scenarios—such as a 10% reduction tied to a high permanent disability percentage or any exemption for workers under 18—do not apply to this misconduct rule.