If an ER is guilty of serious and willful misconduct the EE's compensation is:

If an ER is guilty of serious and willful misconduct the EE's compensation is:

• A. Increased by 10%
• B. Increased by $250
• C. Increased by one-half
• D. Increased by one-half up to $10k

Answer: (C)

When an employer is found guilty of serious and willful misconduct in a workers’ compensation context, the employee’s compensation is increased by one-half. In other words, benefits are boosted by 50% beyond the usual award for the period covered by the misconduct finding. There’s no fixed dollar amount or cap like $250 or $10,000—the uplift is a straight 50% increase to the compensation due. This sanction emphasizes that deliberate disregard for the employee’s rights carries a substantial penalty and is meant to deter willful misconduct.

When an employer is found guilty of serious and willful misconduct in a workers’ compensation context, the employee’s compensation is increased by one-half. In other words, benefits are boosted by 50% beyond the usual award for the period covered by the misconduct finding. There’s no fixed dollar amount or cap like $250 or $10,000—the uplift is a straight 50% increase to the compensation due. This sanction emphasizes that deliberate disregard for the employee’s rights carries a substantial penalty and is meant to deter willful misconduct.