If an employer is guilty of serious and willful misconduct the employee's compensation is:

If an employer is guilty of serious and willful misconduct the employee's compensation is:

• A. Increased by 10%
• B. Increased by $250
• C. Increased by one-half
• D. Increased by one-half up to $10,000

Answer: (C)

Serious and willful misconduct by the employer triggers a 50% increase in the employee’s compensation. This means the amount due becomes 1.5 times what would normally be payable, serving as a punitive penalty to deter deliberate disregard of the employer’s obligations.

Serious and willful misconduct by the employer triggers a 50% increase in the employee’s compensation. This means the amount due becomes 1.5 times what would normally be payable, serving as a punitive penalty to deter deliberate disregard of the employer’s obligations.