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.