If an employee is terminated after filing a claim and is entitled to compensation adjustments, which option correctly describes the entitlement?

• A. Reinstatement
• B. A 50% increase in compensation
• C. The compensation shall be increased by one-half up to $10,000, plus reinstatement and reimbursement for lost wages and work benefits
• D. A finding that the ER is guilty of a misdemeanor plus a 50% increase in the employee's compensation

Answer: (C)

When an employee is terminated after filing a workers’ claim, the law provides a remedy that both compensates the worker and discourages retaliation. The entitlement described combines three elements: reinstatement to the job, reimbursement for lost wages and work-related benefits, and a monetary penalty to the employer equal to one-half of the compensation owed, with a cap of $10,000. This means the employee gets back pay and benefits they lost because of the termination, is restored to their job, and the employer faces a 50% increase in the employee’s compensation up to the $10,000 limit as a deterrent. The other options don’t fit because they either omit reinstatement or back pay, or impose a penalty in a way that doesn’t align with this remedy (such as a simple misdemeanor finding).