If an employer forces workers to accept workers' compensation benefits at a lower rate, the employer's liability can reach which amount?

If an employer forces workers to accept workers' compensation benefits at a lower rate, the employer's liability can reach which amount?

• A. nothing this is not a WCAB issue
• B. $5,000
• C. $10,000
• D. $100,000

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that there are civil penalties in California for an employer who pressures or misleads a worker into accepting workers’ compensation benefits at a reduced rate. When such willful interference occurs, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board can impose a substantial penalty to deter this conduct and to protect an employee’s rights. The maximum penalty for this kind of willful misconduct is up to $100,000, regardless of the amount of benefits shorted, and it can be in addition to any back benefits the worker is owed. This shows why the correct choice is the $100,000 figure: it reflects the serious, punitive intent behind unlawfully coercing workers to accept less than they are entitled to.

The key idea is that there are civil penalties in California for an employer who pressures or misleads a worker into accepting workers’ compensation benefits at a reduced rate. When such willful interference occurs, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board can impose a substantial penalty to deter this conduct and to protect an employee’s rights. The maximum penalty for this kind of willful misconduct is up to $100,000, regardless of the amount of benefits shorted, and it can be in addition to any back benefits the worker is owed. This shows why the correct choice is the $100,000 figure: it reflects the serious, punitive intent behind unlawfully coercing workers to accept less than they are entitled to.