An employee is terminated following an industrial injury due to filing a claim for compensation benefits. What is the employee entitled to?

• A. Reinstatement
• B. A 50% increase in the employee's compensation
• C. Compensation increased by 1/2, up to $10,000, plus reinstatement and reimbursement
• D. A finding that the employer is guilty of a misdemeanor plus compensation increase

Answer: (C)

The employee in this scenario is entitled to compensation increased by half, up to $10,000, along with reinstatement and reimbursement. This reflects the legal protections in place for employees who file claims for workers' compensation benefits. Such provisions are designed to prevent employer retaliation against employees seeking compensation for industrial injuries.

When an employee is terminated for filing a claim, laws in many jurisdictions provide for additional compensatory measures to uphold the employee's rights and discourage employers from punishing employees for utilizing their benefits. Therefore, if the employee is wrongfully terminated for this reason, the entitlement includes not only an increase in compensation but also protection reinstating the employee’s position.

This option effectively highlights the various rights afforded to an employee under the law, ensuring they are not financially penalized for asserting their rights after an injury, thus promoting fair treatment in the workplace.