Where the injury is to an employee under 16 years of age and illegally employed at the time of injury, the entire compensation otherwise recoverable shall be increased by what percent?

• A. 25%
• B. 50%
• C. 75%
• D. 100%

Answer: (B)

The governing idea is that illegal employment of a minor triggers a penalty in workers’ compensation: the amount payable to the employee is increased by 50%. This extra 50% is applied to the total compensation that would otherwise be due under the act, as a deterrent against employing underage workers illegally.

Think of it this way: if the usual compensation would be, say, $40,000, the total becomes $60,000 with the 50% penalty. The increase is tied to the illegality of the employment and applies to the full amount that would have been recoverable under normal circumstances.