Labor Code section 4553

The amount of compensation otherwise recoverable shall be increased one-half, together with costs and expenses not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250), where the employee is injured by reason of the serious and willful misconduct of any of the following:

(a)

The employer, or his managing representative.

(b)

If the employer is a partnership, on the part of one of the partners or a managing representative or general superintendent thereof.

(c)

If the employer is a corporation, on the part of an executive, managing officer, or general superintendent thereof.

Source: Section 4553, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=LAB§ionNum=4553.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1982; accessed Jun. 23, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 23, 2025

§ 4553's source at ca​.gov