(a) General rule.--An employer shall not deprive an employee of his employment, seniority position or benefits, or threaten or otherwise coerce him with respect thereto, because the employee attends court by reason of being a victim of, or a witness to, a crime or a member of such victim's family. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the employer to compensate the employee for employment time lost because of such court attendance.

(b) Penalty.--An employer who violates subsection (a) commits a summary offense.

(c) Civil remedy available.--If an employer penalizes an employee in violation of subsection (a), the employee may bring a civil action for recovery of wages and benefits lost as a result of the violation and for an order requiring the reinstatement of the employee. Damages recoverable shall not exceed wages and benefits actually lost. If he prevails, the employee shall be allowed a reasonable attorney fee fixed by the court.

(d) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Family." This term shall have the same meaning as in section 103 of the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act.

"Victim." This term shall have the same meaning as "direct victim" in section 103 of the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act.

(Oct. 22, 1986, P.L.1451, No.142, eff. 60 days; June 28, 2002, P.L.494, No.84, eff. 60 days)

2002 Amendment. Act 84 amended the section heading and subsec. (a) and added subsec. (d).

1986 Amendment. Act 142 added section 4957.