Free Rhode Island Workers' Compensation FAQs | Free Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Legal Documents

How Do I Know If My Employer Is Covered By Workers' Compensation?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers` compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, partners, corporate officers, certain real estate, agricultural and domestic service employees are not covered. Police, firefighters, and federal employees are covered under different compensation programs. Municipal employees are only covered if the municipality has chosen to be covered. Independent contractors are not covered.

How Long After An Injury Do I Have To Report It To My Employer?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:51:22 GMT

You should tell your employer as soon as possible that you have been injured. In any case you must tell your employer within 30 days of your injury, or when you learn that your injury is work related. If you wait more than 30 days after the injury, you may lose the right to claim workers` compensation benefits.

If I Am Injured On The Job Can I Choose The Doctor Who Treats Me?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

You may choose your first medical care provider. Treatment at an emergency room after the accident or by a company physician does not count as the first medical care provider. Your first provider may refer you to a specialist without prior approval from the insurer. No matter who your treating physician is, you are entitled to receive a report from him or her within ten days of each visit. If you decide to change doctors, you must first find out if your employer or insurer has an approved list of physicians. If so, you must either select a physician from that list or get the approval of your employer/insurer before you see another doctor. If your employer or insurer does not have an approved list of physicians, these restrictions do not apply.

If I Am Unable To Return To The Type Of Work I Did Before I Was Injured, What Happens?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:51:22 GMT

If the return to work enables the employee to receive wages equal to or greater than they were earning prior to the injury then it is likely that benefits will be stopped. If, however, the employee is still experiencing a wage loss, they may continue to receive wage loss benefits, although the benefits will most likely be for a lesser amount.

My Employer Has Denied My Claim, What Do I Do?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

If you have not received any notice from the insurer within 21 days from the date you notified the employer of the injury, you may file a petition for weekly benefits at the Workers` Compensation Court. The insurer is not obligated to file anything or to do anything to let the employee know if the claim is contested. For help with a denied or contested claim, you can contact the Workers` Compensation Unit at the address and number below.

R.I. Department of Labor & Training`s Workers` Compensation Unit
P.O. Box 20190
Cranston, RI 029200942
Phone (401) 4628100

What Workers' Compensation Benefits Am I Entitled To?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

You may be entitled to receive all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, benefits for lost wages, benefits for specific injuries resulting in permanent disabilities such as loss of use and/or disfigurement (scars). You may also qualify to participate in certain physical and vocational rehabilitation programs. If the injury causes the death of an injured worker, burial expenses are covered and the dependents of the deceased worker are entitled to certain benefits.

When Will My Benefits Begin And How Much Will They Be?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

If you are incapacitated for at least three consecutive days from earning full wages and incapable of gainful employment at comparable wages, compensation benefits may begin on the fourth day from the date of injury. Benefits apply if the employee is physically unable to earn any wages in any employment. The weekly compensation rate for total incapacity is equal to 75% of your spendable base wage. Supplemental earnings and bonuses are considered in determining your benefit rate.

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