Rhode Island Workers Comp Claims: Eligibility, Filing and Appeals

Workers' compensation provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages to employees injured while they are working. In the state of Rhode Island, employers are required to have workers' compensation insurance. The Division of Workers' Compensation monitors the program and ensures all claims receive payment appropriately.

Work Related Injuries Covered by Workers Comp

Rhode Island law requires that all employers having workers' compensation insurance. Employees have coverage if they receive an injury at work or become ill from working. If the injury is not work related, the Temporary Disability Insurance or Social Security Disability insurance programs may be options for the employee. Injuries common seen include falls, incidents involving equipment injury and back injuries. Many others apply as well.

How to File a Claim

In Rhode Island, each employer has a private workers' compensation insurance company. To file a claim for compensation, the injured employee must report the injury directly to the employer. The employer then files a claim through their insurance carrier. This will start the process. Rhode Island law does not allow the claim to have filing by the employee directly.

Denials of Workers Comp Claims

An employer may deny the claim if there is no evidence that the claim occurred on the job. In addition, the insurance company may deny the claim for numerous reasons, including lack of reporting or medical attention, pre-existing condition claims, and fraudulent claims.

Appealing a Rhode Island Workers Compensation Denial

Should there be a denial of workers compensation claims, the dispute receives handling by the Workers' Compensation Court. This happens by filing a petition with the court. An appeal to the appellate division may also be in use, depending on the injury and the denial reason.

Collecting Rhode Island Workers Compensation Payments

Those incapacitated for at least three consecutive days will be able to collect full wage earnings from workers' compensation claims, only if they cannot find gainful employment at a comparable wage. On the fourth day, compensation benefits can begin. In addition, medical treatment has coverage if obtained by the insurance company's doctors and hospitals. Benefits are available for disfigurement, loss of use, or rehabilitation needs as well. Death benefits are also available.

Due to the complexity of petitions on denied cases, this is an instance when a worker's compensation lawyer may be necessary. These professionals can provide key information and resources to the injured individual. In addition, if an employer does not have workers' compensation insurance, an attorney can help to file charges against the lawyer, in civil court, as well as through the Division of Workers Compensation. For minor problems, it is not necessary to have an attorney to file a claim, but it may be necessary if the benefits provided are inadequate.

Rhode Island Workers Compensation Office Locations

Direct all workers' compensation claims to the employer's insurance carrier directly.

For other needs, contact the Division of Worker's Compensation, a part of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training at:

1511 Pontiac Avenue
Building 71-1, First Floor
P O Box 20190
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920-0942