The RI workers’ compensation system provides payments and benefits to employees when they are injured at work. Generally, any injury, illness or disease that occurred in the course of employment might be covered by workers’ compensation insurance that the employer carries. The system was designed for everyone to understand, however, comprehending workers’ compensation laws and going through the process can be difficult. If you were injured at work, a RI workers’ compensation lawyer could handle your entire case on your behalf.
What Types Of RI Workers’ Compensation Are Available?
- Weekly compensation. An injured worker is entitled to weekly compensation for lost wages while they are not able to work. This weekly compensation amount is calculated by a formula to determine the worker’s average earnings before becoming disabled.
- Additional compensation. In addition to weekly compensation, an injured worker may receive additional compensation for any disfigurement or the loss of use of a body part.
- Medical treatment. The injured worker is entitled to medical care from a doctor of their choice. After seeing a doctor, the injured worker also has the right to be referred to a doctor that specializes in their type of injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation. An injured worker has the right to be evaluated by a vocational rehabilitation counselor. Depending on the injury, a worker may not be able to return to their job or be able to work in their position. For instance, they might have to change positions, which may require training, or find a new job entirely. This type of counselor can assist with services such as retraining, additional schooling and job searching.
What Is Process Of Collecting RI Workers’ Compensation?
The course of each workers’ compensation case is unique, however, the following will generally outline the process. First, the injured worker has to file a claim, called a petition, with the Workers’ Compensation Court. When the court receives the petition, the case will be assigned a preliminary hearing date within 21 days. The preliminary hearing is an informal meeting to hear both parties, review medical records and generally discuss the case. The judge will then give a determination whether the petition will go forward. If it does, the case will be scheduled to a hearing in front of the same judge. Before this hearing takes place, the judge may schedule an initial hearing to meet with the parties, or lawyers, to discuss the evidence and witnesses that will be presented at the hearing. Then, the hearing will then take place. Depending on the case, multiple hearings might be required. When the hearings are complete, the judge will give a decision to award or deny workers’ compensation. To note, a determination by the Workers’ Compensation Court is not the only way to resolve a case. During the process, a settlement amount, subject to additional requirements between the insurance company and the injured employee, can be agreed upon. As you can see, this is a complex process, but a RI workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you along.
Speak With A RI Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Ensuring that your workers’ compensation claim is handled correctly is extremely important, especially when expenses are mounting and you are not able to work. An experienced RI workers’ compensation lawyer at d’Oliveira & Associates can assist you with the process. If you or someone you know suffered an injury at work, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced workers’ compensation lawyers, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file a claim for you and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free no obligation case evaluation, call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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