Workers Compensation in Providence, RI
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Rhode Island state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Providence, RI workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Providence, Rhode Island?
Employers in Providence do not report occupational injuries to the state or federal government. Although, it’s possible to understand the problem using other sources. An economic summary from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics shows that over 124,600 locals worked in education and health services as of November 2020. Unfortunately for that significant part of the workforce, 4.3 out of 100 reported injuries or illnesses to The Department of Labor.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Providence, Rhode Island?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
Rhode Island has some exceptions for sole proprietors, business partners, or farm workers. Otherwise, your employer must have workers’ compensation insurance. Along with some of the strictest laws on the subject, the state pays more than others to beneficiaries. The Division of Workers’ Compensation can pay out a maximum of $1,204 per week as of 2021. Medical costs related to your injury or illness get included in your coverage, and disability is available if warranted.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Providence, RI are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Providence, RI healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
Your employer has to file a First Report of Injury with the Department of Labor after you’ve missed three full days of work. Should your claim get denied, file for an appeal right away. A pretrial conference will occur within 21 days to attempt to settle the dispute. If either party is not satisfied with that ruling, a trial may follow, as well as a final appeals process.
Timeline and Other Information
Cash payments begin on the fourth day of missing work because of an injury or illness in Providence. An insurance company has 21 days to give you notice of acceptance or denial of your claim. If you have not heard from them within that time, you have the right to file a petition. Afterward, a workers’ comp judge will hold a hearing and give a final ruling. Assuming that everything goes smoothly, you can receive benefits for up to 500 weeks from the event that caused your disability.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Providence, Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Providence, Rhode Island, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Providence workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Providence, Rhode Island
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Providence, RI you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
