Providence Workers Compensation Lawyers helping Rhode Island clients with workplace injuries

Helping you receive the benefits you need and deserve

After a workplace injury, you may need to file a claim for workers compensation benefits to cover medical bills, the cost of living and certain other expenses as you focus on your recovery so you can eventually return to work. At the Law Offices of Charles Garganese, Jr., LLC, we have years of experience assisting injured workers and have represented thousands of individuals since our founding in 1994. For professional guidance, personal attention and honest answers to all your questions, you can trust in our respected firm.

What is workers compensation?

Workers compensation is a state-mandated program. Most employers are required to carry this insurance to cover the costs of workplace injuries. In Rhode Island, the program serves as “no-fault” insurance for employee injuries, providing compensation even when workers may be responsible for their accidents. To qualify for workers compensation benefits, the following conditions must exist:

• You are a formal employee of the company, and not a subcontractor or independent consultant.
• Your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, or is required to by state law.
• Your injury or illness is work-related.

If you qualify for workers compensation, you have rights to receive benefits to pay for the healthcare expenses incurred to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate your injury or medical condition. In addition, your benefits are approximately two-thirds of your regular wages as you work toward physical recovery. If a physician indicates that you will likely never be able to return to your previous job, these benefits may also pay for the costs of retraining for a different occupation.

Steps to take after a workplace accident

If you have sustained any workplace injuries, be sure to do the following immediately after the incident occurs:

• Report the accident. No matter what, inform you employer of any accidents that occur on the job — even if the injuries are minor. While injuries may appear insignificant at first, it’s possible that they could lead to more serious issues later on.
• Get medical attention. Visit a doctor as soon as possible after the accident to address any injuries that may have occurred. Tell your physician about all your injuries, even if they seem very minor. It’s important to note that you are not required to visit a doctor approved by your employer.
• File your workers compensation claim. Under Rhode Island’s statute of limitations, you only have a limited time after your injury occurs to file a claim, so you should speak with an attorney right away to get the process started, especially if your injury or illness prevents you from working.

Throughout this process, it’s important that you don’t speak with your employer’s insurance company — or accept any settlement offers — before consulting your lawyer. Insurers often try to settle claims quickly to minimize the amount of compensation they must provide. You should also keep careful records of all doctor visits and any workers compensation checks you receive.

Contact a trusted workers compensation law firm in Providence

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in Rhode Island, speak with a skilled workers compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Charles Garganese, Jr., LLC We have years of experience helping injured workers pursue the benefits they need as they heal. To get started right away, call 401-352-4431 or contact us online.