A Knowledgeable Rhode Island Attorney Helps with Workers Compensation Benefits

Strong legal guidance and honest answers when you need them most

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, it’s important to know your rights related to workers compensation benefits. The Law Offices of Charles Garganese, Jr., LLC is here to help. We provide factual, straightforward answers to your questions and effective guidance as you seek the benefits you need while focusing on your physical recovery. Since 1994, we have represented injured workers in Providence and throughout Rhode Island, building a strong reputation for the service, dedication and skill we deliver to each client.

Benefits available to injured workers in Rhode Island

Individuals injured on the job may qualify for workers compensation benefits to cover certain expenses as they focus on their physical recovery. Under Rhode Island state law, compensation is available for the following:

• Medical care. These benefits cover the costs of identifying an injury or illness and treating it, including doctor visits, surgery and prescriptions. It may also cover certain equipment, such as a wheelchair or crutches.
• Rehabilitation. Workers compensation may also cover the costs associated with rehabilitating or coping with your injury or illness, including physical therapy and other forms of therapeutic care. If you won’t be able to return to your previous job, it may also provide compensation for tuition or training to help you secure another form of employment.
• Disability. Severe workplace injuries may result in temporary or permanent disability, which may prevent you from earning income for you and your family for the short term or long term. Disability benefits are typically about two-thirds of what you earned immediately before your injury.
• Death of a loved one. In some situations, the family members of a worker killed as a result of a workplace injury may be able to receive benefits through workers compensation. The amount is based on the deceased person’s salary at the time of death.

Your employer must carry workers compensation insurance  Most businesses and organizations in Rhode Island are required to carry this insurance, but there are a few exceptions. You must also have been a formal employee of the company at the time of the accident, and the injury or medical condition must be directly connected to your work. It’s important to note that if your injury results in a temporary partial disability, you will  be able to collect weekly workers compensation benefits for a maximum of 312 weeks.

What happens if your workers compensation claim gets denied?

There are a number of reasons why your claim for workers compensation benefits may be denied. Insurance companies often claim that an accident did not occur on the job, that it was caused by a preexisting condition or that it did not result in a serious injury or illness. If this is your situation, you may need to consult an attorney immediately.  You will need to file a Petition for Benefits with the Rhode Island Workers Compensation Court. It is critical to work with an experienced lawyer if you need to engage in this process.

Third-party claims after workplace injuries

If you were performing certain duties as part of your job, and another party, not a co-worker, caused an accident resulting in serious injury, your situation may call for a third-party claim in which you take legal action against the person who contributed to your injuries. This would be the case if you got into a car crash or suffered a slip and fall accident on another company’s property while making a delivery. It’s possible to pursue both workers compensation benefits and compensation from third parties through a personal injury claim.

Speak with a trusted Workers Compensation Lawyer in Providence, Rhode Island today

With more than 30 years of experience assisting injured workers throughout Rhode Island, the Law Offices of Charles Garganese, Jr., LLC offers dependable service and dedication. To discuss your case and go over your options, call us today at 401-352-4431 or contact us online. We proudly serve individuals and families in Providence County and Kent County, and across the state.