Workers' Compensation Excellent Legal Representation Prioritizing You & Your Needs

Rhode Island Workers Compensation Attorney

Millions Recovered for East Providence and Throughout RI

At Audette, Audette & Violette, our team of Providence workers' compensation lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience. Our Rhode Island law firm can review your case during a free consultation and make sure you receive the coverage you need while you recover.

Most businesses in Rhode Island with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. What is workers' compensation? In the event of an injury at the workplace, you are entitled to an insurance claim that covers medical expenses and time off work.

Unfortunately, claiming your rightful benefits is not always easy. Sometimes employers refuse to submit a claim or the insurance company unfairly denies benefits. You may even be pressured to accept a settlement for far less than what your claim is actually worth.

Don’t accept an offer without finding out how much your claim is actually worth. Instead, contact experienced workplace injury attorneys at Audette, Audette & Violette.

Get a free consultation with a Providence workers' compensation lawyer at Audette, Audette & Violette. Call (401) 406-6962. Se habla español. Nós Falamos Português. Visit our lawyer reviews to see why clients choose our Rhode Island work injury law firm when they have been injured at work.

What Qualifies as a Work Injury in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, a work injury is typically classified as any physical or mental harm occurring as a result of work-related duties or activities. This includes accidents, illnesses, and injuries sustained while on the job, including repetitive stress injuries or occupational illnesses. These injuries usually result from the tasks or conditions of the employee's role to qualify for a workers' compensation claim.

Among the most common work injuries suffered by workers' compensation claimants, we find:

  • Slip and Fall Injuries: These commonly occur due to wet floors, loose carpets, or cluttered walkways. They can lead to various injuries, including sprains, fractures, concussions, and even more severe conditions like spinal cord damage.
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): These are injuries developed over time due to repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. RSIs often affect workers who perform the same action repetitively in their jobs.
  • Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive for work-related duties often suffer injuries from vehicle accidents, which can range from minor bruises to serious injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries.
  • Machinery Accidents: These occur when a worker is injured by a machine at the workplace, often leading to severe injuries.
  • Overexertion Injuries: These injuries occur when a worker strains themselves by lifting, pulling, pushing, or carrying heavy objects.
  • Fall from Height Injuries: These injuries occur when a worker falls from a ladder, roof, scaffold, or any elevated work area.
  • Chemical Exposure: Workers in certain industries might suffer injuries or illnesses due to exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • Workplace Violence: Injuries can also result from acts of violence or harassment in the workplace.

What Are the Different Types of Workers' Compensation Benefits Available?

If you've been injured or disabled while at work in Rhode Island, you have access to a comprehensive array of workers' compensation benefits designed to support you during your recovery and beyond. These benefits are calculated using state-established formulas and encompass various categories:

  • Medical Benefits: Once awarded, full medical benefits come with no time or monetary limitations. This includes coverage for specific medical procedures and services provided by medical professionals, such as surgeons, physicians, registered nurses, and more. Additionally, medical benefits can cover costs for anesthesia, pathology, chiropractic services, and radiology, among others.
  • Rehabilitation Benefits: Rhode Island workers' comp provides rehabilitation services aimed at restoring you as close as possible to your pre-injury status. These services encompass medical, vocational, re-employment, and spiritual treatments. Medical restorative services range from surgery, hospital nursing care, and physical therapy to psychological services, orthotics, and prosthesis.
  • Disability Benefits: If you're unable to return to your job due to a medical finding, disability benefits are available. "Total disability" indicates an inability to earn a living, while "partial disability" means you can't resume your previous work or earn an equal amount due to the injury. Disability benefits include Temporary Total Disability (TTD) for continuous capped payments, Permanent Total Disability (PTD) with capped payments, and Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) that can continue for up to 312 weeks.
  • Disfigurement Benefits: Permanent bodily disfigurement is covered by Rhode Island workers' compensation, with benefits calculated based on your pre-injury salary and payable for up to 500 weeks.
  • Death Benefits: In case of a workplace-related death, surviving dependents may receive death benefits. The amount is determined by the deceased worker's salary and a cost-of-living allowance (COLA). The surviving spouse receives the benefit, and if dependent children are present, an additional amount per child is added. However, if the spouse remarries without dependent children, the benefit ceases.

Please note that these benefits may be subject to changes in Rhode Island workers' compensation law. For personalized advice and assistance in navigating these benefits, consult a knowledgeable Providence workers' compensation attorney.

Our legal team is here to help you understand your rights and secure the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.

What Do Workers' Comp Attorneys Do?

A workers' compensation attorney's job is to be by your side through the duration of your claim process. They will help you file the claim as well as help you fight for fair compensation for your necessary leave of absence from work. Additionally, if you were injured on the job, a Rhode Island workers' compensation lawyer can help you receive compensation for the medical care you need.

Should I Hire a Workers Comp Lawyer?

In Rhode Island, you have two years, beginning on the date of your accident, to file a worker's compensation claim.

You may want to hire a workers' compensation attorney if any of the following apply to you:

  • Your claim is denied
  • You have trouble getting the treatment you need
  • Your permanent disability rating is disputed
  • You ability to work has been affected
  • You are having a worker's comp hearing

If any of the above situations apply to you, you may benefit from the expertise of a worker's compensation attorney. The worker's compensation attorneys at Audette, Audette & Violette have the experience to help you understand the complexities of your case and can walk you through each step of the workers' comp process.

We Work With A Vast Network of Workplace Injury Professionals

Many factors need to be considered when determining the true value of your workers’ comp claim. One of the key things to keep in mind is that you need to think of more than your immediate medical expenses. A chronic illness or injury requires long-term care, which means your compensation will need to be adjusted based on your future estimated medical bills.

In order to determine this, we routinely work with highly respected physicians, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, neurologists, audiologists, chiropractors, radiologists, podiatrists, and therapists.

At Audette, Audette & Violette, we handle matters involving:

In addition to medical professionals, our Rhode Island workers 'compensation lawyers may also call on engineers, accident scene reconstructionists, economists, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to help us with proving liability and calculating the total value of medical care and lost wages.

I Have a Work Injury, But I Am Still Able to Work

If you were injured in the workplace, but are still able to work, you are still entitled to workers' compensation benefits.

Examples of nonwork-ending injuries are:

  • Broken bones
  • Torn tendons or ligaments
  • Disfigurement
  • Scarring

Our providence workers' comp lawyers can help you determine if you have a case and assist you with the next steps of the workers' compensation process in Rhode Island.

What if I Am Injured During A Work Break?

If you are injured while on break at work, you may be eligible for workers' compensation. In Rhode Island, employees are allowed to collect workers' comp if they suffer injuries "in the course of employment". Because this statement is broad, if the case can show that there is a link between employment and injury, the victim may be able to get workers' compensation for lost wages or medical costs.

Other ways that an employee may receive workers' compensation benefits:

  • Suffering an injury while on the employer's premises -- an injury on a lunch break may be work-related if it happens in a break room
  • Suffering an injury in close proximity to the job site -- you may receive benefits if you were injured while arriving to your shift or after immediately leaving after your shift
  • Suffering an injury at an event that is sponsored by your employer

If you were injured at your workplace or during a work-related event, reach out to the Rhode Island workers' compensation attorneys at Audette, Audette & Violette, LLC. We'll help you throughout your workers' comp case to make sure that you are supported during this process.

Contact us online or call (401) 406-6962 for a free case review with one of our proven Rhode Island attorneys. Se habla español. Nós Falamos Português.

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Why Hire Audette, Audette & Violette?

  • Direct Access to Attorneys

    You always have access to our attorneys; you will never be passed off to an assistant or to anyone who cannot fully answer your questions.

  • Consultations Are Free

    This process is about your recovery, physically and financially. You don't pay us anything unless we win - all consultations are free!

  • Our Staff Is Diverse

    Our multicultural and multilingual staff has a wide array of backgrounds and skills so we are prepared for any circumstance.

  • We Care About Answers

    You never have to worry about where your case stands or what the possible outcomes may be. We prioritize communicating with our clients and ensure that you are provided with the information you need.

Read What Our Clients Say About Us

  • “The compassion and thought that goes into a case for Bob and his firm is absolutely amazing. They had my husband's best interests from the first time we spoke with them. The firm all work harmoniously ...”

    - Debra J.
  • “Aimee Audette saved my life!! She was without a doubt the only thing keeping me from living with a substantial hindrance of debt for the next 35 years! All of Aimee’s concerns were for my benefit and ...”

    - Derek W.
  • “I was badly injurd at work. Not getting anywhere with the insurance company on my own.Went to the law office of Audette Cordeiro Violette. Sat down with Bob and Aimee Audette, told them how I was ...”

    - David L.
  • “I first met Bob in 2004 when I was hurt at work. My company wanted to give me 6 months off with no pay but I could come back to work after the 6 months if I signed some paperwork. (It was a workman's ...”

    - Richard S.
  • “I would recommend Bob and his teams services to anyone because of their knowledge of the law and professionalism. But mostly because of the friendly feeling you get when speaking and visiting the offi ...”

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