Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

If you are injured on the job or suffer from an occupational disease, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. In addition to paying for your medical treatment, workers' comp can provide wage replacement, continuing education vouchers, and compensation for temporary and permanent disability.

At Karns & Kerrison, our Rhode Island workers' compensation lawyers have more than 85 years of experience helping injured workers get the benefits they need to provide for their families and move forward.

We can help you appeal a claim denial, challenge information contained in medical reports, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to protect your rights in court. We can also help you understand the rules that govern your choice of doctor and determine whether a negligent third party is liable for your injuries.

We represent all types of injured workers, which most commonly include:

• Construction workers
• Longshore and harbor workers
• Maritime workers and seamen
• Nurses and other healthcare workers
• Factory and warehouse workers
• Office workers
• Drivers

Even though your claim may seem straightforward, you may need an attorney's help to get the workers' compensation benefits you are entitled to receive. Employers and their insurance carriers may try to deny your claim or force you to return to work before you are ready. We know how to counteract these tactics and work to ensure our clients receive the benefits and time they need to adequately recover from their injuries.

Call (888) 281-3100 to request a FREE, no-obligation consultation.

What Does Workers' Compensation Cover?

The amount and types of benefits you can receive from workers' compensation will depend on the nature of your injury. In nearly all cases, you can expect that all medical costs related to your injury or work-related illness will be covered. You should not have to pay deductibles or co-pays. In addition to your medical care and medications, you will receive reimbursement for travel to and from your medical appointments.

Covered medical treatment and services for injured workers may include:

• Emergency room visits
• Doctor's appointments
• Surgery
• Hospital stays
• Nursing care
• Home health care
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic services
• Rehabilitative therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological care
• Prostheses
• Medical equipment

Beyond that, numerous factors will govern what else may be covered.

It may be possible to pursue disability benefits, both for temporary disability and permanent disability. These benefits are calculated based on your average weekly wage. The duration of these payments is dependent on whether the disability is defined as being "total" or "partial." Essentially, total disability means that you will be unable to return to work, either in your most recent position or in another type of position. Partial means that you are not totally disabled and you can return to some type of employment, typically at a lower-paying job.

Other possible benefits include compensation for disfigurement or "specific loss." If your accident resulted in scarring to the head, face or neck, you are likely eligible for these additional benefits. If an accident results in the loss of a limb, extremities, or bodily function, you may claim specific loss benefits. Our team can review all aspects of your claim to help ensure that you receive the full amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

Third-Party Claims Can Provide Additional Compensation

Even if your accident is covered by workers' comp, pursuing a third party claim allows you to seek additional compensation from someone other than your employer who may have contributed to your injuries.

A third-party claim can be filed against any number of individuals or entities, including:

• A driver who negligently caused a car, truck, or motorcycle accident
• A manufacturer of dangerous or defective equipment, pharmaceuticals, or products
• A non-employer supervisor or project manager
• Outside vendors and contractors

In these cases, we can file a separate personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent third party. Any damages you receive are in addition to your workers' comp benefits. In catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, third-party compensation can be crucial to a family's well-being.

Why You Need an Attorney for Your Workers’ Comp Claim

The available workers' compensation benefits in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are governed by statute. These laws are very specific and detailed, and it is important that you understand what you are entitled to so you receive all of the benefits you deserve. That is why retaining experienced legal counsel is so important.

At Karns & Kerrison, our Rhode Island workers' compensation lawyers have more than 85 years of experience representing injured victims and their families. And, we take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.

Discuss your workplace accident with an experienced workers' compensation attorney in Rhode Island. Call (888) 281-3100 to get started with a free consultation.