Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

If you have been 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, we are here to ensure you get the most out of your workers’ compensation claim. Unfortunately, employers and their workers’ comp insurance providers try to save money by paying out as little benefits as possible. We will work tirelessly to ensure they pay you the benefits you need to get back on your feet.

Why 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, such as:

• Construction workers
• Longshore and harbor workers
• Maritime workers and seamen
• Nurses and other health care workers
• Factory and warehouse workers
• Office workers
• Commercial drivers

Even though your claim may seem straightforward, you may need the help of a Rhode Island workers’ compensation lawyer to get the benefits you deserve. As mentioned, 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 they need to recover from their injuries.

Call (888) 281-3100 to request a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a Rhode Island workers’ compensation attorney.

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 copays. In addition to your medical care and medications, you will be reimbursed 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.

Disability Benefits Available Under Workers’ Comp

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 will be 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 completely disabled, and you can return to some type of employment, typically at a lower-paying job.

Other Workers’ Comp Benefits

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 resulted in the loss of a limb, extremities, or bodily function, you may claim specific loss benefits.

Our Rhode Island workers’ compensation attorneys 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 May 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.

Do I Need an Attorney for a 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 the benefits you deserve. Thus, while many injured employees may find it appealing to represent themselves, retaining experienced legal counsel often makes the difference between a denied claim and a successful one.

Further, an attorney can handle all the bureaucracies of your claim. This can give you the chance to focus on resting and healing from your injury, or adapting to life with a disability.

Giving yourself the advantage of an attorney’s help does not have to be costly, either. At Karns & Kerrison, we take these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t have to pay any fees if we are unsuccessful in your claim.

Get Started with a Free Consultation

Our Rhode Island workers' compensation lawyers have more than 85 years of combined experience representing injured victims and their families. We truly care about each case we take on, and we are proud to offer our clients the skills, resources, and practical knowledge we have gained over our many years of practice. Our track record includes over $250 million recovered for our clients across the state.

Discuss your workplace accident with a Rhode Island workers' compensation attorney. Call (888) 281-3100 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.