Workers Compensation
Employers are required to provide a reasonably safe workplace for their employees. Even so, thousands of employees are injured on the job every year. Employees that are injured as a result of accidents at work are covered under a state-mandated program known as workers’ compensation.
Because it may be difficult to determine the complete circumstances surrounding a workplace injury, you should consider having your case evaluated by an attorney. The Providence workers’ compensation attorneys of Gemma Law Associates, Inc. have the experience to ensure that you are receiving all of the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled.
Workers’ compensation is an insurance system that provides medical expenses and lost wages to employees who are injured while working. Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover these benefits.
Every state has its own version of this program. Rhode Island employers with one or more employee have been required to carry workers’ compensation insurance since 1999. Typical benefits under the workers’ compensation laws of Rhode Island include medical care, lost wages, disability payments and death benefits.
Workers’ compensation covers injuries that arise out of and in the scope and course of employment. This includes injuries caused by accidents and constant or repetitive work stresses. Occupational diseases may also be covered.
There are some exceptions to coverage under workers’ compensation. Benefits may not be available for:
- Self-inflicted injuries.
- Injuries sustained because a worker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injuries incurred while a worker was going to or coming from the job.
In Rhode Island, more than 25,000 employees suffered compensable injuries in 2007. Sprains and strains are by far the most frequently occurring injury covered by workers’ compensation. Other common injuries are contusions, crushing and bruise injuries, and laceration or puncture injuries. The most common causes of workplace injuries in Rhode Island during the past 10 years were overexertion, falls, and workers being struck against or by some object.
Workers’ compensation begins covering an employee on the first day of work and continues throughout the employment period. When an injury occurs, a worker must inform his employer of the date of the injury and the location of the injury. The worker must also state that he was injured while working. It then becomes the employer’s responsibility to notify its workers’ compensation insurance company and arrange medical assistance for the injured worker. Medical and disability benefits are paid out according to a state-approved formula.
The lawyers of Gemma Law Associates, Inc. have for several decades successfully handled thousands of workers' compensation cases – and we can help you. Trust our skilled experienced attorneys to pursue your case, with the goal of maximizing any claim you might have. Contact us to discuss your case and the unique issues that surround your workplace injury.
