Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of insurance that employers must purchase and carry under state law. Its purpose is to pay injured workers the benefits they are entitled to under the workers’ compensation laws of the jurisdiction that applies. Employers who fail to carry this insurance may face severe penalties. Our law firm for workers compensation can help explain how this coverage works and what protections it provides for injured employees. You can also learn more by reviewing our RI workers’ comp benefits, which outlines how workers’ comp is administered in Rhode Island.

The purpose of workers’ compensation insurance is to pay injured workers the benefits they are entitled to under the workers’ compensation laws of the jurisdiction that applies (usually state law). These payments typically include medical treatment, weekly indemnity benefits, and other statutory entitlements. Understanding related topics like types of benefits provided or how benefits are calculated can also help you see how workers’ comp insurance functions in practice.

The payments are typically handled by the workers’ compensation insurance company, or sometimes by a third-party company hired by the insurer to administer claims.

Related Articles:

• What is workers’ compensation, and how does it work in Rhode Island?

• What types of benefits does workers’ comp provide?

• How does workers’ comp differ from health insurance?

• How is a workers’ comp settlement calculated?

• Who is eligible for workers’ comp benefits in Rhode Island?

Workers’ compensation is a system created by state legislatures to provide benefits to injured workers. Prior to the creation of this system, injured employees often had no remedy or financial support while unable to work. In rare cases, the only option was to sue an employer and prove negligence. With the modern system, injured workers no longer need to prove fault. Instead, they may receive benefits paid by insurance that employers are legally required to carry. Our workman’s compensation attorneys can help explain how these benefits operate in Rhode Island and what protections are available. You can also learn more by reviewing our denied claim appeal in RI, which outlines how the system functions and what to do when issues arise.

Workers’ Compensation Defined

As a result of the workers’ compensation system, injured workers may receive benefits such as partial weekly wage replacement, medical treatment, and other payments without filing a lawsuit or proving negligence. These benefits are paid by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Understanding related topics like what types of benefits are included or how long benefits can last can help clarify what support may be available to you.

Prove You Were Hurt at Work

Instead of proving fault, injured workers need only demonstrate that they were hurt at work. No negligence needs to be shown. Each state has different rules regarding what is covered, how long benefits last, and what you may be entitled to. You are best served by consulting a local workers’ compensation attorney to fully understand your rights under your state’s system.

Related Articles:

• What types of injuries are covered by workers’ comp?

• Who is eligible for workers’ comp benefits in Rhode Island?

• How does workers’ comp differ from health insurance?

• What types of benefits does workers’ comp provide?

• What is workers’ compensation insurance?

Workers’ compensation will pay you a weekly benefit during the time you are unable to work due to your injury. The amount is determined by your wages before the injury and several statutory factors. For help understanding exactly what benefits you qualify for, a consultation with a Rhode Island workers compensation attorney can provide clarity. You can also explore our RI workers’ comp benefits for a full overview of how benefits are applied in Rhode Island.

General Workers’ Comp Payments
Workers’ compensation will pay you a weekly benefit during periods when you are unable to work because of your injury. The amount of this benefit is calculated using a statutory formula based on your earnings during the 13 weeks before your injury, your overtime and bonuses for the 52 weeks before your injury, and your dependency status (single, married, children, etc.).

This formula determines your “average weekly wage” for workers’ comp purposes. Your average weekly wage is then used to calculate your “spendable base wage,” which is found using the Rhode Island Department of Labor’s wage tables in effect on the date of your injury.

What you actually receive in your weekly check is typically 75% of your spendable base wage. While there are exceptions, most injured workers may collect weekly benefits for up to six years, provided they remain partially disabled due to the injury. You can learn more about how these amounts are determined by reviewing related topics like workers’ comp payment calculations or average weekly wage determinations.

In Addition to Your Check
Besides weekly wage replacement, workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, devices, and prescriptions related to your injury. This includes doctor’s visits, physical therapy, injections, MRI or imaging studies, surgery, and more.

Additionally, you may be entitled to specific payments under Rhode Island law for scarring or disfigurement, as well as for “loss of use” or a “permanency rating” if you sustained permanent injuries. Mileage reimbursement is also available for approved travel to medical or therapy appointments.

Related Articles:

• What benefits are included in a workers’ comp claim?

• Will I receive my full salary while on workers’ comp?

• How are workers’ comp payments calculated?

• How does workers’ comp differ from health insurance?

• What types of injuries are covered by workers’ comp?

Generally, you may collect weekly workers’ compensation for up to six (6) years, i.e., 312 weekly checks.

Once the judge approves the settlement and enters a court order, the company typically has fourteen (14) days to pay.