It depends on how it was “closed,” so to speak.  If you received any type of “settlement” to end your workers’ compensation case (i.e. a lump sum commutation or a denial and dismissal), then the answer is no, you cannot reopen your case, and indeed you would have had to have stated to a judge at the settlement hearing that you understand the case is over forever and all time and that you can never come back to reopen it.  

If on the other hand, you returned to work and began having problems again or you injury reappeared or worsened and you have to come out of work again, then yes, you may “reopen” your case in that sense.

Yes, once your work injury is accepted and/or memorialized as entitling you to workers’ compensation benefits, you will receive benefits retroactive to your first date of disability, minus any amounts you may have received in TDI or other wages.  

Keep in mind, however, that there is a statute of limitaitons in Rhode Island that provides you must file your case no later than two (2) years from the date of injury. If your date of injury and first date of lost time are different, consult with a lawyer regarding any questions you have regarding the statute of limitations.

You should always consult with an accountant for this and any question regarding taxes.  However, workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable.

Yes.  Liens for unpaid child support can and will attach to your workers’ compensation case.

Yes.  Insurance company claims reps and/or your employer can deny your claim for workers’ compensation benefits.  This leaves you in the position of having to go to court to fight for your rights. More importantly, in Rhode Island, the insurance company or the employer can begin paying you workers’ compensation and lead you to believe your claim is accepted and everything is fine (i.e. that you don’t need a lawyer). They can do this for several months, and then suddenly inform you they are not accepting your claim.

The amount you receive in your weekly workers’ compensation benefit check (sometimes referred to as “weekly indemnity”) is calculated using a statutory formula that is based on your average straight gross earnings during the 13 weeks immeadiately prior to your injury, plus an average of your overtime/bonuses for the 52 weeks prior to your injury, and your dependency status (i.e. single/married/children, etc.).  

Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of insurance that employers can and usually have to purchase by law and carry.  Failure to carry workers’ compensation insurance can subject employers to severe penalties.  

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). 

The payments are typically handled by the workers’ compensation insurance company (or a company hired by the insurance company to administer workers’ compensation claims).

Workers’ compensation is a system created by your state legislature to provide for injured workers. Prior to the creation of a workers’ compensation system, injured workers often had no remedy or benefits to sustain them when they were unable to work and earn.  In limited cases, prior to the creation of the workers’ compensation system, injured workers’ only remedy might be to sue their employer and prove that the employer was somehow negligent or at fault for the injuries.  

As a result of the workers’ compensation system, however, workers no longer have to sue their employers, or prove fault, on account of their injuries. Rather, injured workers may receive benefits paid by insurance that must be carried by their employer. These benefits can include partial weekly wage replacement while you are hurt and out of work, medical treatment, and other payments.