The filing of a workers’ comp claim typically begins with your employer and their insurance company. Employers are required to report all workplace injuries, and they should notify their workers’ compensation carrier, which then opens a claim, assigns an adjuster, and provides initial information. That’s the standard way a claim is initiated. However, if you’re talking about your right to be officially recognized on workers’ comp, the first necessary step—especially if the employer or insurer fails to act properly—is to file an Original Petition in Workers’ Compensation Court. This petition establishes that you sustained a work-related injury and that you are disabled, whether for a short period or long term. Filing this petition solidifies your legal right to workers’ compensation benefits. When assisting new clients, this is one of the first steps our team takes. For guidance throughout the process, you can consult our Rhode Island workers compensation attorney team, or review the broader system through our RI workers’ comp benefits. You may also find it helpful to understand related issues like claim denials or causes of claim delays, which often arise early in the process.

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• What if my claim is denied?

• What can cause a claim to be delayed?

• How long does it take for a claim to be approved?

• What does it mean to file a petition in court for a workers’ comp case?

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