Newport Workers' Compensation Lawyers

A workplace injury in Newport can bring your life to a halt. You may be facing ongoing medical treatment, time away from work, and pressure to return before you’re ready. These challenges affect many local workers, whether it’s a lifeguard at Easton’s Beach who injures their shoulder during a rescue or a housekeeper at The Chanler at Cliff Walk who develops wrist pain from repetitive cleaning tasks.

If you’ve been hurt on the job, workers’ compensation benefits may be available to cover your treatment and part of your lost wages. However, securing the full benefits you deserve can be challenging. You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our Newport workers’ compensation lawyers know the system and can guide you through each step while you recover.

Find out what your case is worth.

Why Injured Workers in Newport Choose Rob Levine Law

For more than 25 years, our Newport law firm has supported injured workers during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. In that time, we’ve helped over 50,000 clients recover over $2 billion in compensation and benefits. Our aggressive advocacy and high ethical standards have earned lead attorney Rob Levine the title of The Heavy Hitter® in Rhode Island and beyond.

We’re committed to making high-quality representation accessible through our Fee Free Guarantee®. Hiring us costs nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover benefits for you. If your claim succeeds with our lawyers on your side, the insurance company pays our legal fees rather than you.

Our 24/7 availability means we’re always here when you need us. It’s part of our dedication to providing comprehensive, personalized representation every step of the way. We’re here to take care of the legal details so you don’t have to. We’ll investigate your claim, gather evidence, ensure you meet the strict filing deadlines, complete your paperwork, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for you throughout the proceedings.

Hear From Our Clients

What Happens During a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Newport?

If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, document your workplace injury and report it to your employer within 30 days. The workers’ compensation process begins with this report. Your employer must inform its insurance company of the injury within 10 days of being notified. 

The insurer will then file a First Report of Injury with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. It will review your claim and either approve or deny benefits. 

If approved, you’ll receive prompt payment. If the insurer denies your claim or you disagree with the benefits offered, you may file a petition with the Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Court. A judge will review the evidence and decide what benefits to award you.

What To Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied

If you receive a denial letter, review it immediately to understand the reason for the rejection. Potential reasons for a workers’ comp claim denial include the following:

  • You failed to inform your employer of the injury within 30 days.
  • The insurer claims that your injury happened outside of work.
  • The insurer suspects that you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when you were injured.
  • There were errors in your paperwork.
  • Your medical evidence is insufficient to support your claim.

Once you learn the reasoning for your denial, correct any errors or inaccuracies in your documentation and gather additional supporting evidence. You may then file a petition to appeal the decision with the state Workers’ Compensation Court.

Rhode Island requires strict compliance with its unique procedural rules. Missing a step or a deadline could prevent you from securing benefits. Our workers’ comp attorneys in Newport can handle the appeals process on your behalf and fight for your rightful compensation.

What Types of Injuries Does Workers’ Comp Cover?

Various types of injuries across many different industries can give rise to a workers’ compensation claim. Some types of incidents are particularly common in the Newport community, including the following:

  • Slip and fall injuries: Restaurant workers and retail staff often face the risk of slipping and falling due to spills or objects in walkways. For example, a worker at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen could trip on a chair while rushing between tables and sprain their ankle.
  • Repetitive motion injuries: Office workers, housekeepers, and factory workers may develop wrist, shoulder, or back problems from performing the same physical tasks each day.
  • Back and lifting injuries: Warehouse staff, construction workers, and delivery drivers may suffer back injuries from moving heavy boxes or supply loads. For example, a driver might suffer a herniated disc lifting merchandise into the visitor’s center at Fort Adams State Park.
  • Electrical shock and burns: Faulty wiring may injure electricians and maintenance staff working in older buildings, such as those at Brown University.
  • Machinery and equipment accidents: For instance, an employee at a Newport manufacturing plant might suffer a crush injury to the hand due to a machine malfunction.
  • Workplace violence: Employees working in high-tension, public-facing roles can be at risk of physical harm. For example, a nurse at Newport Hospital may be injured when a combative patient assaults them.

Ways We Can Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Newport

Life after a workplace accident is stressful enough without navigating the complicated claims process alone. We’re here to ease that burden by handling the claims process for you. Our Newport workers’ compensation attorneys can take on the deadlines, paperwork, negotiations, and appeals so you can focus on your health.

Insurance companies often look for ways to limit what they pay. They may delay or deny treatment approvals, dispute your benefit amount, or argue that your injury isn’t job-related. We’re prepared to counter these tactics and pursue full and fair compensation.

When you turn to us after being injured on the job, you get a fierce advocate committed to protecting your rights. Our goal is to maximize your benefits while addressing delays so you can access the resources you need to move forward sooner.

Recent Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Our workers’ comp lawyers in Newport have helped many injured workers recover the compensation they need to make ends meet. We’ve achieved these case results and more for clients injured on the job:

  • Secured a $150,000 settlement for a Class-A delivery driver in Rhode Island. Our client sustained an injury while pulling a loaded two-wheeler up 20 stairs. The case resulted in an award of weekly benefits, payment of medical bills, and a $150,000 settlement.
  • Secured a $107,500 settlement for a diesel mechanic in Rhode Island. Our client sustained an injury while lifting a bumper for a trailer. The case resulted in an award of weekly benefits and a $107,500 settlement.
  • Secured an $80,000 settlement for a forklift driver in Rhode Island. Our client sustained injuries in a forklift accident. The case resulted in weekly benefits, a scarring benefit of $45,000, and loss-of-use benefits of $35,000.

Speak With a Newport Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was injured at work in Newport, you can trust Rob Levine Law to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and ease your concerns, and there are no fees unless you win. Call us at 800-742-3920 or contact us online to start exploring your options with a free consultation.

Common Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Rhode Island

Explore our answers to common questions from injured workers and their families.

Can You Work While on Workers’ Compensation in Rhode Island?

Yes. In most cases, your medical benefits can continue even if you return to work, as long as your claim remains open. However, if you accept a lump-sum settlement, the medical portion of your benefits may be paid out, and the insurer would not cover ongoing treatment.

If you’re completely unable to work, you may receive total incapacity benefits, which equal about 62% of your average weekly wages. If you can return to work in a reduced or modified role, you may qualify for partial incapacity benefits. In that case, you’ll receive a percentage of the difference between what you earned before and after your injury.

Yes. If a worker becomes disabled or dies due to one of the diseases listed in Rhode Island’s workers’ compensation statute, the worker or their dependents may receive wage loss benefits, medical benefits, and other applicable compensation.

The law treats these occupational diseases the same as a physical injury that happens on the job. Covered conditions include a wide range of illnesses, including mercury poisoning, asbestosis, silicosis, eye inflammation from chemical exposure, dermatitis, and mental health conditions.

Usually, you can. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system, so you can generally receive benefits no matter who caused the injury. However, you may be ineligible for benefits if you were impaired by alcohol or drugs when you were injured or if you intended to hurt yourself.

Yes. Rhode Island law allows you to choose your first medical care provider after a workplace injury. Emergency room care or treatment by a company physician doesn’t count as your first choice. Once you select your provider, that doctor may also refer you to a specialist without the insurer’s prior approval.

If you later decide to change doctors, you’ll need to check whether the insurer has an approved list of physicians, called a “preferred provider network.” If so, you must select a doctor from that list or get approval before switching. If not, you may change doctors without restrictions.

While most employers in Rhode Island are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, there are a few exceptions to who is eligible for benefits. Sole proprietors, partners, certain real estate agents, domestic workers, and agricultural employees are generally not covered. Independent contractors are also excluded.

Police officers, firefighters, and federal employees fall under separate compensation programs, and municipal employees are covered only if their city or town has opted into the system.

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Office Location

Newport, RI

55 Memorial Blvd
Newport, RI 02840

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