Workers' Compensation: Rhode Island

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Kevin Hess, Fisher Phillips

Summary

• All employers that are subject to the Workers' Compensation Act are required to post the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Act Poster in the workplace. See Notice Requirements.
• All employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, unless they are specifically exempted. See Covered Employers and Employees.
• Injuries arising out of and within the course of employment are generally considered compensable. See Compensable Injuries and Illnesses.
• Employers may not be liable for injuries incurred under certain circumstances. See Employer Defenses to Workers' Compensation claims.
• Workers' compensation insurance pays for medical benefits as well as benefits for partial and total disability and certain other circumstances. See Other Benefits.
• Workers' compensation insurers, workers' compensation group self-insurers, and employers self-insured for workers' compensation are not required to reimburse employees for the costs associated with the medical use of cannabis. See Medical Marijuana.
• Dispute claims go through a process within the Workers' Compensation Court. Disputes may be appealed. See Claim Procedures.
• Rhode Island has no law against retaliation, but another Rhode Island statute proscribes taking retaliatory or discriminatory adverse employment action against employees who engage in certain legally protected activities. See Retaliation and Discrimination.