Workers' compensation is an important form of insurance that provides medical and wage replacement benefits to workers injured on the job. In Rhode Island, workers' compensation is regulated by the state's Department of Labor and Training.
Understanding the state's laws and regulations can help employers and employees protect their rights and obligations under the worker's compensation system.
Here is a guide about workers compensation insurance:
Eligibility
In Rhode Island, most employers with one or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This includes employees who are part-time, casual, seasonal, and minors.
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In some cases, employers may be exempt from workers' compensation coverage, such as when the company is a sole proprietorship or partnership with no employees.
Benefits
Workers compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. These benefits include medical care, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation.
The amount of benefits an employee can receive depends on the severity of the injury or illness. For example, an employee who is unable to work due to a job-related injury or illness may be eligible for up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $777 per week.
Claims Process
In Rhode Island, an injured worker must report their injury to their employer within 30 days. The employer then has 10 days to report the injury to their worker's compensation insurance carrier.
The insurance carrier will then investigate the claim and determine if the employee is eligible for benefits. If the claim is approved, the employee will receive benefits until they are medically cleared to return to work. If the claim is denied, the employee can appeal the decision.
