The actions taken by an injured worker immediately following an injury are critical. Failure to take the proper steps at that time can cause problems later on when the injured worker seeks workers’ compensation benefits. Mistakes made immediately following an injury may give an insurance company or employer reason to deny a claim for benefits. This Guide is intended to assist employees who have been injured at work. It is also intended for union representatives in advising their members as to what steps they should take immediately following an injury.

Workers’ compensation is a system of laws that are designed to provide prompt benefits to workers who sustain work related injuries. The system was created by the legislature to prevent injured workers from ending up in poverty due to loss of income and medical expenses. The goal of workers’ compensation is to protect injured workers by providing them with partial wage replacement, appropriate medical care and, when necessary, vocational rehabilitation to assist them in returning to work.

The Rhode Island workers’ compensation system is designed to provide injured workers with all appropriate medical treatment so they can recover from their injuries and return to their regular jobs. Unfortunately, not all injured workers fare so well. Some injuries are so serious that they result in a permanent disability that does not allow for a return to regular work.