Get Help from Knowledgeable Lawyers for Workplace Injuries in Cranston

Recovery for employees and contractors injured at work

Recovering compensation for a workplace accident or dangerous condition may involve administrative proceedings and civil lawsuits. In all cases, you must make the connection between your damages and the workplace event.

Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law has 30 years of experience helping injured workers file workers compensation claims and lawsuits against negligent third parties. We give you clear, effective answers to your frequently asked questions about personal injuries and strategize a plan of action that optimizes your recovery.

Workers compensation claims

The Workers' Compensation Act requires employers to carry insurance that pays benefits to its injured workers. This insurance compensates workers who are injured or become ill because of conditions or accidents in the workplace. You should file your claim as soon as you are injured or discover your medical condition to avoid delays in receiving your compensation. Our team guides you through the complex red-tape of the Workers' Compensation Court so you can begin receiving the full amount of your rightful benefits as soon as possible.

Suing an employer

Rhode Island employers agree to carry workers compensation insurance in exchange for immunity from personal injury lawsuits by their workers. However, some businesses are exempt from the workers compensation requirement -- such as sole proprietors, partners and independent contractors. Employees and contractors who are not covered by workers compensation insurance can sue their negligent employers.

Third party on-the-job injury claims

Even if you are receiving workers compensation benefits, you may have a cause of action against a third party. For example, you may have a claim against a manufacturer that produced defective safety equipment that failed on your construction site. You can possibly sue the cleaning company for neglecting to designate a freshly-mopped wet surface upon which you slipped and fell. Also, you would likely have a valid cause of action against a motorist who caused an automobile accident involving your work vehicle. Our team investigates your case to determine whether you have claims against these third parties so that you can maximize your damage awards.

Learn more from work injury lawyer protecting workers in Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Cranston