Getting injured on the job is hard enough. But when you struggle to understand the workers’ compensation process because English is not your first language, things can get even more confusing. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, signing forms you do not fully...
Workers’ Compensation
Will workers’ comp cover repetitive strain injuries?
Not every injury occurs from a single incident. Some injuries develop gradually over time. Can you file a workers’ comp claim if you can’t pinpoint when the injury happened? What are repetitive strain injuries? Some job duties consist of the employee repeating the...
Why use workers’ comp benefits instead of medical insurance?
When professionals get hurt on the job, they often worry about the financial consequences of that reality. They may have to take time away from work to heal. They may also have significant medical expenses that they need to cover. Some people try to use paid leave...
How can workers’ comp help people return to work?
If you get injured at work, you have the right to file a claim against your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This is something that the vast majority of employees have the right to do. The two main things workers’ compensation is known for are covering the...
What does the “course and scope” rule mean in workers’ comp?
A general rule of workers’ compensation benefits is that they cover injuries and illnesses suffered during the “course and scope” of a person’s employment. That’s true whether an injury or illness occurred due to one incident or over time due to, for example,...
Is construction really the most dangerous industry?
You sometimes hear people say that the most dangerous industry in the United States is construction. The reason they say this is because it leads to the highest number of fatal on-the-job accidents every year. This is true, and many of these deaths are due to the...
Does a preexisting condition mean you cannot get workers’ comp?
You can’t get workers’ compensation for an injury that you suffer when you are not on the job. Say that you’re moving to a new house over the weekend. While lifting and carrying furniture, you injure your back. It may mean that you can’t return to work on Monday, but...
The effects of shoulder injuries on health care providers
Health care providers can face risks on the job, including shoulder injuries. These can result from lifting patients or equipment, repetitive strain or overuse from performing health care tasks. What does the future hold for health care providers who suffer from...
What if my employer tries to convince me not to file a workers’ comp claim?
Workplace injuries can create stress beyond just physical pain. You might face pressure from your employer to handle the situation "off the record." Many workers feel caught between protecting their health and maintaining workplace relationships. Understanding your...
Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist and hand, which are part of the upper limb. In most workers' compensation systems, including Rhode Island's, carpal tunnel syndrome is treated as a type of upper limb injury or disorder. Workers with such a limb injury can...