Can I Sue for a Personal Injury in Rhode Island?

Injuries are a fact of life. Everyone will get hurt at some point, and most Americans will make at least one trip to the hospital in their lifetimes. In most instances, these injuries are sustained at home or occur under circumstances beyond our control. However, sometimes, we and our loved ones sustain injuries due to another person or company’s negligence or even malice. When this happens, there are unique legal opportunities to seek justice.

The American legal system is unique in that it allows individuals to seek compensation for injuries they suffered from other private citizens without the need to get criminal courts involved. In some other countries, the right to file a lawsuit or seek compensation against people who have harmed you is more challenging and can prove to be an uphill battle. In some cases, you may have to “grin and bear it.” Not so in the United States.

If you’ve been hurt in a car or truck wreck, accident at the store, or suffered any injury that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to seek compensation. Many people are unaware of this right and attempt to “move on” from injuries. They chalk it up to “life happening” and struggle to pay bills out of pocket. Some people who have sustained injuries that weren’t their fault have gone on to spend years in debt, struggling to pay off bills they shouldn’t even have.

That’s why if you were injured for any reason that wasn’t your fault, you must contact our experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney. Lawrence J. Signore, Providence’s own “Rhode Lawyer,” takes injuries so seriously that he’ll come to visit you.

What Is Considered a Personal Injury in Rhode Island?

Personal injury has a broad definition. Generally speaking, it refers to any “physical, mental, or emotional harm suffered due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party.” Under this definition, common personal injury claims include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Car/Truck/Motorcycle Accidents
• Slip-and-Fall Injuries
• On-the-Job Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Animal Bites
• Falling Object Injuries

These are only a few examples of what may be considered a personal injury in Rhode Island. Essentially, if you were hurt, someone else was responsible, and there was nothing you could or should have reasonably been expected to do to prevent your injury, you may have a personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you were walking on a sidewalk or entering a business and something fell and hit you—either a sign, a piece of the building, or tools from a construction crew—you could file a lawsuit. Who you may be able to sue

Can I Sue for a Personal Injury in Rhode Island?

Injuries are a fact of life. Everyone will get hurt at some point, and most Americans will make at least one trip to the hospital in their lifetimes. In most instances, these injuries are sustained at home or occur under circumstances beyond our control. However, sometimes, we and our loved ones sustain injuries due to another person or company’s negligence or even malice. When this happens, there are unique legal opportunities to seek justice.

The American legal system is unique in that it allows individuals to seek compensation for injuries they suffered from other private citizens without the need to get criminal courts involved. In some other countries, the right to file a lawsuit or seek compensation against people who have harmed you is more challenging and can prove to be an uphill battle. In some cases, you may have to “grin and bear it.” Not so in the United States.

If you’ve been hurt in a car or truck wreck, accident at the store, or suffered any injury that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to seek compensation. Many people are unaware of this right and attempt to “move on” from injuries. They chalk it up to “life happening” and struggle to pay bills out of pocket. Some people who have sustained injuries that weren’t their fault have gone on to spend years in debt, struggling to pay off bills they shouldn’t even have.

That’s why if you were injured for any reason that wasn’t your fault, you must contact our experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney. Lawrence J. Signore, Providence’s own “Rhode Lawyer,” takes injuries so seriously that he’ll come to visit you.

What Is Considered a Personal Injury in Rhode Island?

Personal injury has a broad definition. Generally speaking, it refers to any “physical, mental, or emotional harm suffered due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party.” Under this definition, common personal injury claims include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Car/Truck/Motorcycle Accidents
• Slip-and-Fall Injuries
• On-the-Job Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Animal Bites
• Falling Object Injuries

These are only a few examples of what may be considered a personal injury in Rhode Island. Essentially, if you were hurt, someone else was responsible, and there was nothing you could or should have reasonably been expected to do to prevent your injury, you may have a personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you were walking on a sidewalk or entering a business and something fell and hit you—either a sign, a piece of the building, or tools from a construction crew—you could file a lawsuit. Who you may be able to sue—the business, the construction workers, or someone else—would depend on the precise circumstances. Our attorney can review your case and help develop a legal strategy for moving forward and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Why Do I Need an Attorney to Sue for Personal Injury?

Technically, you do not need an attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit or any lawsuit. America allows individuals to file their own lawsuits and serve as their own counsel. However, this is almost always a mistake. According to a study by Cornell University tracking American lawsuits over 20 years, only 3% of people representing themselves won their cases.

In most personal injury cases, the person being sued will bring in their own counsel and resources. Often, this is in the form of an attorney supplied by the accused’s insurance company. Whether it’s due to a car accident, slip-and-fall accident, or something else, most people accused of causing harm to another person will either obtain their own lawyer or have one provided to them by their insurance or employer.

Insurance company and corporate lawyers are among the most experienced courtroom litigators in America. Most insurance company attorneys can quickly and easily end the average person’s lawsuit by taking advantage of legal technicalities or rules of courtroom procedure that the average person has never even heard of. It’s possible that your personal injury suit could never even make it to trial because a slick insurance company attorney has your case thrown out on the first day.

Many businesses do not anticipate the average person hiring a lawyer to sue them. In some instances, simply having an attorney on your side is enough to get someone to “play ball” and negotiate a settlement without the need to appear in court. Even if your case goes to court, an experienced attorney will be able to present evidence and convincing arguments before a judge. An attorney can also counter any legal strategies the opposition may attempt to have your case thrown out.

Who Can I Sue for Personal Injury in Rhode Island?

The people or companies you can hold liable for your injury will depend on the circumstances of your accident. In many instances, the responsible person or party is evident. In other circumstances, you will probably require the aid of an experienced attorney to accurately identify all the parties you can hold liable.

For example, suppose you were involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler. Most people would probably respond by attempting to sue the truck driver for any injuries. However, in many circumstances, truckers involved in accidents have been pressured to meet unreasonable job requirements by trucking companies and the businesses for whom they drive. This may include pressuring drivers to drive longer than is safe. In this situation, both the trucking company and business may be held liable as well.

Another example involving multiple responsible parties is dog bite injuries. Many people who have been bitten by a dog sue the owner for compensation. However, depending on the circumstances, more people may be liable. For example, if you were bitten by a dog on the property of a business where animals are not generally allowed, the company may be held liable for failing to remove the animal from the store. If you were bitten while the dog was under the care of someone other than the owner, the owner may still be liable if they had reason to think they may have been leaving the animal in the care of someone who was not a responsible caretaker.

These are only a few potential examples of cases in which more than the “obvious” party may be liable. Every personal injury case is unique, and who may be responsible for your injuries depends on the precise circumstances. Our attorney can review your case and help determine who can and should be held liable.

Can I Sue My Employer for an Injury in Rhode Island?

Many people who have been hurt on the job wish to seek compensation by suing their employers. In many cases, this isn’t an option. Much of the time, employees injured on the job are required to seek compensation through workers’ comp. However, there are certain circumstances under which you can file a personal injury lawsuit if you were hurt at work.

For example, if a third party was responsible for your injury, a lawsuit may fall outside the scope of workers’ comp. For example, if you were working on someone else’s property as part of your job duties and you suffered an injury, the property owner may be liable if they did not provide a safe working environment. You may also be able to seek compensation if your injuries were caused by an employee of another company.

In some exceptional cases, you may be able to sue your employer if you can prove that your injuries were caused intentionally, or if they resulted from a hostile work environment. To successfully sue your employer under these circumstances, you must establish a variety of factors in court to support your case. Our attorney can review your work history and the situation at your job and help determine whether you may be able to sue them directly for your injuries.

Can I Sue for Wrongful Death in Rhode Island?

If a loved one died as the result of someone else’s negligence or malice, they may be held liable in what is known as a wrongful death suit. Only specific individuals may bring wrongful death suits before the court.

If a person were married or had children, their spouse or children may bring legal action against the responsible parties. If the deceased were unmarried and childless, but one or both parents are still alive, then their parents may seek damages. If the deceased were unmarried, childless, and their parents are both death, grandparents can seek compensation.

Under other circumstances, the deceased’s estate may seek compensation for wrongful death. However, a lawsuit filed by the executor of an estate is subject to a tighter deadline than family members of the deceased. Surviving family members have a three-year statute of limitations to bring a wrongful death case. If the suit is being filed by the executor of the deceased’s estate, though, they only have six months.

Although three years may seem like enough to file a lawsuit, when a death is involved, time can move differently. It’s very easy for family members to miss the statute of limitations while dealing with other concerns. In some instances, responsible parties may even try delaying or using distracting tactics to cause you to miss the deadline without even realizing it. This is why having an experienced personal injury attorney is vital in wrongful death cases. A skilled attorney can review the circumstances of the case and get the ball rolling so that you meet all necessary deadlines.

Is there a Statute of Limitations on All Personal Injury Cases in Rhode Island?

Most personal injury cases in Rhode Island have a three-year statute of limitations. This means you must file a lawsuit within three years of sustaining the injury. However, there are some notable exceptions.

One key exception is if you were unaware of the extent of your injury until a later date. Suppose, for example, you were involved in a car wreck and sustained musculoskeletal damage that did not present itself for some time. Even if you did not file within the three-year window, you may still be eligible if an attorney can demonstrate you did not know about the injury.

Another potential example is if you or a loved one were incapacitated as a result of your injury and unable to sue. For example, if you were in a coma due to injuries sustained in a car wreck or other serious accident, you may still be able to sue once you recover.

These are only a few potential exceptions. Our experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and determine if you are still within the statute of limitations. If you are outside the statute, our attorney can also determine if any exceptions would allow you to pursue your case.

How Much Can I Sue For in a Personal Injury Case?

The amount of money you can sue for depends on a variety of factors. Money awarded to people in personal injury lawsuits is referred to as damages. There are two broad types of damages: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are awarded to compensate you for actual expenses incurred as a result of your injuries. Examples of economic damages include, but are not necessarily limited to, hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of repairing or replacing a car, the cost of repairing or replacing personal property, and more. Economic damages are typically awarded based on a multiplier basis. This means that, once the court has determined you are entitled to damages, the total amount will be multiplied by a number to determine your award—usually, the more severe your injuries and the more serious the case, the greater the multiplier. The court usually uses an amount between 1.5 and 5. For example, if you were injured in a truck accident that resulted in $20,000 worth of expenses, you may be entitled to $30,000 to $100,000.

The other type of damages is non-economic damages. These are also called “punitive” or “punishment” damages. Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate you for the experience of having been injured. Examples of non-economic damages include money awarded for PTSD, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other factors. Non-economic damages may be challenging to establish in court. Many people who attempt to represent themselves in personal injury cases struggle to collect non-economic damages. Our attorney has considerable experience not only in proving non-economic damages to the court, but also in getting those damages awarded to his clients.

What Kind of Evidence Do I Need in a Personal Injury Case?

Many people fail to succeed in their personal injury lawsuits because they are unable to prove their case. Some individuals believe that simply showing up in court with photos and some medical bills is enough to establish their case. In many instances, the defense will come prepared to counter your basic claims. In these instances, a judge or jury will require you to present definitive evidence in your favor. Our attorney knows how to do this.

One common source of evidence is a police report. An experienced attorney can pull police reports and present them along with accompanying evidence in court. Often, police reports will point towards further supporting evidence, such as eyewitness statements or security camera footage from nearby businesses.

Most attorneys will also be able to conduct their own investigations into your injury. In many instances, this can turn up witnesses or evidence that may have been missed or unavailable during a police investigation. An experienced lawyer like Lawrence J. Signore is proactive in handling case investigations and knows who to ask, where to look, and what might have been missed by the police.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Injured in Providence?

Every year, millions of Americans are injured in accidents that aren’t their fault. In countless examples, people either accept small payouts from insurance companies or “let it slide.” Many people have a “well, that’s life” approach to other people’s negligence. In some instances, people may attempt to file suit and represent themselves in court. Most of the time, this only results in lost time and money, wasted effort, and negative emotions. Taking the fight to people and companies who’ve hurt you is challenging, but it isn’t impossible—and with The Rhode Lawyer on your side, you stand more than a fighting chance.

Lawrence J. Signore has years of experience representing injured Americans in the courtroom and getting them the justice and compensation they deserve. Known throughout the state as “The Rhode Lawyer,” Lawrence J. Signore will come to you in your home, hospital, or anywhere else that’s most convenient for you. He believes everyone has the right to a safe and happy existence and shouldn’t have to put themselves through more stress or trauma during a difficult time. He’ll bring all his resources to you—so he can take the fight to the people who hurt you. Whether it’s a traffic accident, animal injury, slip-and-fall, or something else, The Rhode Lawyer has seen it, fought it, and won against it in court.

Personal injury cases can be intimidating. This is especially true once insurance lawyers and corporate attorneys get involved. With Lawrence J. Signore on your side, though, you can have an ace up your sleeve—The Rhode Lawyer. If you or a loved one were hurt or killed, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (401) 273-3000 to schedule your free consultation.

the business, the construction workers, or someone else- would depend on the precise circumstances. Our attorney can review your case and help develop a legal strategy for moving forward and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Why Do I Need an Attorney to Sue for Personal Injury?

Technically, you do not need an attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit or any lawsuit. America allows individuals to file their own lawsuits and serve as their own counsel. However, this is almost always a mistake. According to a study by Cornell University tracking American lawsuits over 20 years, only 3% of people representing themselves won their cases.

In most personal injury cases, the person being sued will bring in their own counsel and resources. Often, this is in the form of an attorney supplied by the accused’s insurance company. Whether it’s due to a car accident, slip-and-fall accident, or something else, most people accused of causing harm to another person will either obtain their own lawyer or have one provided to them by their insurance or employer.

Insurance company and corporate lawyers are among the most experienced courtroom litigators in America. Most insurance company attorneys can quickly and easily end the average person’s lawsuit by taking advantage of legal technicalities or rules of courtroom procedure that the average person has never even heard of. It’s possible that your personal injury suit could never even make it to trial because a slick insurance company attorney has your case thrown out on the first day.

Many businesses do not anticipate the average person hiring a lawyer to sue them. In some instances, simply having an attorney on your side is enough to get someone to “play ball” and negotiate a settlement without the need to appear in court. Even if your case goes to court, an experienced attorney will be able to present evidence and convincing arguments before a judge. An attorney can also counter any legal strategies the opposition may attempt to have your case thrown out.

Who Can I Sue for Personal Injury in Rhode Island?

The people or companies you can hold liable for your injury will depend on the circumstances of your accident. In many instances, the responsible person or party is evident. In other circumstances, you will probably require the aid of an experienced attorney to accurately identify all the parties you can hold liable.

For example, suppose you were involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler. Most people would probably respond by attempting to sue the truck driver for any injuries. However, in many circumstances, truckers involved in accidents have been pressured to meet unreasonable job requirements by trucking companies and the businesses for whom they drive. This may include pressuring drivers to drive longer than is safe. In this situation, both the trucking company and business may be held liable as well.

Another example involving multiple responsible parties is dog bite injuries. Many people who have been bitten by a dog sue the owner for compensation. However, depending on the circumstances, more people may be liable. For example, if you were bitten by a dog on the property of a business where animals are not generally allowed, the company may be held liable for failing to remove the animal from the store. If you were bitten while the dog was under the care of someone other than the owner, the owner may still be liable if they had reason to think they may have been leaving the animal in the care of someone who was not a responsible caretaker.

These are only a few potential examples of cases in which more than the “obvious” party may be liable. Every personal injury case is unique, and who may be responsible for your injuries depends on the precise circumstances. Our attorney can review your case and help determine who can and should be held liable.

Can I Sue My Employer for an Injury in Rhode Island?

Many people who have been hurt on the job wish to seek compensation by suing their employers. In many cases, this isn’t an option. Much of the time, employees injured on the job are required to seek compensation through workers’ comp. However, there are certain circumstances under which you can file a personal injury lawsuit if you were hurt at work.

For example, if a third party was responsible for your injury, a lawsuit may fall outside the scope of workers’ comp. For example, if you were working on someone else’s property as part of your job duties and you suffered an injury, the property owner may be liable if they did not provide a safe working environment. You may also be able to seek compensation if your injuries were caused by an employee of another company.

In some exceptional cases, you may be able to sue your employer if you can prove that your injuries were caused intentionally, or if they resulted from a hostile work environment. To successfully sue your employer under these circumstances, you must establish a variety of factors in court to support your case. Our attorney can review your work history and the situation at your job and help determine whether you may be able to sue them directly for your injuries.

Can I Sue for Wrongful Death in Rhode Island?

If a loved one died as the result of someone else’s negligence or malice, they may be held liable in what is known as a wrongful death suit. Only specific individuals may bring wrongful death suits before the court.

If a person were married or had children, their spouse or children may bring legal action against the responsible parties. If the deceased were unmarried and childless, but one or both parents are still alive, then their parents may seek damages. If the deceased were unmarried, childless, and their parents are both death, grandparents can seek compensation.

Under other circumstances, the deceased’s estate may seek compensation for wrongful death. However, a lawsuit filed by the executor of an estate is subject to a tighter deadline than family members of the deceased. Surviving family members have a three-year statute of limitations to bring a wrongful death case. If the suit is being filed by the executor of the deceased’s estate, though, they only have six months.

Although three years may seem like enough to file a lawsuit, when a death is involved, time can move differently. It’s very easy for family members to miss the statute of limitations while dealing with other concerns. In some instances, responsible parties may even try delaying or using distracting tactics to cause you to miss the deadline without even realizing it. This is why having an experienced personal injury attorney is vital in wrongful death cases. A skilled attorney can review the circumstances of the case and get the ball rolling so that you meet all necessary deadlines.

Is there a Statute of Limitations on All Personal Injury Cases in Rhode Island?

Most personal injury cases in Rhode Island have a three-year statute of limitations. This means you must file a lawsuit within three years of sustaining the injury. However, there are some notable exceptions.

One key exception is if you were unaware of the extent of your injury until a later date. Suppose, for example, you were involved in a car wreck and sustained musculoskeletal damage that did not present itself for some time. Even if you did not file within the three-year window, you may still be eligible if an attorney can demonstrate you did not know about the injury.

Another potential example is if you or a loved one were incapacitated as a result of your injury and unable to sue. For example, if you were in a coma due to injuries sustained in a car wreck or other serious accident, you may still be able to sue once you recover.

These are only a few potential exceptions. Our experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and determine if you are still within the statute of limitations. If you are outside the statute, our attorney can also determine if any exceptions would allow you to pursue your case.

How Much Can I Sue For in a Personal Injury Case?

The amount of money you can sue for depends on a variety of factors. Money awarded to people in personal injury lawsuits is referred to as damages. There are two broad types of damages: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are awarded to compensate you for actual expenses incurred as a result of your injuries. Examples of economic damages include, but are not necessarily limited to, hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of repairing or replacing a car, the cost of repairing or replacing personal property, and more. Economic damages are typically awarded based on a multiplier basis. This means that, once the court has determined you are entitled to damages, the total amount will be multiplied by a number to determine your award—usually, the more severe your injuries and the more serious the case, the greater the multiplier. The court usually uses an amount between 1.5 and 5. For example, if you were injured in a truck accident that resulted in $20,000 worth of expenses, you may be entitled to $30,000 to $100,000.

The other type of damages is non-economic damages. These are also called “punitive” or “punishment” damages. Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate you for the experience of having been injured. Examples of non-economic damages include money awarded for PTSD, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other factors. Non-economic damages may be challenging to establish in court. Many people who attempt to represent themselves in personal injury cases struggle to collect non-economic damages. Our attorney has considerable experience not only in proving non-economic damages to the court, but also in getting those damages awarded to his clients.

What Kind of Evidence Do I Need in a Personal Injury Case?

Many people fail to succeed in their personal injury lawsuits because they are unable to prove their case. Some individuals believe that simply showing up in court with photos and some medical bills is enough to establish their case. In many instances, the defense will come prepared to counter your basic claims. In these instances, a judge or jury will require you to present definitive evidence in your favor. Our attorney knows how to do this.

One common source of evidence is a police report. An experienced attorney can pull police reports and present them along with accompanying evidence in court. Often, police reports will point towards further supporting evidence, such as eyewitness statements or security camera footage from nearby businesses.

Most attorneys will also be able to conduct their own investigations into your injury. In many instances, this can turn up witnesses or evidence that may have been missed or unavailable during a police investigation. An experienced lawyer like Lawrence J. Signore is proactive in handling case investigations and knows who to ask, where to look, and what might have been missed by the police.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Injured in Providence?

Every year, millions of Americans are injured in accidents that aren’t their fault. In countless examples, people either accept small payouts from insurance companies or “let it slide.” Many people have a “well, that’s life” approach to other people’s negligence. In some instances, people may attempt to file suit and represent themselves in court. Most of the time, this only results in lost time and money, wasted effort, and negative emotions. Taking the fight to people and companies who’ve hurt you is challenging, but it isn’t impossible—and with The Rhode Lawyer on your side, you stand more than a fighting chance.

Lawrence J. Signore has years of experience representing injured Americans in the courtroom and getting them the justice and compensation they deserve. Known throughout the state as “The Rhode Lawyer,” Lawrence J. Signore will come to you in your home, hospital, or anywhere else that’s most convenient for you. He believes everyone has the right to a safe and happy existence and shouldn’t have to put themselves through more stress or trauma during a difficult time. He’ll bring all his resources to you—so he can take the fight to the people who hurt you. Whether it’s a traffic accident, animal injury, slip-and-fall, or something else, The Rhode Lawyer has seen it, fought it, and won against it in court.

Personal injury cases can be intimidating. This is especially true once insurance lawyers and corporate attorneys get involved. With Lawrence J. Signore on your side, though, you can have an ace up your sleeve—The Rhode Lawyer. If you or a loved one were hurt or killed, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (401) 273-3000 to schedule your free consultation.