How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim in Rhode Island
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Rhode Island · Last updated 2026-09-07
Rhode Island runs a no-fault workers' compensation system in which the employer or its insurer, not the worker, files the first report, administered by the Workers' Compensation Division of the Department of Labor and Training (DLT), giving an injured employee medical care and wage-replacement benefits without proving fault. Disputes are decided by the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court (WCC). Two deadlines are critical. You must give your employer notice of the injury within 30 days after the happening or manifestation of the injury (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30), and you generally have two years after the occurrence or manifestation of the injury to file a petition (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57). After you report the injury, your employer or its insurer files a First Report of Injury with the DLT, and you do not file that form yourself. The insurer then starts weekly compensation or denies the claim. If your claim is denied or disputed, you file an Original Petition with the Workers' Compensation Court. Attorney review of your claim is available through DocDraft.
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Where are you after your work injury?
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How do I file a workers' compensation claim in Rhode Island?
First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days after it happens or becomes apparent (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30). Your employer or its insurer then files a First Report of Injury with the state. If the insurer denies or disputes benefits, you file an Original Petition with the Workers' Compensation Court.
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim in Rhode Island?
Two deadlines matter. You must give your employer notice of the injury within 30 days after it happens or manifests (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30). Separately, you generally have two years after the occurrence or manifestation of the injury to file a petition (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57). Missing either can bar your benefits.
Who files the workers' compensation claim form in Rhode Island?
Unlike some states, Rhode Island does not require the injured worker to file an initial claim form. After you report the injury, your employer or its insurer files a First Report of Injury with the Department of Labor and Training. Your own filing, if the claim is disputed, is an Original Petition.
Who handles workers' compensation claims in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's workers' compensation system is administered by the Workers' Compensation Division of the Department of Labor and Training (DLT). Your employer's insurer decides day-to-day whether to pay benefits. If a dispute arises, the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court adjudicates it after you file an Original Petition.
Rhode Island workers' compensation claim law at a glance
In Rhode Island, workers' compensation gives an employee who is injured on the job medical care and wage-replacement benefits from the employer's insurer, regardless of fault. The system is administered by the Workers' Compensation Division of the Department of Labor and Training (DLT), and contested claims are decided by the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court (WCC). You must give your employer notice of the injury within 30 days after the happening or manifestation of the injury (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30). Your employer or its insurer then files a First Report of Injury with the DLT, and you do not file an initial claim form yourself. The insurer either starts weekly compensation or denies the claim. If the claim is disputed, you generally have two years after the occurrence or manifestation of the injury to file an Original Petition with the Workers' Compensation Court (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57).
Filing a Rhode Island workers' compensation claim after a boatyard shoulder injury
Suppose you work at a Rhode Island boatyard and injure your shoulder on the job. You tell your supervisor and give written notice of the injury that week, staying well inside the 30-day reporting deadline (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30). Your employer's insurer files a First Report of Injury with the Department of Labor and Training and starts paying for your medical treatment. Later, the insurer disputes how much wage-replacement you are owed. Because you must act within two years after the occurrence or manifestation of the injury (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57), you file an Original Petition with the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court. Attorney review of your claim is available through DocDraft.
Relevant Laws
R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30 (30-day notice of injury to employer)
Provides that no proceedings for compensation for an injury may be maintained unless notice of the injury is given to the employer within 30 days after the happening or manifestation of the injury.
R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57 (two-year limitation on claims for compensation)
Bars an employee's claim for compensation unless payment of weekly compensation has commenced, or a petition has been filed, within two years after the occurrence or manifestation of the injury or incapacity, with extensions for death or physical or mental incapacity.
Rhode Island DLT, Workers' Compensation Division
The Workers' Compensation Division of the Department of Labor and Training monitors the workers' compensation system, ensuring required documents are filed to protect injured workers and employers, that claims are paid correctly, and that employers carry insurance coverage.
Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court
The Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court hears and decides all disputes between an injured employee and an employer relating to workers' compensation benefits, on an Original Petition filed by the injured worker.
Regional Variances
Rhode Island workers' compensation claim rules at a glance
Reporting deadline
30 days after the happening or manifestation of the injury to give your employer notice, under R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30. No proceedings for compensation may be maintained unless notice is given within that window.
Claim form
The employer or its insurer files a First Report of Injury with the Department of Labor and Training. The injured worker does not file an initial claim form. The worker's affirmative filing, if the claim is disputed, is an Original Petition.
Filing deadline
Generally two years after the occurrence or manifestation of the injury or incapacity to file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Court (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57). The claim is barred unless a petition is filed or weekly compensation has started.
Who administers it
The Workers' Compensation Division of the Department of Labor and Training (DLT). Disputes are adjudicated by the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court (WCC), a specialized court that hears contested claims.
How disputes are filed
By filing an Original Petition with the Workers' Compensation Court when the insurer denies, delays, or underpays the claim. This must occur within the two-year period under R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Report the injury to your employer
Within 30 days of the injury days after startingGive your employer notice of the injury within 30 days after its happening or manifestation (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30). No proceedings for compensation may be maintained unless notice is given within that window, so do this immediately and keep a dated copy.
Confirm the First Report of Injury is filed
Shortly after you report days after startingYour employer or its insurer must file a First Report of Injury with the Department of Labor and Training. You do not file this form. Confirm your employer has reported the injury and ask for the insurer's name and contact information.
Get medical care and keep records
Ongoing after the injury days after startingSeek treatment for your injury and keep every medical record, bill, and letter from the insurer. Documenting the diagnosis, treatment dates, and any work restrictions supports your claim if the insurer later disputes benefits.
Track the insurer's decision and deadlines
While the claim is pending days after startingThe insurer will either start weekly compensation or deny the claim. Calendar any deadline the insurer sets for information, keep proof of what you sent, and note the date of injury so you can protect the two-year filing window under R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57.
File an Original Petition if disputed
Within two years of the injury days after startingIf the claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid, file an Original Petition with the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court within two years after the occurrence or manifestation of the injury (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57). File early to protect your rights.
Consider attorney review of your claim
Before key deadlines days after startingRhode Island's process runs through a specialized Workers' Compensation Court, and deadlines are strict. Keep your injury date, notice date, and medical records organized. Attorney review of your claim and any Original Petition is available through DocDraft.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report the injury to your employer | Give your employer notice of the injury within 30 days after its happening or manifestation (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-33-30). No proceedings for compensation may be maintained unless notice is given within that window, so do this immediately and keep a dated copy. | - | Within 30 days of the injury |
| Confirm the First Report of Injury is filed | Your employer or its insurer must file a First Report of Injury with the Department of Labor and Training. You do not file this form. Confirm your employer has reported the injury and ask for the insurer's name and contact information. | - | Shortly after you report |
| Get medical care and keep records | Seek treatment for your injury and keep every medical record, bill, and letter from the insurer. Documenting the diagnosis, treatment dates, and any work restrictions supports your claim if the insurer later disputes benefits. | - | Ongoing after the injury |
| Track the insurer's decision and deadlines | The insurer will either start weekly compensation or deny the claim. Calendar any deadline the insurer sets for information, keep proof of what you sent, and note the date of injury so you can protect the two-year filing window under R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57. | - | While the claim is pending |
| File an Original Petition if disputed | If the claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid, file an Original Petition with the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court within two years after the occurrence or manifestation of the injury (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-35-57). File early to protect your rights. | - | Within two years of the injury |
| Consider attorney review of your claim | Rhode Island's process runs through a specialized Workers' Compensation Court, and deadlines are strict. Keep your injury date, notice date, and medical records organized. Attorney review of your claim and any Original Petition is available through DocDraft. | - | Before key deadlines |
Frequently Asked Questions
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