You got hurt at work. Now the paperwork is arriving, your boss wants a report, and an insurance adjuster is asking for a statement. It’s a lot to handle while you’re trying to heal.
At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, our Warwick workers’ compensation attorneys have spent decades helping injured Rhode Islanders through exactly this moment. We’ve seen how the first few days can shape everything that follows. That’s why we wrote a free guide to put the key facts in your hands before problems start.
What to Do After a Work Injury, Starting With the First 72 Hours
What you do right after an accident carries real weight. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. A small gap in your account can give an insurer a reason to push back months later.
Say you slip on a wet loading dock. Before the area is cleaned, snap a few photos of the hazard and the surrounding space. Get the name of the coworker who saw you fall. Then tell your doctor exactly what you told your supervisor. Insurers often compare the two accounts, line by line.
Our free guide walks you through those first steps in plain English, so you can read it at the kitchen table or in a waiting room. It covers reporting your injury, choosing a treating physician, and gathering the records your attorney will want to see. It also explains Rhode Island’s reporting deadlines, which are shorter than most people expect. Beyond the first 72 hours, you’ll also find:
- How the no-fault system works. Learn what workers’ compensation covers, who qualifies, and when a separate claim against a third party may also be possible.
- Mistakes that can weaken a claim. Missed appointments, vague descriptions, and a single social media post can all give an insurer something to use against you.
- What happens when an insurer disputes your claim. Understand the road to Workers’ Compensation Court and why a denial isn’t always the end.
- Protections many workers never hear about. See how Rhode Island law treats retaliation, reinstatement, and the filing deadline.
- A warning about Social Security and retirement. Timing matters here, and one early decision could reduce the benefits you receive.
Request Your Free Guide
Your recovery should be your only job right now. Let us help you understand the rest.
Complete the form below to download your free copy of What to Know After a Work Injury: Your Guide to Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Claims. Then call our Warwick office at 401-946-3200 to schedule a free consultation. We serve injured workers throughout Rhode Island, with offices in Warwick and Newport.