Providence, Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyer & Providence Personal Injury Attorneys

If you have a Providence, RI personal injury claim, Greater Providence personal injury attorneys are here to advocate for you. Call one of the Providence personal injury lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

Providence is both the largest city in the State of Rhode Island and the state capital. There are over 1.6 million people in the Providence Metropolitan Statistical Area. Roger Williams founded Providence, RI in 1636 as a refuge for religious minorities. Providence eventually became known for its production of silverware and jewelery. While there is still some manufacturing in the Providence, RI area, much of the area's current economy is fueled by the service industry.

Providence's large population and sprawling metropolitan area forces residents to face traffic daily, and, therefore, automobile and truck accidents are commonplace. The presence of manufacturing and other companies in Providence equates to a variety of work-related injuries and traffic accidents. Many people have dangerous jobs working at the Port of Providence, a large deepwater seaport which commonly handles raw materials and machinery. Some of the major employes in the Providence, RI area include: Textron, Nortek Incorporated, GTECH, Citizens Bank, the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence Place Mall, Pinkerton, Rhode Island Hospital, Johnson & Whales University, Brown University, Verizon Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Women & Infants Hospital, and Miriam Hospital. Workers for large Providence companies may be injured on the job, sometimes suffering severe injuries. Living in a large city like Providence has many benefits in addition to its booming job market, such as a diverse restaurant scene, nightlife, and a variety of other cultural options. Despite these benefits, living in Providence can create a high risk of personal injury. When accidents happen, a Providence personal injury attorney can help you and provide the expertise necessary to advocate on your behalf. If you have a Providence personal injury claim, call one of the qualified Providence personal injury attorneys listed on this site for a free consultation. 

What is a Personal Injury Attorney and what types of matters does a Providence Personal Injury Attorney's practice cover?

Providence personal injury attorneys sometimes get the undeserved reputation of being greedy. Many people believe that personal injury lawyers are only interested in cases where they stand to make huge sums of money, and that they care little for their clients. This is simply not the case. Providence County personal injury attorneys' practices cover a wide range of practice areas. More importantly, Providence personal injury lawyers are here to help right the wrong that you may have suffered because of another person's mistake. Providence County accident lawyers and other Providence personal injury attorneys play a crucial role in protecting the rights—both financial and legal—of injury victims and their families. Just some of the matters that a Providence personal injury lawyer covers throughout the State of Rhode Island are:

• Product Defects & Products Liability
• Medical Malpractice
• Stock Broker  & Real Estate Broker Malpractice
• Dangerous Drugs & Medical Devices
• Rollover & Crash Worthiness
• Truck Accidents, 18-Wheeler Accidents, other Auto Accidents
• Workers' Compensation Injuries
• Cruise Ship Accidents & Injuries
• Boating & Jet Ski Accidents
• Railroad Employee FELA Injuries
• Slip & Trip & Falls
• Dog Bites
• Bad Faith Insurance
• Government Liability - City of Providence, Providence County, & State of Rhode Island Liability
• Federal Government Liability

An injury can be a catastrophic event for an entire family, potentially ruining quality of life, destroying a person's livelihood, and preventing them from working. A Providence personal injury attorney will step in and fight to protect your rights if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Although your attorney will not be able to repair the physical damage you have sustained, it is very likely that a Providence personal injury lawyer will be able to get you deserved compensation for your injuries, which can provide for you, your family, and your medical expenses. 

Why do you need a Providence Personal Injury Lawyer?

In most cases where someone gets injured due to the negligence of another person or company, insurance covers the personal injury claim. If you have ever dealt with an insurance company in the past, then you will immediately know why you need to hire an experienced and competent personal injury lawyer to represent you in your Providence personal injury claim. A Providence personal injury attorney can help you negotiate an acceptable settlement or, if need be, take your claim to trial to get you the money you deserve in Rhode Island state or federal courts.  

Proving a personal injury claim can be a very complicated task, particularly if you are not familiar with the legal concepts involved. Even for lawyers who are familiar with these concepts, it can often be difficult to prove causation and damages, and your attorney may need to consult a number of medical and scientific experts to prove the necessary legal arguments. Your Providence personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you of the various theories of recovery that might be involved in your claim, including negligence, strict liability, or intentional tort. In a negligence-based case in Rhode Island, you must prove:

1. The person or party that caused your injury owed you a duty of care, but did not live up to that duty;
2. There was sufficient causation, or connection, between that person's action and your injury to constitute a breach of their duty to you; and
3. You suffered compensable damages as a result.

The analysis only becomes more complicated in a strict liability case, where you seek to hold the defendant responsible for your injuries regardless of fault, or negligence. In cases where a defect in the design or manufacture causes you to suffer an injury, negligence is not even an issue. In these types of strict products liability cases, your Providence personal injury attorney can help you prove that the product was dangerous when it left the manufacturer's control.

As noted, a variety of medical and scientific experts might be involved in proving these elements, and an experienced Providence personal injury attorney can help arrange these experts and prepare legal arguments based on your medical records. Your Providence personal injury lawyer can also advise on whether claims may be brought on behalf of your family members for negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, or for loss of consortium. Similarly, there may be other variables involved when more than one party may have contributed to your injury. In these cases, a Providence personal injury lawyer may decide to bring a claim against multiple tortfeasors for joint and several liability.

Finally, a Providence personal injury attorney or Providence County personal injury attorney can help you determine what your claim is worth and the measure of damages you should seek to recover. Under Rhode Island law, the party that caused your injury may be liable for:
    •    Past, current, and future estimated medical expenses
    •    Time off from work due to injury, including time spent at doctors appointments or rehabilitative therapy
    •    Property damage, such as damage to your vehicle during an automobile accident
    •    The cost of hiring help to perform household chores you couldn't perform due to your injury
    •    Damages for permanent disfigurement or disability
    •    Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, interference with family relationships, & loss of consortium
    •    A change in your future earning ability and any other expenses that are a direct result of your injury

For more information on damages you may be able to recover, including damages for specific types of injuries and wrongful death, please refer to our Damages page, Punitive Damages page, and Wrongful Death Damages page. Providence personal injury lawyers represent not only injury victims, but also their families and spouses in actions throughout Providence and the Providence Metropolitan area. If your loved one has been injured, you may be able to recover damages as well. You should contact one of the experienced Providence personal injury attorneys listed on this site to represent you and protect your rights.               

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Rhode Island?

Under Rhode Island's statute of limitations, you only have three (3) years to file a personal injury claim against the party or parties that caused your injury. You should consult a Providence accident lawyer or Providence County personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim and pursue legal action before Rhode Island's two-year statute of limitations has expired.

What does a Providence Personal Injury Lawyer charge?

Most lawyers charge an hourly rate plus a retainer fee. These type of lawyers perform billable hours and keep records of the time they spend working on your case, and then charge you accordingly. This is not the case for Providence personal injury attorneys. Rhode Island laws regulating legal ethics allow personal injury lawyers, or "PI lawyers" for short, to execute "contingency fee" agreements with their clients. The availability of a contingency fee agreement for an injury victim is essential because, as a practical matter, it can be extremely financially burdensome for such persons to pay up-front hourly fees for their lawyer. This is especially true when a person has been injured and might not be able to work due to their injury. Instead, your Providence personal injury lawyer will usually agree to accept a percentage of any monetary recovery they win on your behalf, either at trial or in a settlement. The specifics of the contingency fee agreement can vary from state to state, and even from lawyer to lawyer within a state; but, essentially, a contingency fee agreement means that if the injured person does not recover anything, then they pay their attorney nothing. You can easily see how this benefits personal injury victims: not only do they only pay if they recover money, but their interests are also more closely aligned with those of the attorney representing them, who will not simply seek to rack up billable hours, but will do their utmost to win their case. Contact a Providence County personal injury lawyer to discuss your case now.

Hospitals in the Providence area:

Where can you find a Providence Personal Injury Attorney to represent you?

Serving clients throughout Eastern New Hampshire, including Allenton, Ashaway, Attleboro, Bayside, Boston, Bradford, Cambridge, Chepachet, Cranston, Cumberland Hill, East Greenwich, Exeter, Fort Ninigret, Greenville, Harrisville, Hartford, Hope Valley, Kingston, Misquamicut, New Haven, Nooseneck, North Scituate, North Swansea, Pawtucket, Perryville, Providence, Rumford, Shannock, Springfield, Usquepaug, Valley Falls, Wakefield, Warwick, Washington, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Worcestor, areas in the vicinity of Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport, and other communities in Providence County.

Providence trial attorneys are capable of investigating, preparing, presenting, and filing your lawsuit at all levels of the state and federal courts. Call a Providence Personal Injury Lawyer today to discuss your case, no strings attached.

Civil Trial Law Specialists

Professional Negligence & Malpractice

Products Liability

Providence Workmans Comp Lawyer

Governmental Liability

Providence Damages - Generally

Wrongful Death Damages in Providence Rhode Island

Deaths caused by the negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing of another give you a right to recover monetary damages by bringing an action for the wrongful death of your loved one. However, if you have lost a loved one, you know better than anyone that money alone can never truly compensate you and your family. Be that as it may, money is the only legal remedy available in these difficult situations and you should receive monetary damages for your loss. Providence wrongful death lawyers are experienced in assessing monetary awards and know what type of a settlement or award you might be able to expect from your claim.

When determining the value of any Providence personal injury or wrongful death case, you must first consider the type and degree of loss or injury involved. The most severe loss is, of course, death, and there is a body of law dealing specifically with death. If your loved one has been involved in a tragic accident and died as a result, contact one of the Providence wrongful death attorneys listed above today to discuss your options. 

Providence Wrongful Death Lawyer

Rhode Island is one of the few states with an in depth set of laws covering wrongful death cases. Rhode Island has a unique law that places a minimum recovery of $250,000 on wrongful death cases. If it can be shown that someone caused the wrongful death of another, the estate will be entitled to at least $250,000 in damages. This and other Rhode Island Wrongful Death laws can be found in Laws of Rhode Island: Title 10 - Chapter 7:

• 10-7-1. Liability for damages for causing death
• 10-7-1.1. Pecuniary damages--How determined
• 10-7-1.2. Liability for loss of consortium--Liability for loss of society and companionship
• 10-7-2. Persons who may bring actions--Limitation of actions--Minimum recovery period
• 10-7-3. Action by beneficiaries
• 10-7-4. Cause surviving death of person liable
• 10-7-5. Liability for medical expense and diminution of earning power
• 10-7-6. Executor or administrator to bring s. 10-7-5 action--Amount recovered to estate
• 10-7-7. Pain and suffering recoverable--Limitation of action
• 10-7-7.1. Punitive damages
• 10-7-8. Cause surviving death of person liable
• 10-7-9. Criminal proceedings not prerequisite
• 10-7-10. Damages not to estate or asset of estate
• 10-7-11. Applicability to pending actions
• 10-7-12. Applicability to actions commenced after passage
• 10-7-13. Severability
• 10-7-14. ''Homemaker'' defined

What legal actions should you take if your loved one has recently passed away?

When a family member or close friend passes on, it can be extremely difficult to think of all the mundane tasks that must be accomplished to get their estate in order, deal with bank accounts, pension funds, social security benefits, and any potential lawsuit you may want to pursue related to their death. If your loved one has been been killed in a wrongful death accident, you may feel lost and need guidance on your proper course of action. Click here for a detailed list of steps you should take following the death of a family member. In most cases, an executor or administrator of the deceased person is placed in charge of the estate, and this person brings the lawsuit. Specific damages are allowed for certain family members, including:

(a) Whenever the death of a married person shall be caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person, the decedent's spouse may recover damages against the person for loss of consortium.

(b) Whenever the death of a parent or parents of a son or daughter shall be caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of another person, the son or daughter may recover damages against the person for the loss of parental society and companionship.

(c) Whenever the death of a son or daughter shall be caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person, the parent or parents of the son or daughter may recover damages against the person for the loss of the son's or daughter's society and companionship. (10-7-1.2. Liability for loss of consortium--Liability for loss of society and companionship).

What are the types of damages available when someone is killed through negligence?

The discussion above centered on which relatives and close family members have status to file a wrongful death claim. This section will explain what monetary damages are recoverable under Rhode Island law. Providence area claimants are entitled to damages for: 

1. Immediate Expenses associated with the death (e.g. medical and funeral);
2. Loss of benefits as a result of the victim's death;
3. Any loss of inheritance that comes from the untimely demise of the victim;
4. Loss of the victim's future earnings until the age of his estimated retirement or death;
5. The pain and suffering or mental anguish endured by the survivors;
6. Loss of companionship, care and protection by the survivors from the victims death; and
7. General & punitive damages.  

If you or your family members have witnessed a loved one who is a close relative being injured due to negligence or intentional wrongdoing, and are now suffering mental anguish as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Providence personal injury attorney or Providence wrongful death lawyer today to discuss your legal rights and remedies.

Negligent or Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

In some cases, Rhode Island families may be put through severe emotional trauma and anguish due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing of another party. When this occurs, a Providence personal injury attorney can help them pursue a claim for Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED) or Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED). This claim may be brought in addition to other claims for monetary damages, and is often brought by the family members of an injury victim or deceased family member, for example, after witnessing a severe trauma inflicted upon their loved one. The specifics of when this type of claim can be brought are very complicated, but if you or your family members have witnessed a loved one who is a close relative being injured or killed due to negligence or intentional wrongdoing, and are now suffering mental anguish as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Providence or Providence County personal injury attorney today to discuss your legal rights and remedies.

Providence wrongful death attorneys represent clients in claims involving a wide range of accidents and catastrophes and have the experience and skill necessary to get the job done right. Knowledge of a potential damage award is crucial to settling or successfully prosecuting any claim for wrongful death, and a Providence wrongful death lawyer's experience with these types of cases can help you assess your options from the get-go.

Local Providence resources for those who have suffered the death of a loved one:    

After a loved one has died, the last thing on your mind should be a difficult legal battle or lawsuit. However, if the death was due to negligence, recklessness, or malicious conduct, you may feel it is your duty to take legal action. In such cases, Providence wrongful death attorneys can help you prepare your lawsuit, by arranging crucial witnesses, documentation, and evidence to present a strong case on behalf of your deceased family member. After a death, you may also find yourself in charge of preparing funeral arrangements and feel overwhelmed by small details in the face of such a traumatic experience. The following resources for funeral homes and florists may be helpful as you and your family prepare to bid your loved one farewell.

Funeral Homes:

Where can you find a Providence Personal Injury Attorney to represent you?

Serving clients throughout Eastern New Hampshire, including Allenton, Ashaway, Attleboro, Bayside, Boston, Bradford, Cambridge, Chepachet, Cranston, Cumberland Hill, East Greenwich, Exeter, Fort Ninigret, Greenville, Harrisville, Hartford, Hope Valley, Kingston, Misquamicut, New Haven, Nooseneck, North Scituate, North Swansea, Pawtucket, Perryville, Providence, Rumford, Shannock, Springfield, Usquepaug, Valley Falls, Wakefield, Warwick, Washington, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Worcestor, areas in the vicinity of Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport, and other communities in Providence County.

Contact a Providence, Rhode Island wrongful death lawyer today.

Providence Products Liability Lawyer

In the United States, perhaps more than any other country in the world, we buy products every day to fuel our consumer-oriented lifestyles and economy. We buy them for our children, for our spouses, for our parents, for ourselves, for our friends, and even for our pets. When we purchase a consumer product, we expect that it will be safe. We also expect that it will be designed in the best possible way to avoid injury to unsuspecting consumers. Equally important are necessary and adequate warnings, which should accompany products when they go on the market so that they can be used safely and in the intended manner. Providence defective product attorneys handle all kinds of products liability cases that cause injury to unwitting consumers. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective product or an unreasonably dangerous product, contact a Providence products liability lawyer today for a consultation regarding your right to compensation.

What is Products Liability law?

You might be wondering what Products Liability means and how it can affect you. Products Liability law concerns the liability, or legal responsibility, or manufacturers and other parties in the chain of distribution for consumer products or components of those products. This may include the manufacturer, the wholesaler, or the retailer who sold you, a friend, or a family member a faulty product that has caused you or a loved one harm.

The product might be defective due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or other defect that makes the product unreasonably dangerous for its normal use. This is true regardless of whether any fault or negligence was involved in manufacturing the product itself! The bottom line is that if you have been injured or otherwise harmed by a faulty consumer product, you may be entitled to monetary compensation and should contact a Providence products liability attorney for a consultation. 

What is a defective consumer product?

Everyday household items like toys, electronics, common household appliances, contaminated food products, and medical devices can all be defective consumer products; however, other things may also be considered defective products. For example, gases such as arsenic and radon, property, pets or livestock, pharmaceutical drugs, writings like navigational charts, and other dangerous chemicals can all be considered defective products. 

For more information on dangerous and defective drugs and medical devices, click here.

Who can sue for a defective product injury?

Apart from the person who was using the defective product, bystanders may also sue the product manufacturer or supplier for their injuries. Additionally, a bystander who has not been injured may sue for emotional damage if they witnessed a close family member sustain an injury from their use of the defective product. This may include a spouse, child, or other close family member. A person who has been loaned or given a defective product may also sue. Lastly, in Rhode Island, the spouse of a person injured due to a defective product may sue for loss of consortium for any damages to the marital relationship, including loss of love, affection, support, companionship and sexual relations.

What damages can you recover in a Rhode Island Products Liability suit?

Rhode Island products liability law provides for recovery of the following damages:
    -  Medical bills
    -  Rehabilitation expenses
    -  Lost income
    -  Pain and suffering
    -  Punitive damages may be available if the defendant acted malice or gross negligence

A Providence defective products injury lawyer can help make sure you receive the maximum compensation possible under the law for your injuries. 

Why seek legal help?  How long do you have to sue?

An experienced Providence products liability lawyer can help you recover the money you deserve. Rhode Island law limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit under something known as a statute of limitations. After the application time period under the statute has passed, you may be legally barred from exercising your rights. In Rhode Island, the limitations period is three (3) years from the date the cause of action accrues, which is usually the time of injury.

A qualified products liability attorney right here in Providence, Rhode Island will help protect your rights and get you the money to which you are entitled. Call a Providence defective products lawyer today!   

Providence, RI Products Liability Cases

Rhode Island law is very developed when it comes to products liability cases. Since the enactment of this legislation, however, Rhode Island courts have rendered judicial decisions explaining and modifying the law. As a result, even a law that seems clear-cut at first glance may not be so straightforward at all. This makes it all the more important that you hire a qualified Providence products liability lawyer to handle your case.

Specific Types of Products Liability Lawyers

To be liable to an injured plaintiff, the manufacturer and/or distributor must have placed a product, which subsequently injures someone, into the stream of commerce. Providence products liability claims range from defective lawn mowers, cars, planes, appliances, boats, drugs and pharmaceuticals, and many other items that cause Rhode Island residents living in Providence and surrounding areas to suffer injuries each day. These injuries can sometimes be life-changing, and you are entitled to compensation for a serious injury caused by a defective or unreasonably dangerous consumer product.

For more information on products liability in the specific case of medical devices or dangerous pharmaceutical, prescription, or other over-the-counter drugs, click here.

Who can be held liable for a dangerous product?

          (1) Product Manufacturers;
          (2) Product Distributors; and
          (3) Product Sellers

Under Rhode Island law, any entity that is involved in the chain of production or distribution may be sued for injuries caused by the defective product that they either made or sold. A manufacturer of the product is held liable under the theory that they failed to safely design, manufacture, or warn the injured party about the the injury causing nature of the product. On the other hand, the party that sold the product, like a retailer, may be held liable under products liability as well, especially when they have modified or repaired the injury causing product.

Providence Rollover Accident Lawyers & Providence Crashworthiness Lawyers

Another type of products liability case that is often overlooked by the untrained practitioner relates to vehicles that are unfit for sale, perhaps due to poor performance in auto accidents or frequent roll overs. These cases occur when a car, van, pick-up truck, or Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) rolls over or malfunctions in an auto accident. Many injuries can result when this happens, which is fairly frequent on busy Providence, RI roads and highways.

Moreover, a seatbelt, airbag, faulty brakes, or other malfunction may make the vehicle unreasonably dangerous and unfit to be sold on the market. Issues involving seat belts that come undone are often involved, causing passengers to be ejected from the vehicle and sustain more severe injuries than they would have otherwise. Similarly, roof crushing and other poor designs in a faulty vehicle may result in the death or permanent paralysis of the vehicle's occupants. If you or a loved one has been injured due to faulty vehicle design, crashworthiness failures, or a vehicle rollover, consult am Providence crashworthiness attorney, Providence roll over attorney, or Metro Providence products liability attorney today.

Where can you find a Providence Crashworthiness Lawyer or Providence Products Liability Lawyer to represent you?

Serving clients throughout Eastern New Hampshire, including Allenton, Ashaway, Attleboro, Bayside, Boston, Bradford, Cambridge, Chepachet, Cranston, Cumberland Hill, East Greenwich, Exeter, Fort Ninigret, Greenville, Harrisville, Hartford, Hope Valley, Kingston, Misquamicut, New Haven, Nooseneck, North Scituate, North Swansea, Pawtucket, Perryville, Providence, Rumford, Shannock, Springfield, Usquepaug, Valley Falls, Wakefield, Warwick, Washington, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Worcestor, areas in the vicinity of Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport, and other communities in Providence County.

Call one of the experienced Providence Products Liability Attorneys listed on this page for a free initial consultation and find out your rights.

Providence Personal Injury Lawyers & Providence Personal Injury Attorneys

What does a Providence Personal Injury Attorney do?

In Providence, Rhode Island, a variety of workplace accidents, road accidents, and other accidents are caused by negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing. These accidents create Providence personal injury claims each day. There are endless ways to become injured in Providence, or any other city for that matter. Although many people believe that personal injury attorneys are usually greedy, or that they are “ambulance chasers,” this is simply not the case. An experienced Providence accident lawyer or other Providence personal injury lawyer can help you in a number of ways. Just a few of the many areas in which Providence Personal Injury Lawyers practice are:

• Product Defects & Products Liability
• Medical Malpractice
• Stock Broker  & Real Estate Broker Malpractice
• Dangerous Drugs & Medical Devices
• Rollover & Crash Worthiness
• Truck Accidents, 18-Wheeler Accidents, other Auto Accidents
• Workers' Compensation Injuries
• Cruise Ship Accidents & Injuries
• Recreational Boating & Jet Ski Accidents
• Railroad Employee FELA Injuries
• Slip & Trip & Falls
• Dog Bites
• Bad Faith Insurance
• Government Liability - City of Providence, Providence County, & State of Rhode Island Liability
• Federal Government Liability

If you or a loved one are a Providence, RI injury victim, don't wait any longer. Contact one of the experienced metro Providence personal injury lawyers listed on this site today to get a thorough consultation as to your legal rights.

Why do you need a Providence, RI Personal Injury Lawyer?

A Providence personal injury attorney can help you in a variety of ways. In most cases where someone gets injured due to the negligence of another person or company, there is insurance to cover the personal injury claim. If you have ever dealt with an insurance company before, then you will immediately know why you need to hire an experienced and competent Providence personal injury lawyer. Additionally, Providence personal injury lawyers can represent you in your personal injury claim throughout Rhode Island state and federal courts. An experienced Providence personal injury lawyer will provide you with support during your time of need and get you the compensation you deserve. 

What does a Providence personal injury attorney charge?

Most lawyers charge an hourly rate plus a retainer fee. These types of lawyers perform billable hours and charge you according to the amount of time they spend working on your case. This is not the case with Providence personal injury attorneys. Personal injury lawyers, or PI lawyers for short, are permitted under Rhode Island ethics rules to represent clients under a "contingency fee" agreement. The availability of a contingency fee agreement for an injury victim is essential because, as a practical matter, it is hard for most injured persons to pay hourly rates for a lawyer, especially when they have been injured and may be out of work. The specifics of the contingency fee agreement can vary from state to state, and even from lawyer to lawyer within a state; however, a contingency fee basically means that if the injured person does not recover anything, then they will not be required to pay their lawyer anything. Specifically, under a contingency fee agreement, your Providence personal injury lawyer will take a predetermined percentage of any recovery they obtain for you, the client. Not only does this save you money, but it also aligns your lawyer's interests with yours, ensuring that the attorney works hard and efficiently to get you the maximum recovery possible, and does not simply rack up lots of billable hours. 

Providence personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling personal injury and accident cases in both federal and state courts across the Greater Providence area. Just a few of the many courts in which Providence injury lawyers typically try cases are:

Where can you find a Providence Personal Injury Attorney near you?

Serving clients throughout Eastern New Hampshire, including Allenton, Ashaway, Attleboro, Bayside, Boston, Bradford, Cambridge, Chepachet, Cranston, Cumberland Hill, East Greenwich, Exeter, Fort Ninigret, Greenville, Harrisville, Hartford, Hope Valley, Kingston, Misquamicut, New Haven, Nooseneck, North Scituate, North Swansea, Pawtucket, Perryville, Providence, Rumford, Shannock, Springfield, Usquepaug, Valley Falls, Wakefield, Warwick, Washington, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Worcestor, areas in the vicinity of Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport, and other communities in Providence County.

Call a Providence Personal Injury Lawyer now for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION!

Providence Auto Accident Attorney - Providence Truck Accident Attorney - Providence Van Accident Attorney

Car accidents are, by far, the leading cause of transportation related injuries, throughout the United States and, locally, in the Greater Providence area. Most Americans are completely dependent on using cars to perform their daily tasks, including driving to the store, work, school, shopping, doctors, and a variety of other commonplace tasks. The inevitable consequence is that, no matter how safe a driver you are, you will likely be involved in some sort of auto accident one day. This reality becomes even more likely in a congested, commuter city such as Providence, RI, which is well-known for having some of the worst traffic in the country.

You need a Providence car crash lawyer to fight on your behalf after a serious auto accident. Of course, not every car accident needs a car accident lawyer. Car accident lawyers only become necessary when an accident results in an injury serious enough to warrant medical attention, or one that detracts from your quality of life and daily routine. In these cases, retaining a Providence automobile accident lawyer can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you and your family receive the advice and compensation you deserve.

You should call an experienced Providence auto accident attorney when your injuries are severe enough that:

1. You will be unable to work or will lose wages for a significant amount of time; or
2. The car accident caused disfigurement; or
3. You are caused to suffer long-term or permanent pain; or
4. You have suffered a “loss of consortium” as a result of an automobile injury to your spouse. Please note that loss of consortium claims encompass all negative effects on the martial relationship, including loss of love, affection, support, companionship and sexual relations.

If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident or other type of injury from a Providence area auto, truck, van, or bus and any of the above factors are present, then you should retain a Providence car accident attorney immediately.

Why do you need a Providence Auto Accident Lawyer?

Every state, including Rhode Island, requires car owners to purchase automobile accident insurance. However, car insurance companies are notorious for trying to get out of paying fair and just compensation to their customers, even when those customers have routinely made their insurance payments for years. Let's face it, how do car insurance companies make money? Simply put: They love to take premiums and hate to pay claims.

Providence car collision lawyers handle all types of automobile accident cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and commercial truck accidents throughout the Metro Providence area and in all areas of Providence County. Additionally, they represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists who have suffered an injury in a Providence traffic accident where another driver may have been at fault. This "fault" is known as negligence in legal parlance. If the negligence of another driver has caused you or a loved one injury in the Providence area, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and should contact a Providence auto accident attorney immediately to discuss your options.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a Providence Auto Accident, you should:

(1) Call 911 for an ambulance for all injured persons, in the event of an emergency.
(2) As soon as you are able, call a Providence car accident lawyer;
(3) Take down the other driver's name, contact information, address, driver's license number, license plate number, and relevant insurance information. If possible, also take pictures of the damage to your car.
(4) File a police report and make sure to get a copy for your records, especially if you have significant property damage.
(5) Notify your insurance company that you have been involved in an accident.
(6) Keep copies of all bills for towing, repairs, rental cars, and other expenses you incur as a result of the accident.

Other reasons to retain a Providence Auto Accident Lawyer or Providence County Auto Accident Lawyer include:

   1. In Rhode Island, the statutory minimum of property damage liability insurance is $25,000.00, Bodily injury liability limits of $25,000 per person and up to a total of $50,000 per accident apply. An experienced Providence       accident attorney will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve;
   2. You need a trained Providence, Rhode Island car accident law firm to fight for your rights because the auto insurance company definitely will not do that;
   3. You need a Providence car accident lawyer to make sure that you get quality medical care and that all areas of your body are properly checked out;
   4. You need a Providence car accident lawyer to get and preserve vital scene evidence and immediately retain experts, such as accident reconstructionists, who recreate exactly how the accident occurred for the purposes of trial and legal settlements;
   5. If there may be evidence of alcohol and/or drugs that played a role in the cause of the accident, it is important information that your attorney can help preserve and document;
   6. Your Providence car accident attorney will make sure that your automobile's damage is properly assessed and that you get all the money that you deserve;
   7. You need a Providence auto accident lawyer to get all your monies due from your own insurance company, such as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Med-Pay coverages;
   8. You need a Providence car collision lawyer to find all layers of insurance coverage, such as excess levels of coverage;
   9. In Rhode Island, the statute of limitations is three (3) years from the date of the accident, and you need a car accident lawyer to make sure that this statute of limitations time period does not expire and that your lawsuit is timely filed to protect your rights;
   10. You need a Providence auto accident attorney to help you select the best venue, or court location, to file your lawsuit. If the injuries are serious and your automobile accident law firm files suit, it would do so in Providence Superior Court or Sixth Division District Court;
   11. You need an experienced Providence personal injury lawyer to find all liable parties, as oftentimes the negligent driver is in the course and scope of employment with a large company at the time of the accident, and sometimes there are other vehicles that may also have some fault in the accident;
   12. If you received a ticket when you really should not have, a trained Providence injury lawyer can represent you regarding that ticket to make sure that you are protected from a claim of contributory negligence;
   13. You need a Providence car accident lawyer to make sure that all your damages are compensated, including lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, past and future pain and suffering, past and future mental anguish, past and future impairment or physical restrictions, past and future disfigurement from burns or scars; and
   14. Finally, when a case is properly prosecuted by an experienced Providence auto accident attorney, the insurance company may "see the light" and will generally offer you what the value of your claim is actually worth in a settlement.

For all these reasons, you should not hesitate to retain an experienced Providence automobile accident lawyer near you to help you pursue claims related to an injurious car, truck, bus, motorcycle, or van accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in the Greater Providence area or anywhere in Providence County, or another surrounding area, please contact one of the experienced Providence auto accident law firms listed on this page.  

Hospitals in the Providence area:

  Contact a Providence Auto Accident Attorney today to preserve your rights! 

Serving clients throughout Eastern New Hampshire, including Allenton, Ashaway, Attleboro, Bayside, Boston, Bradford, Cambridge, Chepachet, Cranston, Cumberland Hill, East Greenwich, Exeter, Fort Ninigret, Greenville, Harrisville, Hartford, Hope Valley, Kingston, Misquamicut, New Haven, Nooseneck, North Scituate, North Swansea, Pawtucket, Perryville, Providence, Rumford, Shannock, Springfield, Usquepaug, Valley Falls, Wakefield, Warwick, Washington, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Worcestor, areas in the vicinity of Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport, and other communities in Providence County.

To find a Providence Car Crash Lawyer, consult the list of qualified attorneys at the top of this page. These lawyers are trained, licensed attorneys with car accident injury experience who can help you get the justice you deserve.

Rhode Island Punitive Damages Lawyer - Punitive Awards in Providence | Exemplary Damages

When are punitive damages available in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is among only a handful of states that allow punitive damages awards in successful wrongful death lawsuits.

Although the goal of the law is generally to compensate plaintiffs for their injuries, a plaintiff may be awarded punitive damages as a way of punishing the defendant and preventing similar conduct in the future.  In this regard, punitive damages are separate and distinct from compensatory damages, which compensate victims for financial losses suffered due to the defendant’s conduct.

However, punitive damages are not available in all Rhode Island wrongful death lawsuits. Punitive damages are only awarded when the defendant’s behavior was intentional or with reckless disregard for another 's life. Thus, the negligence must be gross in order for a victim to recover punitiive damages, specifically: 

A party seeking punitive damages “must produce ‘evidence of such willfulness, recklessness or wickedness, on the part of the party at fault, as amounts to criminality, which for the good of society and warning to the individual, ought to be punished.’” Morin v. Aetna Cas. and Surety Co., 478 A.2d 964, 967 (R.I. 1984) (quoting Sherman v. McDermott, 114 R.I. 107, 109, 329 A.2d 195, 196 (1974)).

Even in cases where these criteria are met, however, a court will not grant punitive damages as a matter of law. Instead, a jury may at its discretion decide on an award of punitive damages when they feel it is warranted by the egregiousness of the defendant's actions.

If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death suit, contact a Providence wrongful death lawyer today. Punitive damages are allowed in any case where such damages would have been recoverable had the decedent survived. (10-7-7.1. Punitive damages).  Further information on wrongful death damages is available here.

Finally, punitive damages may be available in some maritime injury and offshore injury cases when seaman are involved in an on-the-job accident.  For example, under the Jones Act, an employer may automatically be held liable for punitive damages for arbitrarily and capriciously denying payment of maintenance and/or cure benefits.  For more information regarding maritime injuries and a list of qualified Providence maritime attorneys, click here.

Serving clients throughout Eastern New Hampshire, including Allenton, Ashaway, Attleboro, Bayside, Boston, Bradford, Cambridge, Chepachet, Cranston, Cumberland Hill, East Greenwich, Exeter, Fort Ninigret, Greenville, Harrisville, Hartford, Hope Valley, Kingston, Misquamicut, New Haven, Nooseneck, North Scituate, North Swansea, Pawtucket, Perryville, Providence, Rumford, Shannock, Springfield, Usquepaug, Valley Falls, Wakefield, Warwick, Washington, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Worcestor, areas in the vicinity of Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport, and other communities in Providence County.