Work Related Injuries

Work related injuries can cover a large variety of issues ranging from acute traumatic accidents to repetitive overuse.

In 2017, there were nearly 300,000 reported cases of work-related accidents according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It is our goal to help as many of these injured workers as possible in any way we can. Our treatments are focused on accelerating your recovery time and maximizing your body's function. A part of our treatment plan will also include modifying how you work in order to prevent future injury.

In the 1990's there was a major overhaul in the Workers' Compensation System in Rhode Island. It is very important to know your rights.

When a worker is injured, they will usually inform their employer that they have been hurt. The employer will often refer them to a walk-in clinic with which they have a relationship. At this point in the process, the worker maintains the right to seek treatment from whomever they would like. They will, however, usually follow their employer's suggestion.

This first point of contact is most often with a primary care physician. If it is a spine injury this provider may or may not take an x-ray, but will most likely prescribe medications and send you home, back to work or to physical therapy. At this point in the process you still have the right to make your own decision to see the doctor you feel is best qualified to treat your injury.

If you do go back to the employer recommended "work comp" doctor for a follow up, that follow up visit is now considered your choice, your decision. As a result, you lose the right to choose your own doctor. This is because you used the one opportunity the process provides to you to choose your own doctor, by making the decision to see the work comp doctor again. You have essentially forfeited your opportunity, your right to make treatment decisions for yourself.

Welcome to the work comp system in Rhode Island.

When you come to our office for care, know that your health is always the primary matter of concern.