How may a claim involve a third party apart from the employer?

• A. A worker may pursue a separate third-party claim in addition to workers' compensation when a negligent third party caused the injury.
• B. A third-party claim bars workers' compensation benefits.
• C. A third-party claim is never allowed in Rhode Island.
• D. A third-party claim requires formal court approval before any compensation.

Answer: (A)

When a workplace injury is caused by someone other than the employer, you may pursue a separate civil claim against that third party in addition to receiving workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp provides quick, predictable benefits from the employer, but it doesn’t fully compensate all damages or losses. If a negligent third party contributed to the injury, that party can be sued for additional damages such as pain and suffering or other losses not covered by workers’ comp. The employer’s insurer often has a subrogation right, meaning they can recover the benefits they paid from any third-party recovery.

This doesn’t bar workers’ compensation benefits, and there’s no requirement for court approval before receiving compensation; the third-party claim is a separate action.