Overview: RI Personal Injury Lawsuits | Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyer

Rhode Island’s personal injury law is constantly evolving.  Our attorneys pride themselves on remaining cognizant of new law so that we can best advocate for our clients.  Below is a basic overview of RI’s personal injury law.

Statute of Limitations

Rhode Island has a three (3) year “statute of limitations” (a deadline) for filing suit in a personal injury case.  RIGL § 9-1-14.  If suit is not filed before the three year deadline, you likely will not be able to recover damages for your injuries.

“Fault” in Personal Injury Cases

Many clients ask us if they can still “win” a personal injury suit if they’re partially at fault.  The answer is “yes”!  Rhode Island is a comparative fault state.  That means, a plaintiff’s percentage of fault is deducted from his/her total recovery.  For instance, in a personal injury suit with $1,000,000 in damages, if the plaintiff is 30% at fault he/she can still recover $700,000.  In fact, a plaintiff can still recover under Rhode Island law if he/she is 99% at fault!

Dog Bite Cases in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s law on dog bites is very favorable to plaintiffs.  While many states adhere to the “one bite” rule, which protects owners from liability for the first time their dog bites someone, Rhode Island uses a different law.  If a dog bites someone outside of its enclosure in Rhode Island, the dog owner is “strictly liable” – liable even if he/she or the dog isn’t at fault for the accident.  Due to this favorable statute, Rhode Island plaintiffs are often very successful in dog bite litigation.

The Attorneys of Robert E. Craven & Associates 

If you have any questions about personal injury law in Rhode Island or would like to speak with a RI personal injury lawyer, call us today for a free consultation.