Yes, you can sue for unsafe working conditions in Rhode Island if those conditions have caused harm or your employer has failed to address known safety risks. A Providence OSHA workplace health and safety claims lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and determine whether a lawsuit is possible in your situation.
While many safety issues are initially handled through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or state agencies, some cases require legal action, especially when workers are injured, ignored, or retaliated against after raising concerns. Knowing your options is the first step toward holding your employer accountable.
What Counts as Unsafe Working Conditions?
Unsafe working conditions go beyond just one-time accidents. They include any workplace environment that presents serious hazards or violates health and safety standards.
Some examples of unsafe working conditions include:
- Exposure to toxic substances: Working around asbestos, lead, or dangerous chemicals without proper protective equipment
- Lack of safety protocols: Absence of safety training, supervision, or emergency response plans
- Faulty equipment: Using broken, unmaintained, or unsafe machinery
- Slip and fall hazards: Wet floors, blocked exits, or cluttered walkways
- Inadequate protective gear: Not being provided with gloves, respirators, or helmets
- Fire hazards: No fire extinguishers, exit signs, or evacuation plans
- Excessive heat or cold: Working without climate controls in extreme temperatures
We frequently assist Rhode Island workers who report these conditions but receive little to no support from their employers. In some cases, employers ignore formal complaints or retaliate against employees who raise safety concerns.
For a free legal consultation, call (860) 999-9394
Rhode Island Laws That Protect Worker Safety
While OSHA is the federal agency responsible for regulating workplace safety, Rhode Island has its own health and labor codes that protect workers from unsafe conditions. Employers in Rhode Island are required to:
- Maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards
- Comply with all applicable OSHA standards
- Report serious injuries and fatalities to OSHA
- Provide appropriate training and personal protective equipment
If these obligations are not met and a worker is harmed, that employer may be held liable. In some situations, a lawsuit may be the only way to recover medical costs, lost wages, or compensation for long-term harm.
As attorneys with experience in this area, we understand how these laws apply across industries—from construction and healthcare to manufacturing and public service.
Can You File a Lawsuit or Only an OSHA Complaint?
Filing a complaint with OSHA is often the first step, but it is not always the last. If OSHA fails to resolve the issue or if your employer retaliates against you for filing the complaint, you may have the right to sue. This is especially true if:
- You were injured due to unsafe conditions
- A coworker was seriously harmed, and you were a witness
- You were demoted, disciplined, or fired after raising concerns
- Your employer failed to correct known hazards even after being notified
In Rhode Island, these cases often fall under negligence, whistleblower protections, or employment law violations. When retaliation or wrongful termination is involved, we may also explore claims under state-specific labor laws.
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What Happens if You Are Injured Due to Unsafe Conditions?
If you suffer an injury at work in Rhode Island, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, workers’ compensation may not be your only option. In some cases, a separate lawsuit may be appropriate, particularly if a third party was involved or your employer acted with gross negligence.
We help injured workers understand when a lawsuit is possible and when it may be necessary. While workers’ compensation covers basic costs, it does not account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or punitive damages. These are all things that may be recoverable through a personal injury or employment-related claim.
For example, if you suffered a traumatic injury due to an employer’s repeated refusal to fix a known safety hazard, we may be able to file a claim that seeks more than basic coverage. In one Rhode Island case we handled, a worker fell from a scaffolding that had been flagged multiple times as unstable. We helped the client secure a settlement that went far beyond workers’ comp.
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How We Help Rhode Island Workers Facing Unsafe Conditions
We know how hard it can be to report safety concerns, especially when your job or income is at risk. That is why we work closely with clients to build a secure legal strategy that protects their rights while holding employers accountable.
Our team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard takes pride in fighting for workers across Rhode Island who are dealing with unsafe environments, retaliation, or serious workplace injuries. We investigate each case thoroughly and communicate directly with OSHA, medical professionals, and expert witnesses to ensure every detail is covered.
Because we work on a contingency basis, you will not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. This makes it easier for injured workers and whistleblowers to come forward without the fear of financial loss.
You Deserve a Safe Workplace and Legal Protection When It’s Denied
If your employer has exposed you to hazardous conditions, failed to act on safety complaints, or punished you for speaking up, you may have a legal claim.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we are committed to protecting workers’ health and safety. If you are dealing with unsafe working conditions in Rhode Island and need guidance on your options, contact us today. We will explain your rights, review your case, and help you determine the best next step, whether it is filing an OSHA complaint, pursuing a lawsuit, or both.
Reach out today for a free consultation. Your safety matters, and we are ready to help you fight for it.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form