Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney

How Goldwater Law Firm Helps the Injured in Rhode Island

The Goldwater Law Firm has strategic partnerships with some of the largest and most successful law firms near you. Working with these co-counsels allows us to help you when facing one of the most challenging times of your life. We understand you may be scared, angry, or frustrated, and we are here for you.

Our law firm partners will listen to your story and work to help you recover the money you may qualify to receive. They treat every client with compassion and respect while aggressively pursuing a payout for you. They have access to our extensive network of specialists and experts, including accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and physicians.

Our team and co-counsels believe you should have access to legal representation regardless of your financial situation. Our law firm partners work based on contingency, so you will never need to pay upfront fees to hire a lawyer.

Pursuing Compensation With Help From One of Our Law Firm Partners Near You

When you work with a personal injury lawyer from one of our co-counsels near you, they will know how to apply Rhode Island law to your case and hold the negligent party responsible. They will know how these cases work and will:

• Determine what happened
• Identify the liable party or parties
• Develop a strong case strategy
• Gather evidence to hold them responsible
• Seek justice on your behalf

Some of the cases your lawyer can handle include:

Car Accidents

In Rhode Island, car accident claims are based on fault. Generally, one driver fails to exercise reasonable care and causes a collision. Victims who suffer injuries can seek and secure compensation. Under RI Gen L § 9-20-4, Rhode Island follows pure comparative fault laws. Under this statute, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your fault percentage will affect the final damage award amount.

Truck Accidents

Truck wrecks often involve filing a claim or lawsuit against a trucking company or another large corporation. This can make navigating the process and recovering fair compensation more difficult. In addition, violations of federal trucking regulations could also play a role. You want an attorney who handles these cases regularly to represent you.

Motorcycle Accidents

Other motorists often cause motorcycle accidents due to carelessness or negligence. They may violate traffic laws, drive distracted, fail to yield, or make other mistakes behind the wheel. Injured motorcyclists can hold them legally responsible when they have evidence of what happened and who is legally responsible.

Our Law Firm Partners Help Victims With a Wide Range of Serious and Catastrophic Injuries

When a careless or reckless driver causes a Rhode Island collision, victims can suffer many types of life-altering injuries. This could include:

• Traumatic brain injuries with physical, cognitive, and emotional effects
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Severe burns with scarring and disfigurement
• Amputations and loss of use injuries
• Multiple fractures or crush injuries that require significant rehabilitation
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Loss of vision or hearing

Rhode Island has several options for injured people in need of care. Many victims with the most serious injuries may be transported to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, the state’s only Level I Trauma Center. Additionally, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, located on the same campus, serves as the state’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

Damages Recoverable After a Personal Injury Accident in Rhode Island

When you work with our co-counsels near you, they will identify and document your recoverable damages. This could include:

• Medical expenses for past and future medical treatment and related costs
• Lost income if you missed work because of the accident
• Diminished earning capacity if you cannot work in the future
• Property damage if your vehicle or personal belongings suffered damage
• Pain and suffering for your physical pain and emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life if your injuries limit your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed

Recovering Wrongful Death Damages in a Rhode Island Accident

Under RI Gen L § 10-7-1—known as the Wrongful Death Act—a victim’s loved ones can pursue wrongful death damages when someone’s death occurs because of a “wrongful act, neglect, or default.” This law allows the estate executor or administrator to file a claim on behalf of the family and the estate. If there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator.

Under these laws, the administrator will file the claim or lawsuit and distribute any money recovered to the victim’s beneficiaries, such as a spouse, children, or parents if there is no spouse or any children.

How Will a Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney Help Me Recover Compensation?

When you work with one of our law firm partners, they will manage all parts of your legal case so you can put all your energy into recovering from your injuries.

• Your Rhode Island attorney will review the facts of your case, weigh your legal options, and protect your rights.
• They will conduct a thorough investigation by gathering evidence such as eyewitness statements, expert witness testimony, the accident report, medical records, and any footage of the accident.
• Your attorney may consult with experts to strengthen your case.
• They will identify all potentially liable parties.
• Your attorney will evaluate your damages by assessing current and future losses, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• They will negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement.
• Your attorney will prepare and file a lawsuit in court when necessary.
• Your attorney will represent you during discovery, motion hearings, and, if necessary, at trial.

Most cases settle before trial. However, it is imperative to keep the statute of limitations in mind:

• Personal Injury: Three years from the injury date under RI Gen. Laws § 9-1-14
• Wrongful Death: Three years from the date of death under RI Gen. Laws § 10-7-2

If you do not file your lawsuit on time, the court will likely bar your right to proceed with the lawsuit and take the case to trial. However, there are limited exceptions. You want to speak to an attorney about your options as soon as possible.