Rhode Island is considering a bill that would allow workers injured through the willful misconduct of their employers to receive double the amount of workers’ compensation benefits.
The bill, S 2689, would also allow injured workers to file lawsuits against an employer who doesn’t have required workers’ compensation insurance and whose willful misconduct caused an injury.
Specifically, the bill states, “An employee that sustains injury by reasons of willful misconduct by an employer shall receive double the remedy for their injuries.”
Willful misconduct is defined by the bill as involving “deliberate or intentional wrongdoing with knowledge of, or wanton and reckless disregard of one’s safety, knowing that injury to a person will probably result.”
In regard to employer’s who do not have workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with Rhode Island law, an injured employee “may file actions against the employer” in situations involving an employer’s willful misconduct.
Iowa proposed a similar bill in January 2024 that would grant a 100% increase in workers’ compensation benefits to employees who are injured due to an employer’s safety violations.
