Lawmakers in Rhode Island introduced legislation Thursday that would bar employers from discriminating against workers who assert their right to collect workers compensation benefits.
House Bill 7173 would amend the state’s workers compensation law to prohibit employers from firing, refusing to hire or otherwise discriminating against those who file workers comp claims after suffering a work-related injury.
Employers who violate the law would be liable to pay the injured worker’s lost wages and attorneys fees if the worker retains legal counsel.
Collective bargaining agreements would be unaffected by the change in law.
The measure was referred to the House Labor Committee.