If you were injured in Rhode Island — in a car crash on I-95, a fall at a Providence business, a dog attack in Warwick, or any accident caused by someone else’s negligence — you have the right to pursue full compensation from those responsible. Rhode Island law is designed to protect injury victims, and MFC Law was built to make that protection real.
At the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano, we have spent nearly two decades fighting for Rhode Island families across every type of personal injury case. Michael F. Campopiano answers client calls directly, moves fast to preserve evidence, and does not back down from insurance companies. Call us at (401) 288-3888 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
$840,000
Settlement recovered for a Rhode Island client who required surgery following a serious accident — one of many significant MFC Law results across all practice areas
At-Fault State
Rhode Island is an at-fault insurance state — the driver or party who caused your accident is financially responsible for all your damages through their liability insurance
Pure Comparative Negligence
Rhode Island's fault rule is the most victim-friendly in the country — even if you were partly at fault, you recover compensation reduced only by your own percentage
Rhode Island Personal Injury Law: What Every Victim Needs to Know
Before you speak with any insurance company, there are three legal rules that govern virtually every personal injury case in Rhode Island. Understanding them is the starting point for protecting your rights.
Rhode Island Is an At-Fault State
Rhode Island is one of 38 at-fault states. This means the driver or party whose negligence caused your accident is legally responsible for your full damages — medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other losses — through their liability insurance. You file your claim against their insurer, not your own. You have the right to pursue pain and suffering compensation from day one with no threshold to meet. See our full explanation of the Rhode Island at-fault insurance system.
Rhode Island’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
Rhode Island follows pure comparative negligence under RI General Law 9-20-4. This means: even if you were partially at fault for your accident, you can still recover. Your award is reduced by your own fault percentage, but it is never eliminated. Rhode Island is one of only 13 states that uses this approach — the others use modified systems that cut off recovery entirely at 50% or 51% fault. Insurance companies know this and still exploit it by assigning inflated fault percentages to victims. MFC Law counters that with evidence. See our full page on Rhode Island pure comparative negligence.
Example: You were 25% at fault for a car accident and the other driver was 75% at fault. Your damages total $200,000. You recover $150,000 — 75% of your full damages — from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
The Statute of Limitations: 3 Years — With Critical Exceptions
Most Rhode Island personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury under RI General Law 9-1-14. Two exceptions carry shorter deadlines that catch people off guard every year:
- Government property claims: If you were injured on city, town, or state property — or by a government vehicle — you must serve a formal written notice within 60 days of the injury or permanently lose the right to sue the government entity (RI Gen. Law 45-15-9).
- Wrongful death claims: The deadline is two years from the date of death under RI Gen. Law 10-7-2 — shorter than the standard personal injury limit.
A filing deadline that passes cannot be reopened. See our full page on the Rhode Island personal injury statute of limitations for every deadline and exception.
Pure comparative negligence. At-fault insurance. No upfront cost.
Three legal facts that work in your favor in every Rhode Island personal injury case. MFC Law makes sure each one is used to its full advantage.
Rhode Island Practice Areas: Every Case We Handle
MFC Law represents injury victims across all eight major personal injury practice areas in Rhode Island. Every case is handled on a contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win. See our full page on how personal injury lawyers get paid in Rhode Island.
| Practice Area | What We Fight For |
|---|---|
| Car Accident | Rhode Island car accident claims against at-fault drivers and their insurers, including disputed fault, underinsured drivers, and hit-and-run accidents. RI minimum liability limits ($25K/$50K) are often far too low for serious injuries. |
| Slip & Fall | Premises liability claims for falls caused by wet floors, ice and snow, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, and dangerous conditions on commercial and residential property across Rhode Island. |
| Dog Bite | Rhode Island is a strict liability dog bite state — you do not need to prove the dog bit before. Claims include bites, attacks, and knock-down injuries on public and private property. |
| Motorcycle Accident | Insurance companies systematically assign inflated fault to motorcyclists. MFC Law counters adjuster bias with accident reconstruction evidence and full documentation of motorcycle-specific injuries. |
| Premises Liability | Injuries on someone else's property: negligent security assaults, swimming pool accidents, elevator and escalator malfunctions, toxic exposure, and all other dangerous property conditions. |
| Product Liability | Rhode Island strict product liability — you do not need to prove manufacturer negligence, only that the product was defective and caused your injury. Covers all defect types and the supply chain. |
| Pedestrian Accident | Rhode Island recognizes unmarked crosswalks at all intersections. Even jaywalking victims can recover under pure comparative negligence. Drivers owe a duty of due care to all pedestrians on any road. |
| Uber & Lyft Accident | Rideshare accidents involve a three-phase insurance framework. Phase 3 (active trip) provides $1 million in coverage. Establishing which phase applied is the first step in every rideshare case. |
Rhode Island Service Area: Cities We Represent
MFC Law represents personal injury victims across Rhode Island. Click any city below for practice-area specific information, local court knowledge, and city-specific accident context.
Car Accident
- Providence Car Accident Lawyer
- Warwick Car Accident Lawyer
- Cranston Car Accident Lawyer
- Pawtucket Car Accident Lawyer
Slip & Fall
- Providence Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Warwick Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Cranston Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Pawtucket Slip and Fall Lawyer
Dog Bite
Motorcycle Accident
- Providence Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Warwick Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Cranston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Pawtucket Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Premises Liability
- Providence Premises Liability Lawyer
- Warwick Premises Liability Lawyer
- Cranston Premises Liability Lawyer
- Pawtucket Premises Liability Lawyer
Product Liability
- Providence Product Liability Lawyer
- Warwick Product Liability Lawyer
- Cranston Product Liability Lawyer
- Pawtucket Product Liability Lawyer
Pedestrian Accident
- Providence Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Warwick Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Cranston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Pawtucket Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Uber & Lyft Accident
What Compensation Is Available in a Rhode Island Personal Injury Case?
Rhode Island’s at-fault system and pure comparative negligence rule together allow injury victims to pursue the full scope of their losses from those responsible. Damages in a Rhode Island personal injury case typically fall into two categories:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, rehabilitation, and all future medical costs your injuries require
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery, including self-employment income and time off for medical appointments
- Reduced Earning Capacity: Long-term or permanent reduction in your ability to earn income due to your injuries
- Future Medical Expenses: Projected lifetime medical costs for ongoing conditions — see our page on future medical expenses in Rhode Island personal injury claims
- Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement and any other property lost or damaged in the accident
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress — see our full explanation of how pain and suffering is calculated in Rhode Island
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Activities, hobbies, and daily experiences you can no longer participate in because of your injuries
- Loss of Consortium: The impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or partner
- Emotional Distress: Documented psychological harm including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disruption
MFC Law has recovered significant results for Rhode Island clients across all practice areas — including an $840,000 settlement for a client who required surgery, a $600,000 settlement in a surgery case, a $500,000 Providence premises liability settlement, and a $285,000 slip and fall recovery. See our full case results.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Your Safety Net in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires only $25,000 per person in minimum liability coverage — a figure that serious injuries routinely exceed many times over. When the at-fault driver has no insurance, or not enough insurance, your own uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage steps in to bridge the gap. Rhode Island law requires every insurer to offer UM/UIM coverage to every policyholder. Carrying it at the highest limits you can afford is the most important protection you have against a financially inadequate at-fault driver.
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Real Stories. Real Results.
I’m in a new whip, watch, kicks, it was the little jumpstart I needed to get me going. 5 months and I got it. Hit em up and be patient call every now and then and that’s it, be patient ock you’ll get paid.
Their team went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and informed every step of the way. They handled everything—from paperwork to negotiations—seamlessly, which completely eased my anxiety. What could have been an incredibly stressful and daunting lawsuit turned into a smooth and almost effortless process, thanks to their dedication and professionalism.
I was especially impressed with how they fought for my case. They didn’t settle for the first offer but instead pushed for what I truly deserved. In the end, they secured a settlement that was far beyond anything I ever expected. Their persistence and expertise showed me that I was in the best hands possible.
Lawsuits can be stressful, but Michael F. Campopiano and his team made the entire experience not only bearable but even empowering. If you’re looking for a legal team that genuinely cares, works tirelessly, and delivers outstanding results, look no further. I am so thankful for their help and would recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you for everything!
Areas We Serve
- Throughout Rhode Island & Massachusetts, helping victims of personal injury get the care they deserve.
“When you choose us, you can be rest assured that you will receive personalized attention and a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Our skilled lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, explaining your rights and options in clear, straightforward language.
We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, Dog Bite, and more. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the expertise and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Rhode Island Personal Injury
1. How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Rhode Island?
Nothing upfront. MFC Law handles every personal injury case on a contingency fee — we take a percentage of what we recover for you, and only if we win. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee. See our full page on how personal injury lawyers get paid in Rhode Island.
2. Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes. Rhode Island’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover even if you were significantly at fault. Your award is reduced by your own percentage — so a victim who was 30% at fault recovers 70% of their damages. There is no cutoff bar. See our page on Rhode Island comparative negligence.
3. How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Rhode Island?
Three years from the date of injury for most claims. Government property claims require a 60-day written notice before suit can be filed — missing it permanently bars the municipal claim. Wrongful death carries a two-year limit from the date of death. See our full statute of limitations page.
4. Is Rhode Island a no-fault or at-fault state?
At-fault. The driver who caused your accident pays your damages through their liability insurance. You can pursue pain and suffering from day one with no injury threshold to meet. Rhode Island is one of 38 at-fault states. See our full explanation of the Rhode Island at-fault insurance system.
5. What should I do immediately after an accident in Rhode Island?
- Call 911 and get a police report at the scene
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, injuries, and road conditions immediately
- Get witness names and contact information before they leave
- Seek medical attention the same day — adrenaline masks pain and delayed treatment weakens your claim
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before consulting an attorney
- Call MFC Law at (401) 288-3888 — the consultation is free and your time matters
6. What if the at-fault driver's insurance isn't enough to cover my injuries?
Your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage bridges the gap up to your own policy limits. MFC Law also investigates every additional source of recovery — third-party liability, dram shop claims, and government entity responsibility where applicable.
What if I was hit by a driver with no insurance?
Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is typically your primary recovery source. Rhode Island requires every insurer to offer UM/UIM coverage. We handle UM claims regularly and treat them with the same rigor as any liability case.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano?
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano?
Founded in 2007, MFC Law has spent nearly two decades fighting for injury victims throughout Rhode Island. Michael F. Campopiano built this firm on a simple belief: advocacy with compassion, when clients need it most. That means being accessible, honest, and relentless — Mike answers client calls directly, moves quickly to preserve evidence, and does not back down when insurance companies push back.
Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so every client feels fully understood and supported through every step of the process.
We have recovered millions for Rhode Island injury victims across all eight practice areas in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and every surrounding community. No case is too complex and no insurance company too large.
We're here for you.
We fight for every dollar you deserve. No fee unless we’re successful.
Where Your Voice Finds Strength.
Wherever you are, we’ll fight for your rights bringing justice to light.