The bill amends Section 28-35-58 of the General Laws concerning workers' compensation procedures, specifically addressing the liability of third parties for damages. It introduces new provisions that clarify the rights of employees to recover damages from third parties while also receiving workers' compensation. Notably, it stipulates that any money recovered from third parties that includes damages for past or future pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of society, loss of wages, earning capacity, or other damages not fully compensated by workers' compensation will not be subject to reimbursement to the employer or insurer. Additionally, the reimbursement amount will be reduced by the employee's percentage of comparative negligence, and any disputes regarding the appropriate apportionment of the amount to be reimbursed by the employee shall be heard in the court having jurisdiction of the underlying third-party claim.

The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2739: 28-35-58