Rhode Island: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 10 topic we track for Rhode Island on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Rhode Island compares.

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Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Medical malpractice	3 years
Wrongful death	3 years from death

Malpractice rules Single detailed source

Damage cap	No cap
Expert affidavit or certificate	Not required
Before you sue	None required

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$5,000
Filing fee	Confirm with the clerk
Lawyers	Not required for individuals

Small estate limits Single detailed source

Small estate limit	$15,000
Wait after death	30 days
Real estate	No

Debt time limits

Credit cards / open accounts	10 years
Written contracts	10 years
Promissory notes	6 years

Shared fault rules

Rule	Pure comparative negligence
When you are barred	Up to 99% at fault: damages reduced by your share

Medicaid expansion Single detailed source

Expanded?	Yes
Since	Jan. 1, 2014

ACA marketplace

Marketplace type	State-run marketplace
Where to enroll	HealthSource RI

Claim deadlines Single detailed source

Acknowledge	15 days
Accept or deny	21 days after proof of loss
Pay	Undisputed amount within 30 days after affirming liability

Estate and inheritance tax

Estate tax	Yes: estates over $1,838,056, taxed at 0.8%-16%
Inheritance tax	No inheritance tax