reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-11. - Survival of claims for damages in laying out of highways.

§ 9-1-11. Survival of claims for damages in laying out of highways.
Claims for damages on account of the laying out of highways through lands of the claimants, and appeals from proceedings in laying out highways, shall survive the death of the claimant and appellant; and the executors, administrators, heirs, and devisees of the claimant or appellant may, jointly or severally, according to their interest, prosecute the claim or appeal in any stage of the proceedings. In case of an appeal by the executors, administrators, heirs, or devisees, the proceedings shall be taken in the manner prescribed in chapter 23 of title 33; but the appeal shall be claimed within eighty (80) days after the determination appealed from, and all other periods, except as to notice mentioned in that chapter, shall be increased by forty (40) days.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 232; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 512, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-12. - When action is commenced for purposes of statute of limitations.

§ 9-1-12. When action is commenced for purposes of statute of limitations.
An action is commenced for purposes of the statute of limitations when the complaint is either filed with the court, deposited in the mail addressed to the clerk, or delivered to an officer for service.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6; P.L. 1966, ch. 1, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-13. - Limitation of actions generally — Product liability.

§ 9-1-13. Limitation of actions generally — Product liability.
(a)
Except as otherwise specially provided, all civil actions shall be commenced within ten (10) years next after the cause of action shall accrue, and not after.
(b) [Ruled unconstitutional, see case notes]
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, an action for the recovery of damages for personal injury, death, or damage to real or personal property, including any action based upon implied warranties arising out of an alleged design, inspection, listing, or manufacturing defect, or any other alleged defect of whatsoever kind or nature in a product, or arising out of any alleged failure to warn regarding a product, or arising out of any alleged failure to properly instruct in the use of a product, shall be commenced within ten (10) years after the date the product was first purchased for use or consumption.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6; P.L. 1978, ch. 299, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-14. - Limitation of actions for words spoken or personal injuries.

§ 9-1-14. Limitation of actions for words spoken or personal injuries.
(a)
Actions for words spoken shall be commenced and sued within one year next after the words spoken, and not after.
(b)
Actions for injuries to the person shall be commenced and sued within three (3) years next after the cause of action shall accrue, and not after, except as provided for otherwise in subsection (c) herein. Notwithstanding anything herein, any claim based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child shall be governed by § 9-1-51.
(c)
As to an action for personal injuries wherein an injured party is entitled to proceed against an insurer pursuant to § 27-7-2, where an action is otherwise properly filed against an insured within the time limitations provided for by this section, and process against the insured tortfeasor has been returned “non estinventus” and filed with the court, then the statutory limitation for filing an action under § 27-7-2 directly against an insurer shall be extended an additional one hundred twenty (120) days after the expiration of the time limitation provided for in subsection (b) herein.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 248; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-14; P.L. 1971, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 123, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 123, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 142, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 83, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-14.1. - Limitation on malpractice actions.

§ 9-1-14.1. Limitation on malpractice actions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 9-1-13 and 9-1-14, an action for medical, veterinarian, accounting, or insurance or real estate agent or broker malpractice shall be commenced within three (3) years from the time of the occurrence of the incident that gave rise to the action; provided, however, that:
(1)
One who is under disability by reason of age and on whose behalf no action is brought within the period of three (3) years from the time of the occurrence of the incident shall bring the action at any time up to twenty-one (21) years of age.
(2)
One who is under disability by reason of mental incompetence, or otherwise, and on whose behalf no action is brought within the period of three (3) years from the time of the occurrence of the incident, shall bring the action within three (3) years from the removal of the disability.
(3)
In respect to those injuries or damages due to acts of medical, veterinarian, accounting, or insurance or real estate agent or broker malpractice that could not in the exercise of reasonable diligence be discoverable at the time of the occurrence of the incident that gave rise to the action, suit shall be commenced within three (3) years of the time that the act or acts of the malpractice should, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, have been discovered.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 244, § 8; P.L. 1981, ch. 101, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 236, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 392, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 273, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-14.2. - Limitation of “Agent Orange” or phenoxy herbicides actions.

§ 9-1-14.2. Limitation of “Agent Orange” or phenoxy herbicides actions.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, an action to recover damages for personal injury caused by contact with or exposure to phenoxy herbicides while serving as a member of the armed forces of the United States in Indo-China from January 1, 1962, through March 29, 1973, may be commenced within three (3) years from the date of the discovery of the injury, or within three (3) years from the date when through the exercise of reasonable diligence the cause of the injury should have been discovered, whichever is later.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 235, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-14.3. - Limitation on legal malpractice actions.

§ 9-1-14.3. Limitation on legal malpractice actions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 9-1-13 and 9-1-14, an action for legal malpractice shall be commenced within three (3) years of the occurrence of the incident which gave rise to the action; provided, however, that:
(1)
One who is under disability by reason of age, mental incompetence, or otherwise, and on whose behalf no action is brought within the period of three (3) years from the time of the occurrence of the incident, shall bring the action within three (3) years from the removal of the disability.
(2)
In respect to those injuries due to acts of legal malpractice which could not in the exercise of reasonable diligence be discoverable at the time of the occurrence of the incident which gave rise to the action, suit shall be commenced within three (3) years of the time that the act or acts of legal malpractice should, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, have been discovered.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 212, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-14.4. - Limitations on home inspector malpractice actions.

§ 9-1-14.4. Limitations on home inspector malpractice actions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 9-1-13 and 9-1-14, an action against a licensed home inspector for injury or damage arising out of a home inspection shall be commenced within three (3) years of delivery to the client of the written home inspection report giving rise to the action; provided, however, that:
(1)
One who is under disability by reason of age, mental incompetence, or otherwise, and on whose behalf no action is brought within the period of three (3) years from the foregoing date of delivery, shall bring the action within three (3) years from the removal of the disability;
(2)
In respect to those injuries or damages arising out of a home inspection which could not in the exercise of reasonable diligence be discovered at the time of delivery of the inspection report, suit shall be commenced within three (3) years of the time that the injuries or damages arising out of the home inspection should, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, have been discovered.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-15, 9-1-16. - Repealed.

§ 9-1-15, 9-1-16. Repealed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, §§ 249, 250; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, §§ 2, 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, §§ 2, 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, §§ 2, 3; G.L. 1956, §§ 9-1-15, 9-1-16; P.L. 1960, ch. 147, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 7, effective January 10, 1966.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-17. - Limitation of actions on contracts or liabilities under seal and on judgments.

§ 9-1-17. Limitation of actions on contracts or liabilities under seal and on judgments.
The following actions shall be commenced and sued within twenty (20) years next after the cause of action shall accrue and not after: actions on contracts or liabilities under seal; and actions on judgments or decrees of any court of record of the United States, or of any state.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 251; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-17; P.L. 1960, ch. 147, § 3; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-18. - Effect of absence from state on limitations.

§ 9-1-18. Effect of absence from state on limitations.
If any person against whom there is or shall be cause for any action, as enumerated in this chapter, in favor of a resident of the state, shall at the time the cause accrues be outside the limits of the state, or being within the state at the time the cause accrues shall go out of the state before the action is barred by the provisions of this chapter, and does not have or leave property or estate in the state that can be attached by process of law, then the person entitled to the action may commence the action, within the time before limited, after the person has returned into the state in such a manner that an action may, with reasonable diligence, be commenced against him or her by the person entitled to the action; provided, however, that no action shall be brought by any person upon a cause of action accruing outside this state which was barred by limitation or otherwise in the state, territory, or country in which the cause of action arose while he or she resided in the state.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 252; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 5; P.L. 1909, ch. 457, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-18; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-19. - Disability postponing running of statute.

§ 9-1-19. Disability postponing running of statute.
If any person at the time any such cause of action shall accrue to him or her shall be under the age of eighteen (18) years, or of unsound mind, or beyond the limits of the United States, the person may bring the cause of action, within the time limited under this chapter, after the impediment is removed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 253; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-19; P.L. 1988, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 407, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-20. - Time of accrual of concealed cause of action.

§ 9-1-20. Time of accrual of concealed cause of action.
If any person, liable to an action by another, shall fraudulently, by actual misrepresentation, conceal from him or her the existence of the cause of action, the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue against the person so liable at the time when the person entitled to sue thereon shall first discover its existence.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 254; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-21. - Effect of death of party on statute of limitations.

§ 9-1-21. Effect of death of party on statute of limitations.
If any person, for or against whom any causes of action enumerated in this chapter accrue, dies before the time limited for bringing action, or within sixty (60) days after the expiration of that time, and the cause of action survives, the action may be commenced by or against the executor or administrator of the deceased person, as the case may be, at any time not more than one year after the appointment of the executor or administrator of the person so dying, and not afterwards, if barred by the provisions of this chapter; provided, however, that any such action shall be brought within three (3) years after the death of the person and not after.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 255; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-21; P.L. 1984, ch. 410, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-22. - Extension of time after termination of action.

§ 9-1-22. Extension of time after termination of action.
If an action is timely commenced and is terminated in any other manner than by a voluntary discontinuance, a dismissal of the complaint for neglect to prosecute the action, or a final judgment upon the merits, the plaintiff, or if he or she dies and the claim survives, his or her executor or administrator, may commence a new action upon the same claim within one year after the termination.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 256; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 9; P.L. 1911, ch. 684, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-22; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-23. - Effect of joinder of counts on limitation.

§ 9-1-23. Effect of joinder of counts on limitation.
Whenever counts are joined in the same complaint, the limitations of time for commencing suit applicable to the cause of action set out in any count shall be the same as if the action was brought on the count only, and the limitation may be pleaded to that count instead of to the entire action.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 257; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-23; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-24. - Special limitations provisions unaffected.

§ 9-1-24. Special limitations provisions unaffected.
The provisions of §§ 9-1-14 — 9-1-23 shall not apply to any case in which a different time is limited by special provisions.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 257; G.L. 1909, ch. 284, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 334, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 510, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-25. - Time for bringing suit against state, political subdivision, city, or town.

§ 9-1-25. Time for bringing suit against state, political subdivision, city, or town.
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and in § 9-1-51, for cases of sexual abuse, when a claimant is given the right to sue the state of Rhode Island, any political subdivision of the state, or any city or town by a special act of the general assembly, or in cases involving actions or claims in tort against the state or any political subdivision thereof or any city or town, the action shall be instituted within three (3) years from the effective date of the special act, or within three (3) years of the accrual of any claim of tort. Failure to institute suit within the three-year (3) period shall constitute a bar to the bringing of the legal action.
(b)
In cases of childhood sexual abuse, the time for bringing suit against the state of Rhode Island or any other entity identified in subsection (a) of this section, § 9-1-51 shall apply.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 181, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 83, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-26. - Liability of hospitals.

§ 9-1-26. Liability of hospitals.
Every hospital operating within this state, whether sustained in whole or in part by charitable contributions or endowments, shall be liable for the neglect, carelessness, or want of skill or for malicious act of any of its officers, agents, or employees in the management of or for the care or treatment of any of the patients or inmates of the hospital in the same manner as any other person or corporation would be liable at common law for similar acts on the part of his or her or its officers, agents, or employees. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to impair any remedy under existing laws which any person may have against any officer, agent, or employee of any hospital for any act or omission in the course of his or her conduct or employment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 43, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-27. - Police and firefighters — Immunity from liability.

§ 9-1-27. Police and firefighters — Immunity from liability.
No member of any police force or fire department of the state or any city or town, investigators of the department of attorney general appointed pursuant to § 42-9-8.1, inspectors and agents of the Rhode Island state fugitive task force appointed pursuant to § 12-6-7.2, or any person acting in the capacity of a rescue attendant or member of a rescue squad, and no officer or member in active service in any incorporated protective department cooperating with fire departments, and no person performing the duties of a firefighter in a town or city, and no member of any volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad or member of any voluntary ambulance association, whether the company or squad is incorporated or not, who while on duty and in the performance of that duty voluntarily and gratuitously renders emergency assistance to a person in need thereof, and no person properly certified by the American heart association or the American national red cross in basic or advanced life support as defined in the standards of the American heart association or the American national red cross who voluntarily and gratuitously renders emergency assistance to a person in need thereof shall be liable for civil damages for any personal injuries or property damage which result from acts or omissions by the persons rendering the emergency care, which may constitute ordinary negligence. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful, or wanton negligence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 173, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 238, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 286, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 423, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 577, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-27.1. - Good Samaritan — Immunity from liability.

§ 9-1-27.1. Good Samaritan — Immunity from liability.
No person who voluntarily and gratuitously renders emergency assistance to a person in need thereof including the administration of life saving treatment to those persons suffering from anaphylactic shock shall be liable for civil damages which result from acts or omissions by such persons rendering the emergency care, which may constitute ordinary negligence. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton conduct.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 194, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 51, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 160, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-27.2. - Court appointed special advocate program — Immunity from liability.

§ 9-1-27.2. Court appointed special advocate program — Immunity from liability.
The state shall protect and hold harmless any attorney, director, coordinator, or social worker employed in the court appointed special advocate program and its court appointed volunteer special advocates (C.A.S.A.) from financial loss and expense, including legal fees and costs, if any, arising out of any claim, demand, or suit for damages resulting from acts or omissions committed in the discharge of his or her duties with the program and within the scope of his or her employment which may constitute negligence, but which acts are not wanton, malicious, or grossly negligent as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 102, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-27.3. - Court appointed law clerk advocate program — Immunity from liability.

§ 9-1-27.3. Court appointed law clerk advocate program — Immunity from liability.
The state shall protect and hold harmless any law clerk employed by the supreme court participating in the court appointed law clerk advocate program from financial loss and expenses, including legal fees and costs, if any, arising out of any claim, demand, or suit for damages resulting from acts or omissions committed in the discharge of his or her duties with the program which may constitute negligence, but which acts are not wanton, malicious, or grossly negligent as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. The supreme court shall, by order, promulgate rules governing the court appointed law clerk advocate program, defining the types of cases and proceedings in which the law clerks, who have passed the Rhode Island bar, may participate as advocates under that program, and providing for appropriate general supervision of the law clerk advocates within that program by experienced members of the bar of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 360, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-28. - Action for unauthorized use of name, portrait, or picture.

§ 9-1-28. Action for unauthorized use of name, portrait, or picture.
(a)
Any person whose name, portrait, or picture is used within the state for commercial purposes without his or her written consent may bring an action in the superior court against the person so using his or her name, portrait, or picture to prevent and restrain the use thereof, and may recover damages for any injuries sustained by reason of such use. If the defendant shall have knowingly used the person’s name, portrait, or picture in such manner as is prohibited or unlawful, the court, in its discretion, may award the plaintiff treble the amount of the damages sustained by him or her.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall be so construed as to:
(1)
Apply to the use of names, portraits, or pictures in political speech or on matters of public concern;
(2)
Prevent any person practicing the profession of photography from exhibiting in or about his or her or its establishment specimens of the work of the person or establishment, unless the exhibiting of any such specimen is continued after written notice objecting to it has been given by the person portrayed; or
(3)
Prevent any person from using the name, portrait, or picture of any manufacturer or dealer in connection with the goods, wares, and merchandise manufactured, produced, or dealt in by the manufacturer or dealer which the person has sold or disposed of with the name, portrait, or picture used in connection therewith, or from using the name, portrait, or picture of any author, composer, or artist in connection with any literary, musical, or artistic production of the author, composer, or artist which the person has sold or disposed of with the name, portrait, or picture used in connection therewith.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 281, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 366, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 384, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-28.1. - Right to privacy — Action for deprivation of right.

§ 9-1-28.1. Right to privacy — Action for deprivation of right.
(a) Right to privacy created.
It is the policy of this state that every person in this state shall have a right to privacy which shall be defined to include any of the following rights individually:
(1)
The right to be secure from unreasonable intrusion upon one’s physical solitude or seclusion;
(i)
In order to recover for violation of this right, it must be established that:
(A)
It was an invasion of something that is entitled to be private or would be expected to be private;
(B)
The invasion was or is offensive or objectionable to a reasonable man; although,
(ii)
The person who discloses the information need not benefit from the disclosure.
(2)
The right to be secure from an appropriation of one’s name or likeness;
(i)
In order to recover for violation of this right, it must be established that:
(A)
The act was done without permission of the claimant;
(B)
The act is of a benefit to someone other than the claimant;
(ii)
It need not be established that there was any publication.
(3)
The right to be secure from unreasonable publicity given to one’s private life;
(i)
In order to recover for violation of this right, it must be established that:
(A)
There has been some publication of a private fact;
(B)
The fact which has been made public must be one which would be offensive or objectionable to a reasonable man of ordinary sensibilities;
(ii)
The fact which has been disclosed need not be of any benefit to the discloser of the fact.
(4)
The right to be secure from publicity that reasonably places another in a false light before the public;
(i)
In order to recover for violation of this right, it must be established that:
(A)
There has been some publication of a false or fictitious fact which implies an association which does not exist;
(B)
The association which has been published or implied would be objectionable to the ordinary reasonable man under the circumstances;
(ii)
The fact which was disclosed need not be of any benefit to the discloser.
(b) Right of action.
Every person who subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen of this state or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to a deprivation and/or violation of his or her right to privacy shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or any other appropriate proceedings for redress in either the superior court or district court of this state. The court having jurisdiction of an action brought pursuant to this section may award reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs to the prevailing party.
(c) Right of access.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or abridge any existing right of access at law or in equity of any party to the records kept by any agency of state or municipal government.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 403, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-29. - Constructors of improvements to real property — Immunity from liability.

§ 9-1-29. Constructors of improvements to real property — Immunity from liability.
No action (including arbitration proceedings) in tort to recover damages shall be brought against any architect or professional engineer who designed, planned, or supervised to any extent the construction of improvements to real property, or against any contractor or subcontractor who constructed the improvements to real property, or material suppliers who furnished materials for the construction of the improvements, on account of any deficiency in the design, planning, supervision, or observation of construction or construction of any such improvements or in the materials furnished for the improvements:
(1)
For injury to property, real or personal, arising out of any such deficiency;
(2)
For injury to the person or for wrongful death arising out of any such deficiency; or
(3)
For contribution or indemnity for damages sustained on account of any injury mentioned in subdivisions (1) and (2) hereof more than ten (10) years after substantial completion of such an improvement; provided, however, that this shall not be construed to extend the time in which actions may otherwise be brought under §§ 9-1-13 and 9-1-14.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 119, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-30. - Demand for judgment in an action alleging personal injury, injury to property, or wrongful death — Exclusion of monetary amount.

§ 9-1-30. Demand for judgment in an action alleging personal injury, injury to property, or wrongful death — Exclusion of monetary amount.
(a)
No complaint or pleading in an action of contract or tort for personal injury, injury to property, or wrongful death shall contain an ad damnum or monetary amount claimed against any defendant or defendants; provided, however, that in any action brought before the superior court, the complaint shall state that the monetary amount claimed is sufficient to establish the jurisdiction of the superior court.
(b)
Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, a complaint or pleading in an action of contract or tort for personal injury, injury to property, or wrongful death in any action brought before the district court shall state the monetary amount claimed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 244, § 8; P.L. 1977, ch. 77, § 4; P.L. 1978, ch. 149, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 522, § 7; P.L. 1988, ch. 393, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-31.1. - Members of public bodies — Exemption from liability.

§ 9-1-31.1. Members of public bodies — Exemption from liability.
(a) Definitions.
The following words and terms shall have the following respective meanings, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1)
“Public body” means any branch, department, division, agency, commission, committee, board, council, bureau, authority, or any subdivision thereof of state government or any other public agency or public body corporate of the state of Rhode Island or any political subdivision thereof.
(2)
“Qualified member” means an individual who serves without monetary or other compensation as a member of a public body for the purpose of setting policy, controlling, or otherwise overseeing the activities or functional responsibilities of the public body. As used in this section, “compensation” does not include a per diem or per meeting allowance, health insurance benefits, or reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in the service.
(b) Limitation of liability.
Notwithstanding any other law, a qualified member of a public body shall not be held civilly liable for any breach of his or her duties as such member, provided that nothing herein contained shall eliminate or limit the liability of a qualified member:
(1)
For acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
(2)
For any transaction from which such member derived an improper personal benefit; or
(3)
For any malicious, willful or wanton act.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 522, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-32. - Effect of alteration of product after sale.

§ 9-1-32. Effect of alteration of product after sale.
(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
“Person injured” means the person who sustained damages because of personal injury, death, or property damage.
(2)
“Product liability damages” means damages because of personal injury, death, or property damage sustained by reason of an alleged defect in a product, or an alleged failure to warn or protect against a danger or hazard in the use or misuse of the product, or an alleged failure to instruct properly in the use of a product.
(3)
“Subsequent alteration or modification” means an alteration or modification of a product made subsequent to the manufacture or sale by the manufacturer or seller that altered, modified, or changed the purpose, use, function, design, or manner of use of the product from that originally designed, tested, or intended by the manufacturer, or the purpose, use, function, design, or manner of use or intended use for which the product was originally designed, tested, or manufactured.
(b)
Any defense claimed by the manufacturer or seller that the person injured made a subsequent alteration or modification to the product that is found to be a significant contributing factor to the injury, death, or property damage shall be controlled by the comparative negligence provisions of § 9-20-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 299, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 387, § 1, effective July 13, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 388, § 1, effective July 13, 2021.
Notes
Applicability.
P.L. 2021, ch. 387, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on passage [July 13, 2021] and “shall only apply to causes of action and claims arising after the effective date of this act.”
P.L. 2021, ch. 388, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on passage [July 13, 2021] and “shall only apply to causes of action and claims arising after the effective date of this act.”
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-33. - Insurer’s bad faith refusal to pay a claim made under any insurance policy.

§ 9-1-33. Insurer’s bad faith refusal to pay a claim made under any insurance policy.
(a)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an insured under any insurance policy as set out in the general laws or otherwise may bring an action against the insurer issuing the policy when it is alleged the insurer wrongfully and in bad faith refused to pay or settle a claim made pursuant to the provisions of the policy, or otherwise wrongfully and in bad faith refused to timely perform its obligations under the contract of insurance. In any action brought pursuant to this section, an insured may also make claim for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reasonable attorney fees. In all cases in which there has been no trial in the superior court on or before May 20, 1981, the question of whether or not an insurer has acted in bad faith in refusing to settle a claim shall be a question to be determined by the trier of fact.
(b)
The provisions of this section shall apply to all actions against insurers which have been commenced and are pending in any state or federal court on May 20, 1981.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 235, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-34. - Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation or automated external defibrillation — Immunity from liability.

§ 9-1-34. Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation or automated external defibrillation — Immunity from liability.
(a)
No person, whether acting in an official capacity or as a private volunteer, who gratuitously renders emergency assistance in the nature of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or automated external defibrillation to a person in need thereof, shall be liable for civil damages for any personal injuries which result from acts or omissions by such persons rendering the emergency care, which may constitute ordinary negligence; provided, however, that this immunity applies only to persons who have been trained in accordance with standards promulgated by either the American heart association or the American national red cross. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful, or wanton negligence. This immunity shall also extend to persons providing approved training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of automated external defibrillation in accordance with standards promulgated by either the American heart association or the American national red cross and to physicians providing medical direction oversight for programs of automated external defibrillator use.
(b)
Property lessees and owners where the emergency assistance occurs as well as the owners of the actual life saving equipment shall enjoy immunity from liability.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 290, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 51, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-35. - Civil action for ethnic or religious intimidation and/or vandalism.

§ 9-1-35. Civil action for ethnic or religious intimidation and/or vandalism.
(a)
Any person, who is maliciously subjected to an act or acts which would reasonably be construed as intended to harass or intimidate the person because of his or her race, religion, or national origin, may bring an action in the superior court against the perpetrator of the act or acts for compensatory damages including damages for emotional distress. The court, in its discretion, may also restrain and enjoin such future acts by the defendant.
(b)
If any provision or part of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions or parts of this section are severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 373, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-38. - Limitation of actions for medical expenses incurred by minors.

§ 9-1-38. Limitation of actions for medical expenses incurred by minors.
Actions for medical expenses incurred by a minor, whether the minor or the minor’s parents or guardian has expended the sums, which medical expenses were incurred as the result of the negligence of a third party, shall be commenced and sued upon within three (3) years next after the minor reaches the age of eighteen (18) years, and not after. This section shall be given retroactive as well as prospective effect.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 388, § 27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-39. - Civil action for desecration.

§ 9-1-39. Civil action for desecration.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any person, organization, corporation, or association which is the owner of property that is injured, destroyed, written upon, painted, or otherwise damaged or defaced in violation of § 11-44-31 may bring an action for compensatory damages against the person or persons committing the offense described in § 11-44-31.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 374, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-40. - Civil liability for nonpayment of accident and sickness insurance by employer.

§ 9-1-40. Civil liability for nonpayment of accident and sickness insurance by employer.
Whenever any person suffers any injury or loss to his or her person or property as a result of the intentional failure of his or her employer to pay any health insurance premium to which the person contributes through his or her employer, the person may recover his or her damages for any injury in a civil action against the employer. The employer shall be liable to the employee for twice the amount of expenses including but not limited to all medical and legal expenses incurred.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 156, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-41. - Loss of consortium — Loss of society and companionship.

§ 9-1-41. Loss of consortium — Loss of society and companionship.
(a)
A married person is entitled to recover damages for loss of consortium caused by tortious injury to his or her spouse.
(b)
An unemancipated minor is entitled to recover damages for the loss of parental society and companionship caused by tortious injury to his or her parent.
(c)
Parents are entitled to recover damages for the loss of their unemancipated minor child’s society and companionship caused by tortious injury to the minor.
(d)
Actions under this section shall be brought within the time limited under § 9-1-14 or 9-1-14.1, whichever is applicable, for actions for injuries to the person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 64, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 443, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 544, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-42. - Alienation of affection, criminal conversation, or seduction — Causes of action abolished.

§ 9-1-42. Alienation of affection, criminal conversation, or seduction — Causes of action abolished.
No civil action shall be commenced or prosecuted for alienation of affection, criminal conversation, or seduction, and those causes of action are hereby abolished.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 123, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-43. - Civil action for childsnatching.

§ 9-1-43. Civil action for childsnatching.
(a)
Any person, including a parent, who intentionally removes, causes the removal of, or detains any child under the age of eighteen (18) years with intent to deny another person’s right of custody under an existing decree or order of the family court in violation of § 11-26-1.1 shall be liable in an action at law, suit in equity, or any other appropriate proceeding for redress in the superior court. Actions brought pursuant to this section may include, but not limited to, damages for mental and emotional distress, loss of service, society and companionship, compensatory damages incurred in searching for the missing child, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees.
(b)
If any provision or part of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions or parts of this section are severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 166, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-44. - Civil action for release of names of minors.

§ 9-1-44. Civil action for release of names of minors.
(a)
No member of any municipal or state agency shall release the identity of any minor who is believed to be a victim of a violation of any law except with the consent of his or her parent or guardian. This section shall not prevent the release of the identity of minors involved in a violation of a motor vehicle law or involved in a motor vehicle accident.
(b)
Any person found to be in violation of the provisions of this section shall be liable to the minor in a civil action brought on behalf of the minor for compensatory damages and court costs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 384, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-45. - Attorney’s fees in breach of contract actions.

§ 9-1-45. Attorney’s fees in breach of contract actions.
The court may award a reasonable attorney’s fee to the prevailing party in any civil action arising from a breach of contract in which the court:
(1)
Finds that there was a complete absence of a justiciable issue of either law or fact raised by the losing party; or
(2)
Renders a default judgment against the losing party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 394, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 371, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-46. - Affirmative defense of trespasser’s intent to commit a crime.

§ 9-1-46. Affirmative defense of trespasser’s intent to commit a crime.
The owner or person legally entitled to possession of any land or building shall be entitled to plead as an affirmative defense that the injured person was trespassing with the intent to commit a felony, which upon proof thereof shall prohibit the trespasser from recovering for personal injuries sustained while upon the land or building, unless those injuries were inflicted by unreasonable force by the owner or person legally entitled to possession of the land or building.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 473, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-47. - Loss of homemaker services.

§ 9-1-47. Loss of homemaker services.
In any suit for damages as a result of personal injuries, a homemaker may recover the fair value of homemaker services provided to the home and those living therein. A “homemaker” as used herein is a person who has primary responsibility for the care of a home and a family and who receives no direct monetary compensation for those duties. The fair value of homemaker services shall not be limited to money actually expended to replace the services usually provided by the homemaker. In such a suit, the value of the homemaker services may be shown by expert testimony, but such testimony is not required.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 81, § 1.