reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-49. - Correct corporate name and registered agent — Duty to provide.

§ 9-1-49. Correct corporate name and registered agent — Duty to provide.
(a)
Whenever any person notifies a corporation that it intends to commence a civil action against the corporation, it shall be the duty of the corporation to inform the person of its correct corporate name, its state of incorporation, its business address as designated in its state of incorporation, its registered agent and the address of its registered agent within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the notification. If the corporation is aware that a subsidiary or affiliate is a proper party to the civil action, the corporation shall also provide the correct name and address of the subsidiary or affiliate.
(b)
Whenever a corporation is served with a complaint it shall notify the plaintiff within twenty (20) days of service of its correct corporate name, its state of incorporation, its business address as designated in its state of incorporation, its registered agent, and the address of its registered agent, and if the corporation is aware that a subsidiary or affiliate is a proper party to the civil action, the corporation shall also provide the correct name and address of the subsidiary or affiliate. Failure of the corporation to so notify the plaintiff shall result in a defense on these issues being waived by the corporation, and the corporation shall be estopped from asserting that the complaint failed to identify the corporation by its correct corporate name, or that the corporation is not a proper party to the civil action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 99, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 66, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-50. - Settled claims not paid within thirty (30) days.

§ 9-1-50. Settled claims not paid within thirty (30) days.
(a)
Whenever any claim is settled, the insurance company, adjusting company, or any other person, firm, or corporation responsible for paying the settlement shall make payment within thirty (30) days from the date the claimant or the claimant’s attorney sends the release. The signed release may be transmitted to the party responsible for paying the settlement or their attorney in electronic format. Failure to make payment within thirty (30) days shall raise a presumption that failure to do so was a willful and wanton disregard for the rights of the claimant. In addition to all other remedies, the payor shall be liable to the claimant in a separate cause of action for punitive damages and interest which shall be computed at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from the date the cause of action giving rise to the settlement occurred until the judgment on the claim brought pursuant to this section is entered.
(b)
Any claim brought under the provisions of this section shall be given a priority on the trial calendar.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 150, § 1, effective June 20, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 151, § 1, effective June 20, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-52. - Cause of action for next lowest bidding qualified contractor.

§ 9-1-52. Cause of action for next lowest bidding qualified contractor.
Whenever a contractor or subcontractor, having been awarded the contract as the lowest qualified bidder, violates the state’s prevailing wage, a cause of action shall be for the next lowest qualified bidder for any and all damages incurred as the result of not being awarded the contract.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 429, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-53. - Misclassification of employees — Civil action.

§ 9-1-53. Misclassification of employees — Civil action.
Any person, firm, or corporation which suffers damages as a result of a competitive bid for a contract not being accepted due to another person, firm, or corporation knowingly misclassifying employees as independent subcontractors may bring an action for damages in the appropriate district or superior court. For the purposes of an action brought pursuant to this section, employee status shall be determined by the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding Internal Revenue Code of the United States, as from time to time amended.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 505, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-54. - Civil action against employer by employee under subpoena.

§ 9-1-54. Civil action against employer by employee under subpoena.
(a)
An employer shall not discharge, threaten, or otherwise take any adverse action against an employee regarding the employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment:
(1)
When an employee has been duly served with a subpoena, to give evidence or testify before any court, within or without the state of Rhode Island, or before any judicial, quasi-judicial, or other administrative body or entity with the authority to issue subpoenas.
(2)
When the employee, upon being duly served with a properly issued subpoena, promptly provides notice to their employer of being served and of the requirement to attend court or other duly constituted hearing.
(b)
Any employer who violates this section may be liable for damages which may include actual damages, compensatory damages, and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the employee.
(c)
Any cause of action under this section shall be commenced within three (3) years from the date of violation.
(d)
Nothing herein shall prevent an aggrieved employee from pursuing any other cause of action under federal or state law.
(e)
Nothing herein shall require an employer to compensate an employee for time missed from work for complying with a subpoena.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 48, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 51, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1.1 - The State False Claim Act › Section 9-1.1-1. - Name of act.

§ 9-1.1-1. Name of act.
This chapter may be cited as the State False Claims Act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 18, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1.1 - The State False Claim Act › Section 9-1.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 9-1.1-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Custodian” means the custodian, or any deputy custodian, designated by the attorney general or a solicitor under § 9-1.1-6 of the Rhode Island general laws.
(2)
“Documentary material” includes the original or any copy of any book, record, report, memorandum, paper, communication, tabulation, chart, or other document, or data compilations stored in or accessible through computer or other information retrieval systems, together with instructions and all other materials necessary to use or interpret such data compilations, and any product of discovery.
(3)
“Guard” means the Rhode Island National Guard.
(4)
“Investigation” means any inquiry conducted by any investigator for the purpose of ascertaining whether any person is or has been engaged in any violation of this chapter.
(5)
“Investigator” means a person who is charged by the Rhode Island attorney general, a solicitor, or designee with the duty of conducting any investigation under this act, or any officer or employee of the State acting under the direction and supervision of the department of attorney general.
(6)
“Product of discovery” includes:
(i)
The original or duplicate of any deposition, interrogatory, document, thing, result of the inspection of land or other property, examination, or admission, which is obtained by any method of discovery in any judicial or administrative proceeding of an adversarial nature;
(ii)
Any digest, analysis, selection, compilation, or derivation of any item listed in paragraph (i); and
(iii)
Any index or other manner of access to any item listed in paragraph (i).
(7)
“Solicitor” means a municipality, acting through its city or town solicitor or other duly appointed legal counsel.
(8)
“State” means the state of Rhode Island; any agency of state government; and any political subdivision meaning any city, town, county or other governmental entity authorized or created by state law, including public corporations and authorities.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 18, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1.1 - The State False Claim Act › Section 9-1.1-5. - False claims procedure.

§ 9-1.1-5. False claims procedure.
(a)
A subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness at a trial or hearing conducted under § 9-1.1-4, may be served at any place in the state.
(b)
A civil action under § 9-1.1-4 may not be brought:
(1)
More than 6 years after the date on which the violation of § 9-1.1-3 is committed, or
(2)
More than three (3) years after the date when facts material to the right of action are known or reasonably should have been known by the official of the state charged with responsibility to act in the circumstances, but in no event more than ten (10) years after the date on which the violation is committed, whichever occurs last.
(c)
If the state elects to intervene and proceed with an action brought under § 9-1.1-4, the state may file its own complaint or amend the complaint of a person who has brought an action under § 9-1.1-4 to clarify or add detail to the claims in which the state is intervening and to add any additional claims with respect to which the state contends it is entitled to relief. For statute of limitations purposes, any state pleading shall relate back to the filing date of the complaint of the person who originally brought the action, to the extent that the claim of the state arises out of the conduct, transactions, or occurrences set forth, or attempted to be set forth, in the prior complaint of that person.
(d)
In any action brought under § 9-1.1-4, the state shall be required to prove all essential elements of the cause of action, including damages, by a preponderance of the evidence.
(e)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a final judgment rendered in favor of the state in any criminal proceeding charging fraud or false statements, whether upon a verdict after trial or upon a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, shall estop the defendant from denying the essential elements of the offense in any action that involves the same transaction as in the criminal proceeding and is brought under § 9-1.1-4(a) or 9-1.1-4(b).
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 18, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 311, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 391, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 257, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1.1 - The State False Claim Act › Section 9-1.1-7. - Procedure.

§ 9-1.1-7. Procedure.
The Rhode Island superior court rules of civil procedure shall apply to all proceedings under this chapter, except when those rules are inconsistent with this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 18, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1.1 - The State False Claim Act › Section 9-1.1-8. - Funds.

§ 9-1.1-8. Funds.
There is hereby created a separate fund entitled the false claims act fund. All proceeds of an action or settlement of a claim brought under this chapter shall be deposited in the fund, with the exception of actions brought directly by a solicitor, in which case the proceeds of an action or settlement of a claim brought under this chapter shall be provided to the respective municipality.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 18, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 227, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1.1 - The State False Claim Act › Section 9-1.1-9. - Powers conferred upon municipal solicitors.

§ 9-1.1-9. Powers conferred upon municipal solicitors.
All powers conferred under this chapter upon the attorney general with regard to the state are conferred upon solicitors with regard to their respective municipalities in matters involving an action under the false claims act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 217, § 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 227, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-1. - Repealed.

§ 9-2-1. Repealed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 240; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 518, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-1; Repealed by P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 9, effective January 10, 1966 . For provisions governing such joinder in superior courts see Super. Ct. R. Civ. P. Rule 20(a).
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-2. - Joinder of defendants in action on contract or instrument.

§ 9-2-2. Joinder of defendants in action on contract or instrument.
When, in an action on any contract or specialty, including a bill of exchange or a promissory note, the property of a surety, endorser, or drawer has been attached, the property of the promissor, acceptor, or principal, properly before the court, if within its jurisdiction, if not attached at the commencement of the action, may be attached on mesne process or execution, and shall in all cases be first applied in the satisfaction of any judgment recovered therein.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 241; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 518, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-2; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 8; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-3, 9-2-4. - Repealed.

§ 9-2-3, 9-2-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, §§ 243, 244; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, §§ 23, 24; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, §§ 23, 24; G.L. 1938, ch. 518, §§ 3, 4; G.L. 1956, §§ 9-2-3, 9-2-4; Repealed by P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 9, effective January 10, 1966. For rule governing nonjoinder and misjoinder of parties in superior and district courts, see Super. Ct. R. Civ. P. Rules 19(b), 21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-5. - Proceedings unimpaired by changes in parties.

§ 9-2-5. Proceedings unimpaired by changes in parties.
No change of parties made by order of the court shall impair any previous attachment of the estate or arrest of the body of any defendant remaining in the action, nor impair any bond or bail given by any party remaining, either as against himself or herself or his or her sureties. And in all the above cases, the writ shall be amended accordingly.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 245; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 25; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 518, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-5; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-6. - Liability of representatives of deceased joint contractor.

§ 9-2-6. Liability of representatives of deceased joint contractor.
Unless otherwise provided in the contract, upon the death of any joint contractor, his or her representatives may be charged in the same manner as such representatives might have been charged if the contract had been several instead of joint; provided, that the plaintiff shall first exhaust the partnership estate if the joint contract is a partnership contract.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 237; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 476, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-7. - Effect of judgment against part of joint contractors.

§ 9-2-7. Effect of judgment against part of joint contractors.
No judgment, without complete satisfaction, rendered against a part only of the defendants in any action upon a joint contract shall be a bar to any future action on the contract, for any unsatisfied balance due, against such of the defendants upon whom or whose estate the writ in the original action shall not have been served.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 238; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 476, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-8. - Assignee of nonnegotiable chose in action.

§ 9-2-8. Assignee of nonnegotiable chose in action.
The assignee of a nonnegotiable chose in action which has been assigned in writing may maintain an action thereon in his or her own name, but subject to all defenses and rights of counterclaim, recoupment, or setoff to which the defendant would have been entitled had the action been brought in the name of the assignor.
History of Section.
G.L., ch. 333, § 30, as enacted by P.L. 1938, ch. 2615, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 509, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-9. - Restricted liability on instrument signed as fiduciary.

§ 9-2-9. Restricted liability on instrument signed as fiduciary.
Where an instrument contains, or a person adds to his or her signature, words indicating that he or she contracts or signs in his or her representative capacity as trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, or conservator, he or she shall not be personally liable on the instrument, if he or she was duly authorized to make the instrument in his or her representative capacity; should an action on the instrument be brought against the trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, or conservator in his or her representative capacity, or against his or her successor, an execution on any judgment obtained against him or her shall run only against the goods, chattels, and real estate of the estate in the hands and possession of the trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, or conservator, or his or her successor, and not against his or her own property and estate; provided, that upon a suggestion of waste as provided in § 33-9-28, a civil action may be brought against him or her personally in the manner provided in § 33-9-28, and the procedure shall be in conformity with § 33-9-28 and applicable procedural rules.
History of Section.
G.L., ch. 208, § 24, as enacted by C.P.A. 1905, § 1147; G.L. 1909, ch. 259, § 24; G.L. 1923, ch. 303, § 24; G.L. 1938, ch. 529, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-9; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 8; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-10. - Association defined.

§ 9-2-10. Association defined.
Any unincorporated organization of persons, except a partnership, is deemed an association within the meaning of §§ 9-2-11 — 9-2-15.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1348, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 300, § 30; G.L. 1923, ch. 350, § 30; G.L. 1938, ch. 530, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-11. - Actions by trustee for unincorporated associations.

§ 9-2-11. Actions by trustee for unincorporated associations.
Any action or other civil proceeding may be maintained by any officer or member of an unincorporated association as trustee in its behalf, if so authorized by the association, to recover any property or upon any cause of action for or upon which all the associates may maintain such action or proceeding by reason of their interest or ownership therein, either jointly or in common. Any action or other civil proceeding may likewise be maintained by such officer or member to recover from one or more members of the association his or her or their proportionate share of any money lawfully expended by the association for the benefit of the associates or to enforce any lawful claim of the association against the member or members.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1348, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 300, § 30; G.L. 1923, ch. 350, § 30; G.L. 1938, ch. 530, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-11; P.L. 1966, ch. 1, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-12. - Actions against unincorporated associations.

§ 9-2-12. Actions against unincorporated associations.
Any action or other civil proceeding may be maintained to recover any property or upon any cause of action for or upon which the plaintiff may maintain such an action or proceeding against all the associates, by reason of their interest or ownership, or claim of ownership therein, against the president and secretary of the association, or the officers or members exercising substantially the duties, respectively, of president and secretary, or if there is no such officer, or officers, or members exercising such duties, or either of them, then against any other two (2) officers of the association, or if there is but one officer, then against the single officer, or if there is no officer known to the plaintiff, then against any member of the association, describing the officer or officers, member or members, as the representative or representatives of the association.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1348, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 30, § 30; G.L. 1923, ch. 350, § 30; G.L. 1938, ch. 530, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-12; P.L. 1966, ch. 1, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-13. - Death or incapacity of member or representative of association.

§ 9-2-13. Death or incapacity of member or representative of association.
The death or legal incapacity of a member of the association shall not affect an action or other civil proceeding brought as provided in §§ 9-2-11 and 9-2-12. If either of the officers or persons by or against whom the action or other civil proceeding is brought dies, is removed, resigns, or becomes otherwise incapacitated during the pendency thereof, the court before which the action or proceeding is pending shall make an order directing the action or proceeding to be continued by or against his or her successor in office or by or against any other officer or member who might have been a party originally to the action or proceeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1348, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 300, § 31; G.L. 1923, ch. 350, § 31; G.L. 1938, ch. 530, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-13; P.L. 1966, ch. 1, § 5; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-14. - Judgment and execution against association.

§ 9-2-14. Judgment and execution against association.
In an action or proceeding brought pursuant to §§ 9-2-11 and 9-2-12, the officers or members against whom the action is brought shall not be arrested; and a judgment against them shall not authorize an execution to be issued against their property or person. When the judgment is for a sum of money, an execution issued thereon must require the officer serving the execution to satisfy the execution out of any personal or real property belonging to the association or owned jointly or in common by all members thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1348, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 300, § 32; G.L. 1923, ch. 350, § 32; G.L. 1938, ch. 530, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-14; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-15. - Actions against members prohibited pending action against association.

§ 9-2-15. Actions against members prohibited pending action against association.
When any action or proceeding is brought to recover any property, or upon any cause of action for or upon which the plaintiff may maintain such an action or proceeding against all the associates by reason of their interest or ownership or claim of ownership therein as provided in §§ 9-2-10 — 9-2-14, no action or other civil proceeding for the same cause of action shall be brought to recover a personal judgment against the members of the association or any of them until after final judgment in the first action or proceeding and the return of any execution issued thereon wholly or partially unsatisfied.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1348, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 300, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 350, § 33; G.L. 1938, ch. 530, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 9-2-15; P.L. 1966, ch. 1, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-16. - Joinder of husband and wife as plaintiffs.

§ 9-2-16. Joinder of husband and wife as plaintiffs.
A husband and wife may join as parties plaintiffs in the same action to recover damages for negligence and shall be entitled to recover their respective damages in that action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 217, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-17. - Joinder of registered owner and operator of motor vehicle as defendants in action for negligence.

§ 9-2-17. Joinder of registered owner and operator of motor vehicle as defendants in action for negligence.
A plaintiff may join the registered owner and operator of a motor vehicle in an action to recover damages for negligence. Nothing herein shall be deemed to deprive the owner or operator of any defense he or she may have.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 218, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-18. - Acceleration of actions when party 65 or older.

§ 9-2-18. Acceleration of actions when party 65 or older.
Any civil action in which a plaintiff or a defendant has attained the age of sixty-five (65) years, and is not a corporation, partnership, association, or other such entity, shall be accelerated to trial at the request of the party. This section shall not be construed so as to preclude reasonable discovery.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 80, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-18.1. - Acceleration of action for enforcement of mechanics’ lien.

§ 9-2-18.1. Acceleration of action for enforcement of mechanics’ lien.
Upon motion of any party in an action to enforce a mechanics’ lien, or in an action on a bond or cash escrow provided pursuant to § 34-28-17, the court may grant that the hearing on the petition shall be given priority on the calendar.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 25, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 328, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-19. - Malpractice actions.

§ 9-2-19. Malpractice actions.
Any civil action filed on or after January 1, 1987, for personal injury or wrongful death filed against a licensed physician, hospital, clinic, health maintenance organization, professional service corporation providing health care services, dentist, or dental hygienist based on professional negligence in which the parties agree that the damages, if liability is proven, are likely to be in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, or if the court upon motion by either party finds that the damages, if liability is proven, are likely to be in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, shall be given priority for expedited hearing. This section shall not be construed so as to preclude adequate time for reasonable discovery.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 350, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-2 - Parties › Section 9-2-20. - Acceleration of actions involving $100,000 or more.

§ 9-2-20. Acceleration of actions involving $100,000 or more.
Any civil action filed for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death in which the parties agree that the damages, if liability is proven, are likely to be in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, or if the court upon motion by either party finds that the damages, if liability is proven, are likely to be in the sum of one hundred thousand ($100,000) or more, shall be given priority for expedited hearing. This section shall not be construed so as to preclude adequate time for reasonable discovery.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 522, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-1. - Attorney’s lien — Creation.

§ 9-3-1. Attorney’s lien — Creation.
Whenever the relationship of attorney and client has been entered into by an implied or express contract for service, wherein the attorney does not agree to be responsible for costs of suit, the attorney shall have a lien to the value of his or her contractual interests in the cause of action, claim, demand, counterclaim, or other matter concerning which the contract is entered into.
History of Section.
P.L. 1917, ch. 1515, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 301, § 32; P.L. 1931, ch. 1761, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 450, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-3-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-2. - Operation of attorney’s lien.

§ 9-3-2. Operation of attorney’s lien.
From the time notice is given by an attorney of the relationship of attorney and client to the person or party against whom a claim, demand, or counterclaim is made, or a cause of action or other matter is pending, the attorney’s implied or express agreement shall begin to operate as a lien, and no settlement either before or after judgment shall invalidate it, but it may be enforced like any other lien against the money or thing of value which is the consideration for the settlement, or the parties, if they have made a settlement, may be proceeded against jointly or severally in an action on the case at law and shall be jointly or severally liable to the attorney for the full value of his or her lien in accordance with his or her implied or express agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1917, ch. 1515, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 301, § 32; P.L. 1931, ch. 1761, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 450, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-3-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-3. - Enforcement of attorney’s lien.

§ 9-3-3. Enforcement of attorney’s lien.
Any lien created by the provisions of §§ 9-3-1 and 9-3-2 may, at the election of the attorney, be established, foreclosed, and enforced by a civil action, which action may be tried and determined according to the usages in chancery and the principles of equity.
History of Section.
G.L., ch. 301, § 32, as enacted by P.L. 1931, ch. 1761, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 450, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-3-3; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-4. - Hospital lien on claim for personal injuries.

§ 9-3-4. Hospital lien on claim for personal injuries.
Every association, corporation, or other institution, including a municipal corporation, maintaining a hospital in the state, which shall furnish medical or other service to any patient injured by reason of an accident not covered by the workers’ compensation act, shall, if the injured party shall assert or maintain a claim against another for damages on account of the injuries, have a lien upon that part going or belonging to the patient, of any recovery or sum had or collected or to be collected by the patient, or by his or her heirs or personal representatives in the case of his or her death, whether by judgment or by settlement or compromise, to the amount of the reasonable and necessary charges of the hospital up to the date of payment of the damages; provided, however, that the lien herein set forth shall not be applied or considered valid against anyone coming under the workers’ compensation act in this state; and, provided, further, that nothing herein enacted shall be so construed as to give the lien herein created precedence over the lien of an attorney.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 708, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-3-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-5. - Notice of hospital lien.

§ 9-3-5. Notice of hospital lien.
No hospital lien shall be effective unless a written notice containing the name and address of the injured person, the date of the accident, the name and location of the hospital, and the name of the person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations alleged to be liable to the injured party for the injuries received shall be filed in the office of the city or town clerk in which the hospital is located, prior to the payment of any money to the injured person, his or her attorneys, or legal representatives as compensation for the injuries; nor unless the hospital shall also mail, postage prepaid, a copy of the notice with a statement of the date of filing thereof to the injured person and to the person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations alleged to be liable to the injured party for the injuries sustained prior to the payment of any money to the injured person, his or her attorneys, or legal representative as compensation for the injuries. The hospital shall mail a copy of the notice to any insurance carrier which has insured the person, firm, or corporation against such liability.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 708, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-3-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-6. - Liability for payments to patient without honoring hospital lien.

§ 9-3-6. Liability for payments to patient without honoring hospital lien.
Any person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations, making any payment to a hospital patient or to his or her attorneys or heirs or legal representatives as compensation for the injury sustained, after the filing and mailing of the notice provided in § 9-3-5, without paying to the hospital the amount of its lien or so much thereof as can be satisfied out of the money due under any final judgment or compromise or settlement agreement after paying the amount of any prior liens, shall, for a period of one year from the date of payment to the patient or his or her heirs, attorneys, or legal representatives, be and remain liable to the hospital for the amount which the hospital was entitled to receive; and any such association, corporation, or other institution maintaining the hospital may, within such period, enforce its lien by a suit at law against the person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations, making any such payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 708, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 9-3-6; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-7. - Examination of hospital records.

§ 9-3-7. Examination of hospital records.
Any person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations legally liable for a hospital lien or against whom a claim shall be asserted for compensation for injuries, shall be permitted to examine the records of any such association or other institution or body maintaining the hospital in reference to the treatment, care, and maintenance of the injured person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 708, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 9-3-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-8. - Hospital lien docket.

§ 9-3-8. Hospital lien docket.
Every city or town clerk shall, at the expense of the city or town, provide a suitable well bound book to be called the hospital lien docket in which, upon the filing of any lien claim under the provisions of §§ 9-3-4 — 9-3-7, he or she shall enter the name of the injured person, the name of the person, firm, or corporation alleged to be liable for the injuries, the name of an insurance carrier where it is known at the time of filing of the notice, the date of the accident, and the name of the hospital or other institution making the claim, and the clerk shall index the lien in the name of the injured person and the hospital and in the name of the insurance carrier where the name of the carrier is known at the time of filing the notice.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 708, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 9-3-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-9. - Motor vehicle repairer’s lien.

§ 9-3-9. Motor vehicle repairer’s lien.
Every motor vehicle repairer who shall furnish material and labor, or either, in the repair of a motor vehicle shall, if the owner of the vehicle has insured the automobile against damage or loss by collision, have a lien upon any payment due the owner of the vehicle, his or her representative, or assignee, on account of the insurance, to the amount of the reasonable and necessary charges of the repairer up to the date of payment of the amount; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to give the lien herein created precedence over the lien of an attorney.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 40, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-10. - Notice of repairer’s lien.

§ 9-3-10. Notice of repairer’s lien.
The lien provided in § 9-3-9 shall be effective only if a written notice containing the name and address of the owner, the date of the accident, and the name and address of the repairer shall be mailed, postage prepaid, to the insurance carrier insuring against damage or loss by collision prior to the payment of any money to the owner, his or her representative, or assignee in compensation for the damage or loss.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 40, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-11. - Liability where lien is not honored.

§ 9-3-11. Liability where lien is not honored.
Any insurance carrier making any payment to the owner, his or her representative, or assignee as compensation for the repair of damage to the vehicle after the mailing of the notice without paying to the repairer the amount of his or her lien or so much thereof as can be satisfied out of the money due under any final judgment or compromise or settlement agreement after paying the amount of any prior liens, shall, for a period of one year from the date of payment to the owner, his or her representative, or assignee, be and remain liable to the repairer for the amount which the repairer was entitled to receive; and any such repairer may, within such period, enforce his or her lien by a suit at law against the insurance carrier making the payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 40, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-12. - Motor vehicle lessor’s lien.

§ 9-3-12. Motor vehicle lessor’s lien.
Every person, firm, or corporation licensed pursuant to § 31-5-33, who shall rent a vehicle to a lessee as a substitute vehicle for one owned by the lessee and the vehicle owned by the lessee is insured against transportation expenses, shall have a lien upon any payment due the owner of the vehicle, his or her representative, or assignee for transportation expenses and on account of the insurance, to the amount of the reasonable and necessary charges of the rental up to the date of payment of the amount; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to give the lien herein created precedence over the lien of an attorney.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-13. - Notice of lessor’s lien.

§ 9-3-13. Notice of lessor’s lien.
The lien provided in § 9-3-12 shall be effective only if a written notice containing the name and address of the owner, the date of the accident, and the name and address of the lessor shall be mailed, postage prepaid, to the insurance carrier insuring against the loss prior to the payment of any money to the owner, his or her representative, or assignee in compensation for the damage or loss.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-3 - Liens Against Causes of Action › Section 9-3-14. - Liability where lien is not honored.

§ 9-3-14. Liability where lien is not honored.
Any insurance carrier making any payment to the owner, his or her representative, or assignee as compensation for the particular loss after the mailing of the notice without paying to the lessor the amount of his or her lien or so much thereof as can be satisfied out of the money due under any final judgment or compromise or settlement agreement after paying the amount of any prior liens, shall, for a period of one year from the date of payment to the owner, his or her representative, or assignee, be and remain liable to the lessor for the amount which the lessor was entitled to receive; and any such lessor may, within such period, enforce his or her lien by a civil action against the insurance carrier making the payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-4 - Commencement of Proceedings › Section 9-4-1. - Repealed.

§ 9-4-1. Repealed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 246; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 26; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 509, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-4-1; Repealed by P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 12, effective January 10, 1966. For rule regulating joinder of claims and remedies in superior court see Super Ct. R. Civ. P. Rule 18. For rule regulating joinder of claims and remedies in district court, see Dist. Ct. R. Civ. P. Rule 18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-4 - Commencement of Proceedings › Section 9-4-2. - Venue of actions involving realty.

§ 9-4-2. Venue of actions involving realty.
All civil actions which concern realty, or any right, easement, or interest therein, or the possession thereof, all civil actions for breaking and entering the close of any plaintiff, and all actions in which the title to real estate may be tried and determined, shall, if brought in the superior court, be brought in the court for the county, and if brought in the district court, in the division where the land lies; and whenever the land, whether consisting of an entire tract or of two (2) or more separate tracts, lies partly in two (2) or more counties or divisions, such actions, if brought in the superior court, may be brought in the court for any county, or if brought in a district court, in any division where the land or any portion thereof lies.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 221; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 1933, ch. 2051, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 511, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-4-2; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 11; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-4 - Commencement of Proceedings › Section 9-4-3. - Venue based on residence of parties.

§ 9-4-3. Venue based on residence of parties.
All other actions and suits, if brought in the superior court, shall be brought in the court for the county, or if brought in the district court, shall be brought in the division in which some one of the plaintiffs or defendants shall dwell, or in the superior court for the county or in the district court for the division in which the defendant or some one of the defendants shall be found; and if no one of the plaintiffs or defendants shall dwell in the state, the action, if brought in the superior court, may be brought in the court for any county, or if in a district court, in any division.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 222; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 511, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-4-3; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-4 - Commencement of Proceedings › Section 9-4-4. - Venue in personal or transitory actions involving corporations.

§ 9-4-4. Venue in personal or transitory actions involving corporations.
Personal or transitory actions and suits brought by or against corporations, if brought in the superior court, shall be brought in the court for the county, and if brought in a district court, shall be brought in the division in which the other party or some one of the other parties dwell, or in the court for the county or in the district court for the division in which the defendant or some one of the defendants shall be found, or in which the corporation is located by its charter, or if not located by its charter, in which the annual meetings of the corporation are required to be, or if not required to be, are actually held.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 223; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 511, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 9-4-4; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-4 - Commencement of Proceedings › Section 9-4-5. - Venue of actions between nonresident parties.

§ 9-4-5. Venue of actions between nonresident parties.
If no one of the plaintiffs or defendants dwell within the state, and a corporation established out of the state be a party, personal or transitory actions or suits by or against it may, if brought in the superior court, be brought in the court for any county, or if in the district court, in any division.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 224; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 511, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 9-4-5; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-4 - Commencement of Proceedings › Section 9-4-6. - Dismissal for improper venue — Transfer.

§ 9-4-6. Dismissal for improper venue — Transfer.
Except as otherwise provided herein, all actions and suits brought contrary to the provisions of § 9-4-2 shall be dismissed, and any action contrary to §§ 9-4-3 — 9-4-5, may be dismissed. In lieu of dismissal, any civil action brought in the wrong county, if brought in the superior court, or in the wrong division, if brought in the district court, may, in the discretion of the court, be transferred to a proper county or division.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 225; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 511, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 9-4-6; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 11; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-4 - Commencement of Proceedings › Section 9-4-7. - Filing of papers and payment of entry fee.

§ 9-4-7. Filing of papers and payment of entry fee.
No proceedings, original or appellate, shall be deemed to be entered until the necessary papers are properly filed and the entry fee, if any is required, is paid.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 259; G.L. 1909, ch. 285, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 335, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 513, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-4-7.