R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-11-5

In the event of the failure of any employer to comply with §§ 30-11-2 — 30-11-4, the employee may, at his or her election, bring an action at law for damages for this noncompliance, or apply to the superior court for such equitable relief as may be just and proper under the circumstances, and this action shall take precedence on the court calendar.