R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-16-14: Appeals by defendant.

(a) The defendant, if aggrieved by the decision of the district court in a cause brought under the provisions of this chapter, shall have the same right of appeal, and under the same terms and conditions, as are provided under the practice in ordinary civil actions in district courts.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in cases in which the plaintiff is the purchaser of a consumer product seeking to recover damages against the seller and/or manufacturer of that product, if the defendant is defaulted for failure to answer and defend the claim, the judgment of the district court shall be final. In such event, the defendant shall be deemed to have forfeited all rights to appeal and shall not be entitled to a trial de novo in superior court.