R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-33-28: Priority of claim over debts of employer.

The claim for compensation under chapters 29 — 38 of this title or under any alternative scheme permitted by §§ 28-29-22 — 28-29-24, and any determination or decree on any claim shall be entitled to a preference over the unsecured debts of the employer subsequently contracted to the same amount as the wages of labor are now preferred by the laws of this state; but nothing in this section shall be construed as impairing any lien which the employee may have acquired.