R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-18-7: Election between yearly damages and damages in gross.

Upon the return and filing of the verdict, the court to which it is returned shall continue the cause to some day certain when the court shall be in session, not less than four (4) weeks after the date of the verdict, before rendering any judgment accepting the verdict; and the plaintiff shall, on or before the date so fixed, in writing, make his or her election between the yearly damages and the damages in gross found by the jury.