Workers Compensation in New Hampshire
No one expects to get injured at work. One day, you’re doing your job as usual, and the next, you’re dealing with doctor visits, medical bills, and the stress of lost wages. How will you pay your expenses while you recover?
Unfortunately, obtaining workers’ compensation isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Employers and insurance providers may delay claims, dispute injuries, or deny benefits outright.
This guide breaks down how New Hampshire’s system works, what you need to do after an injury, and how an attorney can help.
Workers Compensation Statistics in New Hampshire?
Workplace injuries are an ongoing concern for employees across New Hampshire. In 2023, private-sector employers reported approximately 12,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incidence rate of 3.1 cases per 100 full-time employees—higher than the national average.
Certain industries in New Hampshire see more injuries than others:
- Manufacturing: With an incidence rate of 4.0 per 100 workers, common injuries include repetitive strain, exposure to hazardous materials, and machinery-related accidents.
- Construction: Falls from heights, heavy equipment mishaps, and structural failures contribute to a 3.8 per 100 worker injury rate.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: An industry with frequent lifting injuries, patient handling strains, and exposure to infectious diseases, with an injury rate of 4.3 per 100 employees.
The most frequently reported workplace injuries in New Hampshire include:
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Leading to broken bones, concussions, and soft tissue damage.
- Overexertion and Muscle Strains: Often caused by repetitive lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy objects.
- Repetitive Motion Disorders: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic back pain from repeated movements.
How Does Workers Comp Work in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide injured employees with medical care and financial assistance while they recover. To qualify, the injury or illness must be directly related to your job duties or workplace conditions.
Most New Hampshire employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The benefits available include:
- Medical Treatment: Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and physical therapy.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working, you can receive 60% of your average weekly wage, subject to state limits.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work but in a reduced capacity, TPD benefits help compensate for lost income.
- Permanent Partial or Total Disability (PPD/PTD): Provides compensation for injuries resulting in long-term impairment or permanent disability.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Offers job retraining if your injury prevents you from performing your previous work.
- Death Benefits: Provides financial assistance to dependents and covers funeral expenses if a workplace injury results in death.
Wage replacement benefits typically begin after a three-day waiting period and continue until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or are cleared to return to work.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical attention after a workplace injury is critical. Not only does it protect your health, but it also establishes a medical record linking your injury to your job—an essential part of any workers’ compensation claim.
In New Hampshire, your employer’s insurance carrier has the right to direct your medical care, meaning they may require you to visit a specific doctor or provider. However, if you’re dissatisfied with your treatment, you may be able to request a change.
Even if you think your injury is minor, don’t ignore it. Some conditions, such as repetitive motion injuries or internal trauma, can worsen over time if left untreated.
Keep detailed documentation of all medical visits, prescriptions, and test results. These records will be crucial if your claim is disputed or if additional benefits are needed.
File a First Report of Injury
After receiving medical treatment, you must report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. New Hampshire law requires you to report workplace injuries within two years but delaying could complicate your claim.
Your employer is responsible for filing a First Report of Injury with their insurance provider and the New Hampshire Department of Labor. This report should include:
- The date, time, and location of the injury.
- A detailed account of how the injury occurred.
- Information regarding the medical treatment received.
The insurance carrier will review your claim and determine your eligibility for benefits. If there are disputes, you may need to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) to assess the severity of your injury.
New Hampshire has a three-year statute of limitations for filing a formal workers’ compensation claim. If you fail to take action within this period, you may lose your right to benefits.
New Hampshire’s Workers’ Compensation pays 60% of your lost wages. However, there is a 3-day waiting period for the payment of disability benefits. If the disability exceeds 14 days, the waiting period is waived.
Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Even though New Hampshire’s workers’ compensation system is designed to protect injured workers, employers and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. If you face delays, disputes, or unfair treatment, a lawyer can help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
A workers’ compensation attorney can:
- Ensure your claim is filed correctly to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
- Negotiate with insurance providers to maximize your benefits.
- Represent you in appeals before the New Hampshire Department of Labor’s Workers’ Compensation Division.
- Advocate for additional compensation, including permanent disability benefits or vocational retraining.
If your claim has been denied or your benefits have been cut off early, an attorney can help you appeal and fight for the support you need.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in New Hampshire
Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.
We can connect you with a local attorney or one across New Hampshire state lines.
Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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