How the New Hampshire system works
Nearly all New Hampshire employers must carry coverage, overseen by the NH Department of Labor, which runs an accessible hearing system: disputes go to a Department hearing officer quickly, with appeals to the Compensation Appeals Board. Insurers must respond to claims promptly — a denial has to come with reasons — and the Department's staff answer worker questions directly.
Every deadline that matters
| What | Deadline | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Notice to your employer | 2 years | Among America's longest — but every rule of evidence still favors same-day written notice. Use the length as forgiveness, not strategy. |
| File a claim | 3 years from the injury | The formal claim with the Department protects everything the long notice window doesn't. |
| Insurer decision | 21 days (their deadline) | Once on notice, the carrier must accept or deny within three weeks — silence is a violation worth reporting to the Department. |
Doctor choice
New Hampshire workers generally choose their own treating doctor. If the employer's carrier runs an approved managed care program, your choice lives within its network — with the usual exceptions for emergencies and referrals. Either way, the treating doctor's records drive your checks and your permanency, so choose one who documents thoroughly.
The benefits — and the 60% formula
| Benefit | What it pays |
|---|---|
| Medical care | All reasonable and necessary treatment. |
| Temporary Total | 60% of your average weekly wage within state caps — lower than most states' two-thirds, which makes the AWW calculation worth auditing (overtime, second jobs, and seasonal patterns count). |
| Diminished earning capacity | Partial benefits when you're back at lower-paying work. |
| Permanent impairment award | A separate scheduled award for lasting impairment of listed body parts — payable even after you're back at work. |
| Death benefits | Survivor percentages plus burial expenses. |
New Hampshire gives many injured workers a right to reinstatement to their former position when able to return within a protected period — a job-protection rule most states lack. If your employer moves to replace you while you recover, raise the reinstatement statute with the Department before assuming it's legal.
How New Hampshire disputes get resolved
- 1
Department hearing request
A simple request gets a hearing officer — comparatively fast, informal, and free.
- 2
Compensation Appeals Board
A three-member panel rehears appealed cases.
- 3
Courts
Further appeal to the NH Supreme Court. Lump-sum settlements need Department approval.
Free official help
- NH Department of Labor — Workers' Compensation Division — claim questions, hearing requests, and employer-coverage checks: nh.gov/labor (603-271-3176).
Denied claims, AWW disputes (the 60% formula magnifies errors), permanent-impairment awards, reinstatement fights, and settlements. Consultations typically free.