Workers Compensation – Know Your Rights!

Workers Compensation Law in NH

An employee, who is injured in a work-related injury or sustains an illness caused by the workplace, is automatically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under New Hampshire law.  Workers’ compensation benefits frequently referred to as workmen’s compensation or workers comp, assures the employee the following:

Payment of your medical bills by the workers’ comp insurance carrier for treatment associated with your work-related injury or disease.
Payment of your wages, at a discounted amount, income-tax free, for either total disability or partial disability.
Partial disability workers’ comp payments will be made in the event that you are able to return to work for limited part-time duty.  Workers’ comp will pay you, at a discounted amount, for the period of time that you are not able to work full time.
Additional compensation for permanent injury:  If you have a permanent impairment established by the doctor according to the American Medical Association guides, you will be entitled to additional compensation computed with the assistance of your attorney.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits may be awarded to you, depending on the nature of your disability and your ability to return to work in some capacity, even though not at your old capacity.
Good faith job protection if you are able to return to work but unfortunately, not a guarantee that your employer will keep your job open indefinitely

TIPS TO THE INJURED WORKER:

Promptly notify your employer, in writing, of any injury, even if you are not immediately forced to stay out of work.
Seek appropriate medical care immediately and do not delay treatment to somehow try to help your employer.  Take care of your health.
Consult with an attorney over the telephone to discuss your rights.  In many instances, the employee is able to quickly return to work, and no formal legal involvement is required.  In other instances, however, the injury occurring at work becomes a chronic condition, and it is a good idea for the employee to consult with an attorney to discuss his workers’ compensation rights to protect himself and his family.  We are always glad to speak with injured workers at any time, over the telephone, at no charge.

Articles contained here are not intended to provide legal advice, only providing general information. We encourage individuals to consult with an attorney regarding individual circumstances.