Workers’ Compensation Deadlines

Notice of injury – The injured worker has two (2) years from the date of injury to notify the employer of his injury in order to make a claim for benefits. In cases where an occupational illness develops gradually and is not immediately recognized, the claimant must provide the date he or she knows of the nature of the injury and its relationship to the employment

Filing a claim: A claim for disability, rehabilitation, medical benefits or death benefits is to be filed within three (3) years after the date of the injury

Waiting period:  An employer’s insurance carrier shall pay workers’ compensation to an employee sustaining a personal injury during a period of total or partial disability, but not for the first 3 days of disability unless the disability continues for 14 days or longer.

Reinstatement: The right to reinstate to the employee’s former position terminates eighteen (18) months from the date of injury.

Permanent Impairment payment:  No later than 15 days following disclosure the employer, or the employer’s insurance carrier shall notify the commissioner as to whether it objects to the extent of the loss claimed by the employee, in which case it shall have 30 days to arrange for a medical examination, pursuant to RSA 281-A: 38, and request a hearing and determination by the commissioner. Payment of the scheduled award shall be made in a single payment.

Appeal: An appeal is to be filed within thirty (30) days of the decision if the claimant is dissatisfied with the original decision.

Independent Medical Exam (IME): Written notice for an IME shall be provided by the carrier at least ten (10) days before the examination. IMEs shall take place within a 50-mile radius of the injured employee and no more than 2 IMEs per year are required.