Workers Compensation Attorneys Nashua, NH

Were you Hurt in a Workplace Accident
in New Hampshire or Massachusetts?

Perhaps you’ve heard the term “workers’ compensation” before, but now that you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, you’re wondering if this term applies to you? If you were hurt or injured, or someone you love was injured or killed in a workplace accident in New Hampshire, you may actually be entitled to benefits that could help you pay your medical bills or other related expenses.

Though workers’ compensation was created so injured workers could access the benefits they need in order to make up for lost wages and to pay medical bills, the system has been poorly set up, and as a result it is not always easy to get benefits. The law requires employers meet specific insurance standards when it comes to workers’ compensation, but many employers and the insurance companies will do everything in their power to deny you benefits or minimize the money they are willing to give you.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, the best thing you can do for yourself now is to consult with an experienced New Hampshire or Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation law firm. At Buckley Law Offices, we’ve been helping people like you recover from workplace accidents in New Hampshire for over thirty years. If you’re wondering if you are eligible for workers’ compensation, let us help you. Contact Buckley Law Offices to schedule a free, no-risk, no-obligation consultation at your earliest convenience so we can best advise you on your situation.

Does New Hampshire Have Workers’ Compensation?

The short answer? Yes. New Hampshire was actually an early adopter of the ancestor of workers’ comp, something referred to as a “compensation scheme.” Now New Hampshire workers’ compensation is handled by the New Hampshire Department of Labor (DOL). As an employee in the state of New Hampshire, you have a right to receive workers’ compensation for workplace injuries.

What Happens if My Job Denied My Workers’ Compensation Claim in New Hampshire?

If you have been injured in a workplace accident and your job has denied your workers’ compensation claim in the state of New Hampshire, you need to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. The legal team specializing in New Hampshire workers’ compensation lawsuits at Buckley Law Offices have over thirty years of extensive experience digging into workers’ compensation lawsuits and winning real money for our clients. Contact us at your earliest convenience if your situation sounds like:

I was just in a workplace accident and I’m unsure of what to do next.
I was injured at my job, and I think I need workers’ comp.
PI applied for workers’ compensation but was denied, but I need help.
I applied for workers’ compensation, but what they are giving me isn’t enough.
I think my rights as a worker eligible for workers’ comp are being violated.

What Are My Rights if I’ve Been Injured in a Workplace Accident?

Being injured in a workplace accident can be extremely distressing. Even more distressing is when your employer decides to withhold or tamper with your rights. What are your rights when it comes to New Hampshire workers compensation? Here are some key ones:

You maintain the right to receive medical care from the doctor of your choosing.
You should have the ability to receive a portion of your salary when receiving disability benefits, regardless of the permanence.
You should be able to return to the position you had to leave because of your injury.
If the position you left because of your injury is something you can no longer do because of your injury, then your employer is required to provide you with vocational training for a position you can fill
You maintain the right to have your medical care paid for in the case of a workplace accident

If any of your rights have been denied to you or tampered with, contact Buckley Law Offices to schedule a free consultation.

New Hampshire Workers’ Comp Denial Attorney

If you’ve been hit with a workers’ compensation denial, we can help. You didn’t apply for workers’ compensation because you were bored, you applied because you needed those benefits. Unfortunately, if you’ve been denied then you have just thirty days to file that appeal and shake the denial. That is a tight timeline, but we’ve done it time after time for our clients. If you’ve been denied workers’ compensation speak with an experienced New Hampshire workers’ comp lawyer today.

Buckley Law Offices has been helping people like you recover maximum compensation for over thirty years. We have a long, consistent record of setting things right. Workplace accidents can be exhausting, stressful, and difficult to recover from even when workers’ compensation goes perfectly, which it rarely does without the help of a legal team. At Buckley Law Offices we would like to take the work of securing your workers’ comp benefits off of your place. Focus on recovery while we focus on recovering maximum potential compensation for your New Hampshire or Massachusetts workers’ compensation case. Our lawyer will conduct all of the legal proceedings and file all the necessary legal paperwork on your behalf, while you relax. Call today for a free case evaluation.

workers compensation lawyer massachusetts

Workers Compensation in New Hampshire: Why Medical Documentation is Critical to Your Claim

If you’ve been injured at work in New Hampshire, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, obtaining these benefits is not always straightforward. To secure your rights and receive the compensation you deserve, you’ll need more than just a verbal account of your injuries—you’ll need strong, continuous medical documentation, starting with a doctor’s note.

In this article, I’ll explain why a doctor’s note is vital to your workers’ compensation claim, how it can protect your employment status, and what steps to take if your claim is denied. As a New Hampshire workers compensation lawyer, I have seen firsthand how proper documentation can make or break a claim, so let’s delve into the importance of getting your paperwork in order.

Understanding Workers Compensation in New Hampshire

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance designed to protect employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. In New Hampshire, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees in the event of a work-related injury or illness.

What Workers Compensation Covers in New Hampshire:

Medical Expenses: Covers hospital visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments.
Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible for temporary total or partial disability benefits.
Rehabilitation Costs: If you need to retrain for a different position due to your injury, workers’ compensation can cover vocational rehabilitation.
Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Death Benefits: In the unfortunate event that a workplace accident leads to a fatality, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to surviving dependents.

However, securing these benefits can be a challenging process, especially if there are disputes over the severity of your injury or whether it is work-related. That’s why having a doctor’s note and other medical documentation is crucial.

The Critical Role of a Doctor’s Note in Workers’ Compensation Claims

A doctor’s note is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence in a workers’ compensation claim. It establishes the nature of your injury, confirms that the injury is work-related, and details any physical restrictions that may prevent you from returning to work.

Why a Doctor’s Note is Essential for Workers Compensation Claims:

Establishes Medical Necessity: A doctor’s note provides a written record that outlines the diagnosis and treatment plan for your injury. This documentation is essential in demonstrating the medical necessity of treatments and justifying your medical expenses.
Supports Your Claim for Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, a doctor’s note that outlines your inability to perform job duties is crucial for receiving temporary total or partial disability benefits.
Protects Your Employment Status: A doctor’s note can protect you from wrongful termination by providing a legal basis for your absence or modified work duties. If your employer attempts to terminate your employment while on medical leave, this documentation will serve as evidence of your condition and the need for leave.

Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Process in New Hampshire

If you’ve been injured at work, the first step is to notify your employer and seek medical attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the workers’ compensation process:

Report Your Injury to Your Employer: Notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible. In New Hampshire, you must report your injury within two years to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider for a thorough examination and obtain a doctor’s note that documents your injury, treatment plan, and any physical restrictions.
File a Workers Compensation Claim: Your employer is responsible for filing the initial report of the injury with their workers’ compensation insurance company. Ensure that this report is filed promptly and obtain a copy for your records.
Keep All Medical Documentation: Regularly update your medical records and obtain new doctor’s notes during follow-up visits. This continuous documentation will support your claim and show the ongoing impact of your injury.
Consult a Workers Compensation Lawyer: If your claim is denied or you encounter any disputes, contact a New Hampshire workers compensation lawyer for assistance. They can help you understand your rights, appeal the decision, and represent you in any legal proceedings.

Consequences of Insufficient Medical Documentation

Consider the following scenarios that illustrate the importance of medical documentation in workers’ compensation claims:

Scenario 1:
A construction worker suffered a back injury after lifting heavy equipment. He initially obtained a doctor’s note that excused him from work for one week. However, when he needed additional time off, he failed to update his documentation. As a result, his employer’s insurance company refused to cover his lost wages for the additional recovery period, citing a lack of continuous medical evidence.
Scenario 2:
A nurse developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive motions at work. Although her doctor recommended modified duties, she continued to work her regular shifts without obtaining a note specifying her limitations. When her condition worsened, her compensation claim was denied because the insurance company argued that she had not followed medical advice or communicated her restrictions to her employer.

How to Effectively Use Medical Documentation in Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

To maximize your chances of a successful claim, follow these best practices:

Get a Doctor’s Note from Your Initial Visit: Make sure your doctor’s note includes details about your injury, treatment plan, and any physical limitations that prevent you from working.
Request a Comprehensive Report for Any Work Restrictions: If you can work but need modifications, request a detailed note outlining the specific tasks you can and cannot perform. This will protect you from being asked to perform duties that could worsen your condition.
Keep Copies of All Medical Records and Doctor’s Notes: Maintain an organized file of all documentation, including test results, treatment plans, and correspondence with healthcare providers.
Communicate with Your Employer: Share copies of your doctor’s notes with your employer and keep them informed about your condition and expected return-to-work date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Workers Compensation in New Hampshire

What types of injuries are covered under workers’ compensation in New Hampshire?

Workers’ compensation covers any injury or illness that arises out of and in the course of employment. This includes traumatic injuries like fractures or lacerations, repetitive stress injuries, occupational diseases, and mental health conditions caused by work-related stress.

How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim in New Hampshire?

You have two years from the date of the injury or from the date you became aware of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim in New Hampshire. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to benefits.

What should I do if my workers' compensation claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal with the New Hampshire Department of Labor. A New Hampshire workers' compensation attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and represent you at hearings.

Can I choose my doctor for treatment?

In New Hampshire, you have the right to choose your healthcare provider for treatment. However, the insurance company may request that you attend an independent medical examination (IME) to evaluate your condition.

What happens if I am unable to return to work after my injury?

If you are unable to return to your previous job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to help you retrain for a different position. You may also be entitled to permanent disability benefits.

Contact a New Hampshire Workers Compensation Lawyer for Help with Your Claim

If you’ve been injured at work and need help navigating the workers’ compensation process, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. A skilled New Hampshire workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights, ensure you receive the benefits you deserve, and help you appeal denied claims. Contact Dave Buckley today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

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