In general, New Hampshire’s personal injury laws are similar to those found in many other states, including provisions related to negligence, liability, compensation, and statutes of limitations.
Here are some key aspects of personal injury law in New Hampshire:
Modified Comparative Negligence
New Hampshire follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are partially at fault for an accident or injury, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you may not be eligible for any compensation.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations in New Hampshire for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the injury or accident. This means you generally have three years to file a lawsuit after the incident occurs. There may be exceptions for certain cases, such as medical malpractice.
No-Fault Insurance
New Hampshire is not a “no-fault” insurance state. Instead, it follows a “fault-based” system, meaning the at-fault party’s insurance typically covers the injured party’s damages. However, New Hampshire does allow drivers to choose whether to carry no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Caps on Damages
New Hampshire does not have statutory caps on damages for personal injury cases. This is great news for personal injury victims and means there are no specific limits on the amount of compensation you can seek for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Dram Shop Laws
New Hampshire has “dram shop” laws that allow injured parties to seek compensation from establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who later cause accidents. This is a legal remedy for injuries caused by drunk drivers. If your accident was caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to hold the bar or restaurant that over served them responsible for your medical bills, property damage, and more.
Workers’ Compensation
Like most states, New Hampshire has a workers’ compensation system that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation laws in the state govern how claims are filed and processed.
It’s essential to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases to navigate the specific details of your situation. Just because you feel who is at fault for your accident and subsequent bills is clear-cut doesn’t mean the process of filing and winning a claim will be easy. Remember, you’ll be up against someone’s insurance company and you can bet they have a team of lawyers working to pay you as little as possible.
A New Hampshire personal injury lawyer plays a crucial role in assisting individuals who have been involved in accidents and incidents. Their primary objective is to help personal injury victims such as yourself seek the most compensation possible for injuries and losses. Contact us and you’ll be on your way to recovery. 1-800-Injured is a medical and legal referral network for personal injury victims. We will connect you with experienced professionals who can help you with your unique personal injury needs.