When Can I File a Workers’ Comp Claim in New Hampshire?

You can file a workers’ comp claim for virtually any injury on the job in New Hampshire. That might sound like a simple explanation… Until you get into the specifics. For example, what actually “counts” as a workplace injury? On that note, where do the boundaries of your workplace end? What if you were injured while walking to your car – right after “clocking out?” Clearly, workers’ comp isn’t quite as simple as it might seem – especially when your claim has been denied for questionable reasons. Let’s find out exactly when you can file a claim:

The Definition of a Workplace Injury 

A workplace injury could be virtually any physical harm that you suffered on the job. It might be something devastating and serious – such as a factory injury that leaves you with an amputated arm. In contrast, it could be something more subtle or gradual, such as chronic repetitive strain. Some psychological injuries may also be covered, particularly if you are employed as a first responder.

Does the Time of the Injury Matter?

 Generally speaking, you can only file a workers’ comp claim if your injury occurred during working hours. However, things can get a little complicated if you’re working from home. This situation has become increasingly common for workers across the nation. So what happens if you fall down your stairs and injure your spine while working from home? In this situation, you would need to prove that the injury took place during working hours and the injury was related to your work. After suffering this type of injury, one particular woman was able to recover a settlement because she was taking a mandatory lunch break when she fell down the stairs.

The time of your injury may also be affected by the statute of limitations. For example, if you wait too long to report your injury, you may lose the ability to file a claim. But if you only become aware of your injury decades later (such as asbestos exposure), you maystill be able to file a claim.

 Does the Location of the Injury Matter? 

You can file a claim for on-site or off-site injuries. But if you’re filing a claim for an off-site injury, it must have occurred while you were doing something work-related. For example, if you stop for coffee after your boss sends you to a new worksite and slip in the bathroom, you wouldn’t be allowed to file a claim. But if you get into a car accident on your way from your employer’s main office to a worksite, you probably would be allowed to file a claim.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Workers’ Comp Attorney in New Hampshire? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified Manchester workers’ comp attorney, look no further than the Law Office of Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC. We know how frustrating it can be to have your workers’ comp claim denied. It’s not always easy to make sense of the fine print and legalese, so get in touch today and book a consultation. We can assess your unique situation and appeal your denied claim – allowing you to get access to the compensation you so desperately need.

Source:

vancouversun.com/news/local-news/navigating-the-grey-zone-of-remote-workplace-injuries