A workplace injury can happen in an instant, including a slip on a wet floor, a fall from a ladder, or an equipment malfunction that causes serious harm. Every year, employees across New Hampshire are injured while simply trying to do their jobs. Employers are required by law to provide a safe work environment and to carry workers’ compensation insurance, yet many injured workers are not given the complete picture of their rights.
Understanding what your employer might not tell you after an accident can help you protect your health, your income, and your future.
Your Employer’s Insurance Company Does Not Work for You
After a workplace injury, your employer will likely report the incident to its insurance carrier. What many workers do not realize is that the insurance company’s primary goal is to minimize payouts, not to ensure you are fairly compensated.
You may be told that you must see a specific doctor, that your claim will take time to “review,” or that your injury may not be covered.
In reality, injured workers in New Hampshire have the right to:
- File a workers’ compensation claim for any injury that occurs on the job, regardless of fault.
- Choose their own doctor after an initial employer-approved visit.
- Receive medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability benefits when applicable.
Insurance companies often take advantage of employees who do not fully understand these rights. Consulting an attorney early can prevent unnecessary delays and help you receive the benefits you deserve.
Employers May Downplay or Misreport Injuries
Some employers discourage employees from filing official reports to keep their insurance costs low or avoid safety investigations. They may suggest handling the matter “internally” or encourage you to use sick time instead of filing a claim. This can be a costly mistake.
If your injury is not adequately documented, the insurance company can later argue that it did not happen at work. Always insist on completing a written incident report and request a copy for your records. Even if your employer minimizes the situation, a prompt report creates essential evidence should your condition worsen over time.
Returning to Work Too Soon Can Hurt Your Claim
Another common issue arises when employers pressure injured workers to return before they are fully recovered. While light-duty work may seem like a reasonable compromise, it can interfere with your medical treatment or jeopardize your benefits.
Returning too soon can also strengthen the insurer’s argument that your injury was not serious, leading to reduced compensation or terminated benefits. Before going back to work, talk with your doctor and your attorney to ensure that the return-to-work plan truly supports your recovery.
You May Be Entitled to More Than Workers’ Compensation
In most cases, workers’ compensation is your exclusive remedy against your employer. However, if a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury, for example, a defective machine part, a subcontractor’s mistake, or unsafe property conditions, you may have grounds for a separate personal injury claim.
This type of claim can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not covered under workers’ compensation. Our attorney, experienced in both workers’ compensation and personal injury law, can evaluate your case and pursue all available sources of recovery.
Protecting Injured Workers Across New Hampshire
At Elmore Law Office, our Portsmouth workers’ compensation attorney knows how confusing and frustrating the aftermath of a workplace injury can be. We help employees across New Hampshire understand their rights, deal with uncooperative employers and insurers, and fight for the benefits they are entitled to receive.
If you have been hurt on the job and suspect you are not getting the whole truth about your claim, contact Elmore Law Office today at (603) 929-1117 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We are here to ensure your recovery is supported — physically, financially, and legally.