New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorneys who understand the state’s 51% comparative fault bar, its general prohibition on punitive damages, and the unique procedural landscape of the New Hampshire Superior Court. Whether your injury happened in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, on I-93 or I-95, or skiing at Loon, Cannon, or Bretton Woods, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Three years from the date of injury under RSA § 508:4. Wrongful death is six years under RSA § 556:11 (though there are case-specific exceptions). State claims under RSA Ch. 541-B have separate procedural rules.

Under RSA § 507:7-d, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but if your fault is greater than 50% you recover nothing. Combined with several liability under § 507:7-e, every apportionment decision matters.

Generally no. New Hampshire abolished traditional punitive damages in Vratsenes v. New Hampshire Auto. Limited enhanced compensatory damages are available for wanton, malicious, or oppressive conduct, but the framework is much narrower than in other states.

Auto, truck, and motorcycle crashes; slip-and-falls (often winter ice); ski and recreational injuries; dog bites (strict liability under RSA § 466:19); defective products; medical malpractice; nursing home neglect; premises liability; negligent security; workplace third-party claims; and wrongful death.

You look at your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, homeowner’s or commercial policies, and any vicarious-liability defendants. Note that New Hampshire is one of two states that does not require drivers to carry auto liability insurance — making UM/UIM especially important.

Most settle, but Hillsborough and Rockingham county juries return real verdicts when liability is clear. The no-punitive rule shapes valuation strategy.

State claims go through the Board of Claims under RSA Ch. 541-B with damages caps. Municipal claims have their own local notice and procedural rules.

New Hampshire personal injury attorneys typically take cases on a contingency basis — no upfront cost, and they’re paid a percentage of the recovery only if they win. Typical fees range from 33% to 40% depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Case expenses are normally advanced by the firm.

Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar under RSA § 507:7-d — recovery is barred if your fault is greater than 50%. The standard PI SOL is three years under RSA § 508:4. New Hampshire generally does not allow punitive damages (Vratsenes v. New Hampshire Auto), with limited enhanced compensatory damages available for malicious conduct. Claims against the State of New Hampshire fall under RSA Ch. 541-B, which caps damages and imposes procedural requirements. New Hampshire’s seasonal economy — skiing, hiking, lakes, and tourism — generates a steady volume of recreational injury cases with visitor plaintiffs.

When Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in New Hampshire?

Our network includes New Hampshire personal injury attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Hampshire

From the moment you connect with a New Hampshire personal injury attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Treating the 51% bar as if apportionment doesn’t matter

Expecting traditional punitive damages — New Hampshire abolished them in Vratsenes

Missing RSA Ch. 541-B procedures or local municipal notice rules

Failing to obtain UM/UIM coverage in a state that does not mandate auto liability insurance

Giving a recorded statement to the defendant’s insurer without counsel

Settling before reaching maximum medical improvement and pricing future care

Treating the 51% bar as if apportionment doesn’t matter

Expecting traditional punitive damages — New Hampshire abolished them in Vratsenes

Missing RSA Ch. 541-B procedures or local municipal notice rules

Failing to obtain UM/UIM coverage in a state that does not mandate auto liability insurance

Giving a recorded statement to the defendant’s insurer without counsel

Settling before reaching maximum medical improvement and pricing future care

Common New Hampshire Personal Injury Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorneys Cost?

33%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Personal injury attorneys in New Hampshire work on a contingency fee basis — typically 33% to 40% of the total recovery. The no-punitive rule and modified comparative fault bar shape strategy from the outset. Case expenses are typically advanced by the firm and deducted from the final recovery.

What Can Your New Hampshire Personal Injury Compensation Include?

Economic Damages (No Cap)

Past and future medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs — uncapped in standard PI cases.

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap)

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment — no statutory cap in standard PI cases.

Punitive Damages (Generally Unavailable)

New Hampshire abolished traditional punitive damages in Vratsenes. Limited enhanced compensatory damages are available for wanton, malicious, or oppressive conduct — a much narrower framework than most states.

Loss of Consortium

Recoverable by the uninjured spouse under RSA § 507:8-a for loss of companionship, society, and services.

Wrongful Death

Recoverable under RSA § 556:12. Damages include pecuniary loss, mental and physical pain, and loss of consortium. 6-year SOL.

Ski Liability Limitations

New Hampshire-specific: ski liability statute (RSA § 225-A:24) limits recovery for inherent skiing risks at New Hampshire resorts, but preserves liability for negligence and unmarked man-made hazards.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in New Hampshire?

When Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in New Hampshire?

Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Hampshire

Common New Hampshire Personal Injury Mistakes

How Much Do New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your New Hampshire Personal Injury Compensation Include?

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