Bill > HB299

This bill modifies the existing workers' compensation law to provide additional protections for workers seeking legal representation in compensation disputes. Specifically, the bill ensures that when a claimant (injured worker) prevails at the department level in a workers' compensation hearing, they shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs as approved by the commissioner. The bill expands on existing regulations by creating two key scenarios where attorneys' fees can be awarded: first, when a claimant successfully resolves their case at the department level, and second, when an insurance carrier disputes and initially denies payment of a medical bill related to a workplace injury, but is subsequently ordered by the commissioner to pay or reimburse the bill. The bill also provides that if an insurance carrier accepts a medical bill less than 7 business days before a scheduled hearing, the claimant can still be awarded reasonable counsel fees and costs, unless the carrier can prove a justifiable reason for the delay. This legislation aims to support workers by making legal representation more accessible and reducing financial barriers in workers' compensation claims. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and according to the fiscal note, it is not expected to have a significant financial impact on state or local government revenues.

Labor and Employment

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0607&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB299