If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in New Hampshire, understanding your legal rights is a critical first step toward justice. This guide covers New Hampshire’s wrongful death laws, profiles three law firms that handle these cases, and answers the most important questions families face.
Introduction
Losing a family member due to another party’s negligence is devastating. New Hampshire provides a 3-year filing window and imposes no caps on wrongful death damages, giving families a strong path to full compensation.
New Hampshire Wrongful Death Laws
The New Hampshire Wrongful Death Statute
New Hampshire’s wrongful death law is governed by New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 556:12. The statute requires an Administrator of the estate to file the claim.
Who Can File
The Administrator of the deceased’s estate must file.
Statute of Limitations
New Hampshire imposes a 3-year statute of limitations, measured from the date of death.
Recoverable Damages
New Hampshire allows recovery for pecuniary loss, loss of support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. There are no caps on wrongful death damages in New Hampshire.
Survival Action
New Hampshire maintains a separate survival action alongside the wrongful death claim.
Top 3 Wrongful Death Attorneys in New Hampshire
1. Abramson, Brown & Dugan
Location: Manchester, NH
Phone: (603) 669-2223
Website: https://arbd.com
Universally recognized as New Hampshire’s premier medical malpractice and catastrophic injury law firm. Because NH has no damage caps, their deep roster of medical experts and litigation specialists consistently secure the largest wrongful death verdicts in the state. They excel at managing the complex probate administration required to launch a high-stakes medical negligence suit.
2. Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.
Location: Concord, Manchester, Nashua, NH
Phone: (800) 559-2630
Website: https://shaheengordon.com
One of the largest and most powerful full-service firms in northern New England. Their dedicated personal injury team has massive financial and investigative backing. They seamlessly navigate both the separate survival and wrongful death actions to ensure complete financial recovery for the estate and the family.
3. Upton & Hatfield, LLP
Location: Concord, Hillsborough, Portsmouth, NH
Phone: (603) 224-7791
Website: https://uptonhatfield.com
With over a century of legal history, this firm is highly respected by judges and defense counsel alike. They are aggressive trial lawyers who focus on the uncapped pecuniary losses and emotional devastation suffered by surviving spouses and children, and they provide highly personalized guidance throughout the 3-year litigation window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there caps on damages in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire imposes no caps on wrongful death damages.
What should I do immediately after losing a loved one due to negligence?
Contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. The 3-year deadline runs from the date of death. Preserve all evidence and do not speak with insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
Closing
New Hampshire’s no caps framework and 3-year filing window provide families with strong legal tools. The firms listed above have the resources to pursue maximum recovery. If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, contact one of these attorneys today.
For immediate grief support, contact the National Alliance for Grieving Children at (866) 432-1542.