New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
Lab - Commissioner, Department of Labor
Chapter Lab 500 - WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Part Lab 511 - CASES FOR DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW
Section Lab 511.01 - Lump Sum Settlement

(a) Lump sum settlements of past, present and future weekly indemnity benefits under RSA 281-A:26, 28, 28-a, 31, 31-a, which may also include past, present or future scheduled permanent impairment awards to which the claimant may be entitled under RSA 281-A:32, shall be permitted by RSA 281-A:37, in cases where there have been at least 12 months of continuous disability or the best interest of all concerned will be served.

(b) In order to determine if the best interest of all concerned will be served, a hearing in accordance with RSA 281-A:43 shall be scheduled. The hearing officer shall determine if the settlement is approved based on the testimony of the parties.

(c) Benefits under RSA 281-A:25, vocational rehabilitation, may also be settled by lump sum under RSA 281-A:37. The portion of the lump sum settlement shall be held in escrow by the carrier and shall be paid to the provider of the vocational rehabilitation services for services incurred by the claimant. The eligible period for vocational rehabilitation benefits following a lump sum settlement shall commence within 6 months after the approval, unless extended by the commissioner.

(d) Department approval shall be obtained for a lump sum settlement pursuant to RSA 281-A:37.

(e) All medical information shall be filed with the department before lump sum approval will be given.

(f) A hearing on a lump sum request shall be held, at which time the department of labor shall inquire into the settlement to be certain that it is a fair resolution of disputes between the parties. The claimant shall be present, in person or telephonically.

(g) A written request for a hearing to approve a lump sum settlement shall include:

(h) Upon approval of a "Request for Lump Sum Settlement", form 15WCA (10/1999), contained in Appendix II shall be completed, signed and distributed to all parties of interest.