How much is a thumb injury worth in New Hampshire workers' comp?
New Hampshire pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for a thumb injury: the law sets total loss at 76 weeks.
How a thumb injury is paid in New Hampshire
Each week is paid at 60% of your average weekly wage, up to $2,309 a week, with a minimum of $461.74 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
If your doctor rates a partial loss of use, the award is generally that percentage of the scheduled weeks. A 25% rating works out to 19 weeks.
What is different in New Hampshire
The permanent impairment award is a separate benefit paid in one lump sum after maximum medical improvement, and ratings must use the AMA Guides 5th edition. Spine ratings based only on soft-tissue injury are excluded unless an arm or leg loses function.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $3,648 | $5,472 | $7,296 |
| 25% loss of use | $9,120 | $13,680 | $18,240 |
| 50% loss of use | $18,240 | $27,360 | $36,480 |
| 100% loss of use | $36,480 | $54,720 | $72,960 |
Calculate your thumb award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what New Hampshire law sets. Many claims end in a negotiated settlement instead. Insurers usually start from the statutory award for your rating, then adjust for disputed ratings, future medical care, how long wage-loss benefits could run and the risk of a hearing. Knowing the statutory number for a thumb injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
New Hampshire vs. neighboring states
| State | How a thumb injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 76 weeks | $175,484 |
| Maine | 65 weeks | — |
| Massachusetts | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Vermont | whole-person % × 330 weeks | — |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in New Hampshire
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 60% of AWW, not to exceed 100% of after-tax (net) earnings |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $2,309 (2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $461.74 |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How much is a thumb injury worth in New Hampshire workers' comp?
New Hampshire schedules 76 weeks for total loss, up to $175,484 at the top weekly rate. A partial loss is paid as a share of that, based on your doctor's rating and your wage.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for a thumb injury in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not publish an official average. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: for example, a 25% loss of use at a $1,200 weekly wage works out to about $13,680. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in New Hampshire in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $2,309 (2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30).
Is there a waiting period in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
RSA 281-A:22, 281-A:28, 281-A:31-a, 281-A:32. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in New Hampshire
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: RSA 281-A:22, 281-A:28, 281-A:31-a, 281-A:32; RSA 281-A:32 (I-IX), 281-A:28
- New Hampshire Department of Labor (official site)
- gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/xxiii/281-a/281-a-32.htm
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452120160
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the New Hampshire workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.