New Hampshire law
Wrongful Death Laws in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire's wrongful death statute permits recovery by the administrator of the decedent's estate. Damages include pre-death pain and suffering, medical and funeral expenses, loss of probable earnings, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for a surviving spouse or minor children. The 3-year statute of limitations runs from the date of death. New Hampshire's modified comparative fault applies.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Statute of Limitations
Wrongful death actions must be filed within 3 years of the date of death (though the underlying tort claim must have accrued within the limitations period).
State law
Key New Hampshire Statutes
Combines wrongful death and survival in a single framework. Administrator sues on behalf of the estate. Damages include pre-death pain and suffering, loss of probable earnings (reduced to present value), loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for spouse and minor children.
Surviving spouse and minor children may recover for loss of consortium (society, affection, care, companionship). Not recoverable for parents of adult children.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.
Next step
Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.
If you want help applying this information to your situation, start with guided help or browse attorneys for this issue in New Hampshire.
More in New Hampshire
Other state law topics.
Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Immigration Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Workers' Compensation Laws·Social Security Disability Laws·Product Liability Laws·Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Probate Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Laws·Civil Rights Laws·Domestic Violence Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws·Construction Defect Laws·Insurance Disputes Laws·Premises Liability Laws·Commercial Litigation Laws·Environmental Laws·Securities & Finance Laws·Municipal Laws·Administrative Laws