Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Workers Compensation Defense Attorneys
At Bernard & Merrill, our experience, knowledge, and dedication to workers' compensation defense have earned us a reputation as the premier law firm for employers and insurance companies in New Hampshire and nationwide. With decades of collective expertise, we provide tailored legal solutions for complex cases, ensuring personal attention and strategic advocacy at every stage of the process. Since 1996, we have been committed to reducing the financial impact of workers' compensation claims while maintaining open communication and cost efficiency. As the only New Hampshire firm selected for the National Workers Compensation Defense Network, we combine industry-leading standards with a deep understanding of evolving regulations. Our attorneys regularly assist clients with hearings, appeals, settlements, and minimizing claim exposure, serving industries ranging from healthcare and construction to manufacturing and hospitality.Through proactive legal counsel, we protect our clients' interests with efficiency and tenacity. Our firm also offers seminars approved by the New Hampshire Insurance Department, covering critical topics such as medical benefits and Second Injury Fund claims. We prioritize staying current with case law, legislation, and technological advancements to deliver timely, comprehensive resolutions. Our dedicated practice focus ensures that clients always have access to experienced legal guidance, fostering trust and reliability. For over 25 years, we have served as a trusted resource for employers and insurers seeking expert workers' compensation defense.
Services
Workers Compensation Defense
General Liability Defense
Insurance Legal Services
Mediation Representation
Personal Injury Cases
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of focused workers' compensation defense expertise since 1996.
- Our firm is the sole NH member of the National Workers Compensation Defense Network.
- We provide cost-effective solutions with dedicated personal attorney attention.
- Our attorneys regularly handle complex cases across diverse industries nationwide.
- We offer NH Insurance Department-approved continuing education seminars for adjusters.
Associations and certifications
- National Workers Compensation Defense Network
- New Hampshire Insurance Department
Services
Workers Compensation Defense
Specializing in workers' compensation defense for employers and insurers, we handle claims from initial filing through appeals. Our attorneys minimize financial exposure while ensuring compliance with evolving NH and federal regulations. Clients benefit from our decades of experience representing diverse industries.
General Liability Defense
We provide comprehensive general liability defense for insurance carriers and businesses, addressing coverage disputes and risk management strategies. Our approach combines litigation expertise with cost-control measures tailored to each client's specific needs.
Insurance Legal Services
Offering specialized insurance-related legal representation, we handle coverage issues, claim disputes, and regulatory compliance matters. Our deep understanding of insurance operations helps clients navigate complex policy interpretations and risk mitigation scenarios.
Mediation Representation
Our attorneys represent clients in workers' compensation mediation proceedings, leveraging negotiation expertise to achieve favorable settlements. We focus on resolving disputes efficiently while protecting our clients' legal and financial interests.
Personal Injury Cases
We defend employers and insurers in personal injury claims that intersect with workers' compensation, ensuring comprehensive legal protection. Our approach balances aggressive advocacy with strategic resolution of overlapping liability issues.
People
Michelle A. Broadhurst
Attorney
Michelle A. Broadhurst focuses exclusively on workers' compensation defense, bringing extensive experience in handling complex claims for employers and insurers across New Hampshire and nationally.
Gary S. Harding
Attorney
Gary S. Harding specializes in workers' compensation defense with a track record of successful claim resolutions, offering strategic legal counsel to businesses and insurance carriers since joining the firm.
Kevin W. Stuart
Attorney
Kevin W. Stuart concentrates on workers' compensation defense, providing dedicated representation for employers and insurers while maintaining active involvement in continuing education initiatives for industry professionals.
Questions
What industries do you represent in workers' compensation cases?
We represent employers and insurers across diverse industries including healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, construction, and transportation sectors.
Do you handle workers' comp claims outside New Hampshire?
Yes, our firm provides workers' compensation defense services for clients nationwide, while maintaining particular expertise in New Hampshire regulations.
Can you assist with insurance policy interpretation issues?
Our insurance legal services include policy interpretation, coverage disputes, and regulatory compliance guidance tailored to commercial insurance operations.
Do you offer continuing education for insurance professionals?
We provide NH Insurance Department-approved seminars covering workers' compensation law developments, medical benefits, and Department of Labor forms compliance.
How do you handle complex workers' comp litigation?
We combine litigation experience with strategic defense approaches, handling complex cases from initial claims through appeals with a focus on minimizing financial exposure.
Can you assist with Second Injury Fund claims?
Yes, we provide specialized representation for Second Injury Fund matters, navigating complex claims that involve pre-existing conditions and employer liability assessments.
