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Parnell, Michels & McKay Named As One of The Best Law Firms in America
By Rory Parnell• September 3, 2026Parnell, Michels & McKay named as one of the best law firms in America by Best Lawyers. Specifically, PMM Law was recognized in the fields of personal injury, family law and workers’ compensation. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and well-known peer-reviewed referral guides that recognizes top legal professionals across more than 75 countries. Founded in 1981, its primary goal is to help people find trusted and experienced legal counsel based on the recommendations of other lawyers. Only five percent (5%) of attorneys are recognized by Best Lawyers in the United States. For more than four decades, Best Lawyers publications have earned the respect of the profession, the media and the public, as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals anywhere. Best Lawyers…
The State of New Hampshire Has Disbursed Over $223 Million in State and Federal Funds to Combat PFAS Contamination
By Rory Parnell• August 28, 2026The State of New Hampshire has disbursed over $223 million in state and federal fundsto combat PFAS contamination in recent years. Most of this money has been allocated towards water testing, infrastructure, and remediation, with some going to research. However, none of the money is currently being allocated to directly assist people who have been injured by PFAS with costs that are related to health issues stemming from PFAS exposure.Humans can be exposed to PFAS in a variety of ways. Much of the PFAS contaminationin NH stems from contaminated water. However, these chemicals can also be found in soil,manufacturing or chemical processing facilities, food or food packaging, and household orpersonal care products. Humans can also be exposed to PFAS by eating contaminated foods, drinking contaminated…
A Judgment Lien Can Land Like a Fly on Your Marital Home and Rot Your Equity
By Aubrey Griffin• July 10, 2026So, you’re getting divorced. It is a difficult situation, but on the positive side you and your former spouse have finally found something you can agree on, you both shouldn’t be married to each other anymore. You both negotiate a property settlement together. The judge signs the decree. You both agree that the marital home will eventually be sold, and you both will receive your fair share of the equity from that sale, and presumably everyone can then move forward with their lives after a difficult separation. Divorce decrees are certainly optimistic little documents in family law. They ask former spouses to promise, in one form or another, that each will do exactly what they agreed to do. Sell the house. Pay the debts assigned…
Explosive Consequences: How NH and MA Differ on Liability for Firework Injuries
By Rory Parnell• July 1, 2026As summer continues, many of us eagerly anticipate fireworks displays. But when mishaps occur, the legal question arises – who’s responsible? New Hampshire and Massachusetts adopt vastly different legal frameworks regarding firework-related injuries. Understanding these distinctions is pivotal for consumers, event organizers, and legal practitioners. At PMM law, we make it our business to know these rules and how they affect our clients. New Hampshire: Regulated Use with Civil & Liability Protections 1. Legal Use of Fireworks In New Hampshire, consumer (Class C) fireworks are legal for those aged 21+ and can be purchased from licensed retailers. Anyone using fireworks must follow both state and local ordinances. Those ordinances can be easily found at the NH fire marshal’s website. Violations of licensing rules may result in…
Understanding Bad Faith Insurance Law in New Hampshire
By Rory Parnell• June 26, 2026When you purchase an insurance policy, you expect your insurer to honor its promises when you need coverage most. Whether it’s after a serious car accident, a house fire, or another unexpected loss, policyholders rely on insurance companies to investigate claims fairly and pay valid benefits promptly. Unfortunately, insurers do not always meet these obligations. In some cases, an insurance company may act in “bad faith” by unreasonably delaying, denying, or underpaying a legitimate claim. Understanding New Hampshire’s approach to bad faith insurance law can help consumers recognize when an insurer’s conduct crosses the line and what legal remedies may be available. What Is Insurance Bad Faith? Insurance companies owe their policyholders a duty of good faith and fair dealing. This means they must investigate…
NH Supreme Court Update: Will Rivas Decision Affect Your Motor Vehicle Case?
By Rory Parnell• June 8, 2026The New Hampshire Supreme Court recently issued an order regarding the impact of a trial judge’s ruling on evidentiary issues and the impression they leave on a jury in a case called Rivas v. Ciecko, 2026 NH 2. Plaintiff sued Defendant for damages stemming from a motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff claimed that, as a result of the accident, she began to have fainting spells. Over a year after the accident, Plaintiff fell down a set of stairs while intoxicated at a birthday party and fractured her leg. She claimed that the syncope she alleges she developed as a result of the prior motor vehicle accident was to blame for her fall. Therefore, she claims that her fractured leg stems from damages she sustained in the…
Do You Understand What Wage Benefits Are In Your Workers’ Compensation Case?
By Jessica Hanna, Clerk• May 15, 2026We understand that being injured on the job is stressful. In addition to an injury, you didn’t plan on and any associated limitations that may come along with it, you may also be looking at having to miss work during your recovery period. Losing out on your income can compound the stress of an already difficult situation. You should be aware that there are wage benefits available under workers’ compensation. There are a couple of basic things to understand about wage claims in New Hampshire in a workers’ compensation case. Who is Covered by Workers’ Compensation? All employees in New Hampshire are covered by workers’ compensation, no matter the size of the company, the type of employer, the structure of the business, etc. If you…
Am I Owed Money for My Work Injury if I am Permanently Impaired?
By Rory Parnell• April 17, 2026Permanent impairment injuries are a critical component of the workers’ compensation system in New Hampshire. While many workplace injuries heal over time, others leave lasting physical or functional limitations. Understanding how permanent impairment works—and how benefits are calculated—can help injured workers better navigate their rights and expectations under state law. What Is a Permanent Impairment? A permanent impairment refers to a lasting loss of function or use of a body part following a work-related injury or illness. These injuries persist even after medical treatment has concluded and the worker has reached what is known as Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point at which further recovery is not expected. In New Hampshire, permanent impairment is distinct from temporary disability. It focuses specifically on the long-term physical consequences…
Basics of Family Law Appeals
By Rory Parnell• April 10, 2026Final family law decisions, such those that come from initial divorce and parenting orders can have lasting consequences. When a party believes a trial court’s decision was made in error, an appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court may be appropriate. However, appeals are not new trials. Appeals focus on whether the law was applied correctly. There are some core things you should know about family law appeals. Mandatory vs. Discretionary Appeals New Hampshire distinguishes between mandatory and discretionary appeals. Final divorce decrees are typically mandatory, meaning the Supreme Court must hear them. In contrast, many post-divorce matters, such as modifications of parenting plans or support, are discretionary and may be declined. Discretionary appeals will typically deal with clearer errors or novel points of law….
