Injured in a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident in Vermont? We Can Help.

Vermont Premises Liability cases (i.e., Slip & Falls and Trip & Falls on a defendant’s property due to a defect, negligent maintenance, or negligent failure to provide notice of hazard on a property) are often among the most challenging cases to bring. As most premises liability Attorneys in Vermont will agree, though each case is unique, there is likely no more difficult case to bring than for a slip and fall on the ice in Northern New England.
However, that does not mean such cases are not viable. Premises liability attorney Michael J. Sabbeth has resolved multiple cases in which his clients suffered injuries after slipping and falling on ice due to the defendant’s negligence for six figures. We take on all types of premises liability claims. If you were hurt on another person’s or business’s property, our legal team is more than ready to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Vermont premises liability lawyer.

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What to Do After an Accident On Another Party’s Premises (Steps to Maximize Success)

Following an accident on another person’s or business’s premises, it is normal to feel stressed out, confused, and unsure of where to turn. By taking a few simple steps, you can put yourself in the very best position to protect your rights and your interests. Indeed, there are many things that can be done to enhance the likelihood of a successful premises liability claim. Let’s take some in turn:

  1. Be sure to report the injury, and how you were injured, to the manager, owner, or employee who works on the property, right away.  If an accident report is filled out, request a copy of it.
  2. Try to take as many mental notes of your surroundings as possible.  Write them down at your first opportunity. This is important in any type of injury case, but especially so in Vermont Premises Liability cases. There is a tremendous amount of research that confirms that we, as humans, will often forget large amounts of critical information after incurring a trauma, such as an injury, as each hour passes.  Often, these cases can be won or lost on one of these details.
  3. If at all possible, take pictures of the hazard that caused you to fall.  Nowadays, most of us have cameras on our cell phones.  After making sure you are okay, do your best to document the scene.  I have personally been involved in cases where the store owner/employee has corrected the hazard, taking photos after the fact, and representing their photos as an accurate reflection of the condition of the area where my client fell at the time of the fall.  While it is nice to think most people would not do such a thing, don’t count on it. Document it yourself, or better yet, have a friend do so for you.
  4. Take down the names and contact information of any witnesses who witnessed your fall, or what caused you to fall.  These cases can often boil down to “he said, she said”, and so the more witnesses who can accurately state what happened, the better.
  5. Consult with a Vermont premises liability attorney before you give any statement to a business, property owner, and/or an insurance company. The defendant and their insurance company are driven to protect their own interests, not to do what is right for you and your family. A top Vermont premises liability attorney will help you bring a claim. 

Our Vermont Attorneys Handle a Full Range of Premises Liability Claims

We are a full-service personal injury law firm devoted to doing what is right for victims and families in Vermont and New Hampshire. With a proven record of results and a commitment to personalized legal representation, we are qualified to take on all types of premises liability claims, including: 

  • Slip and Fall Accidents: If you have been injured due to a slippery floor, uneven pavement, or other hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, we can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
  • Improper Maintenance: Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If you were injured due to a property owner’s failure to maintain their property, we can help you hold them accountable for their negligence.
  • Negligent Security Claims: Property owners are also responsible for providing adequate security measures to protect their visitors from harm. If you were injured due to inadequate security measures, such as poor lighting or lack of security cameras, we could help you seek compensation for your injuries.
  • Dog Bite Injuries: Vermont law holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries their dogs cause to others. If you were bitten by a dog or suffered injuries due to a dog attack, we can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Injured Victims Deserve the Maximum Financial Compensation 

Injured at a Vermont business or on another party’s property in Vermont? You can pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages through a premises liability case. Our Vermont slip and fall accident and premises liability lawyers fight hard to ensure that clients can maximize their compensation. We are measured by our success. Financial compensation may be granted for: 

  • Emergency room care; 
  • Hospital bills and other medical costs; 
  • Lost wages and loss of earning power; 
  • Pain and suffering & mental anguish; 
  • Disability, disfigurement, or permanent impairment; and
  • Wrongful death of a family member. 

The Time Limit to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Vermont

You do not have an unlimited amount of time to take action for a slip and fall accident or another type of premises liability case. Under Vermont law (Vt. Stat. Ann. 12 § 512(1)), there is a three-year statute of limitations for premises liability claims. What happens if you wait too long to file a lawsuit? Your case could simply be dismissed by the court. Although three years seems like plenty of time, you do not want to fall behind the business/property owner or the insurance company. Consult with a Vermont premises liability attorney right away. 

Why Trust the Vermont Premises Liability Lawyers at Sabbeth Law

Premises liability claims are complicated. Navigating the legal process is never easy. At Sabbeth Law, we go above and beyond to ensure that our clients receive the absolute top level of representation. You do not have to take on a defendant or insurance company alone. Among other things, our Vermont premises liability attorneys are ready to: 

  • Hear your story, answer questions, and explain the next steps; 
  • Investigate the incident, securing the evidence needed to prove fault and damages; 
  • Represent you in settlement negotiations with the defendant and/or insurer; and
  • Take aggressive action to help you maximize your financial compensation. 

Our Firm Handles Slip and Falls and Other Premises Liability Claims On Contingency  

Sabbeth Law puts forth maximum effort into the investigative aspect of all Premises Liability claims.  This often requires the retention and utilization of engineering experts, human factor experts, and premises and machinery experts, amongst others.  Sabbeth Law puts up the expenses for these experts if and until there is a resolution of its client’s claims. If there is no recovery, the client is not responsible for reimbursing any of these costs. In other words, there are never any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses for our clients. We handle slip and fall accidents and other premises liability claims on a contingency basis. Our attorneys only get paid when you get paid. 

Premises Liability in Vermont: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Have to See a Doctor After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Yes.

At least you do if you want to bring a premises liability claim and seek compensation for your injuries. Getting the right medical care is essential for your health and well-being. Further, a doctor’s report can provide evidence of your injuries, which will strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of receiving compensation for any damages incurred.

Is a Property Owner Automatically Liable for an Accident on the Premises?

No.

Neither a business nor property owner in Vermont is automatically liable for an accident on their premises. To establish liability, it must be proven that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the property or failed to warn visitors of any hazards. Additionally, the visitor must show that their injuries were a direct result of the property owner’s negligence. These are complex cases and a Vermont premises liability attorney can help. 

Can a Trespasser Bring a Premises Liability Claim in Vermont?

Yes and no.

In Vermont, a trespasser can bring a premises liability claim, but it is much more difficult. Property owners owe a limited duty of care to trespassers and other unauthorized parties. For a trespasser to have a successful claim, they must prove that the property owner willfully or recklessly caused them harm. It can be a challenging legal hurdle. 

Contact a Vermont Premises Liability Attorney at Sabbeth Law Today

At Sabbeth Law, our Vermont premises liability lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and interests. You are not alone. If you would like to discuss the merits of your potential Premises Liability claim with an experienced premises liability lawyer, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation. From our law office in White River Junction, we are well-positioned to handle slip and fall accidents and other premises liability cases throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.