Situated in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley and surrounded by lush green mountains and rolling hills, Brattleboro has a lot to offer residents and visitors. It is difficult to believe that in such a charming and picturesque location, accidents can happen. Unfortunately, they do, and people become seriously injured as a result. Car crashes, truck accidents, and slips and falls are just a few of the most common types of accidents in Brattleboro, and they are usually the result of another person’s negligence or carelessness. If you or someone you love has been injured, our personal injury lawyer outlines how we can help below.

Auto Accidents

Sadly, most people will become involved in an auto accident at one time or another. Given this fact, it is not surprising that auto accident claims are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. All car accidents in Brattleboro, and throughout Vermont, are covered by tort law. This means that if you have been hurt you must file a claim with the negligent, or careless, party’s insurance company. Dealing with insurance companies is never easy. A Brattleboro personal injury lawyer can deal with the insurer on your behalf and help you claim a full settlement that will fully cover your losses.

Truck Accidents

Many people presume that truck accidents are similar to other types of auto accidents, but they are not. Trucks are extremely large and when they crash into a smaller vehicle, it causes some of the most serious types of injuries. Truck accidents are also governed by both state and federal law, which makes them even more complex. It is also very challenging to determine which party is liable for a crash involving a truck. A Brattleboro personal injury lawyer can overcome these challenges, and the many others that these claims present.

Premises Liability Accidents

Premises liability refers to accidents that happen on someone else’s property, and for which the property owner is responsible. All property owners in Brattleboro are responsible for making sure their premises are safe for visitors to enter. When they do not and someone becomes hurt as a result, the property owner can be held liable. Slip and fall accidents, and criminal acts such as assault, are just a few of the most common types of premises liability accidents.

Accidents Caused by Defective Products

Consumers use many different products every day, including vehicles, medication, and major appliances. When these products are defective, they can cause an accident that results in very serious injuries. Manufacturers, distributors, sellers, and any other party that handles these products can be held liable for paying damages when someone becomes hurt by a defective product. In many cases, victims do not even have to prove negligence, only that the product was defective.

Medical Malpractice

The Vermont Medical Center and the Brattleboro Walk-In Clinic are just two of the great medical institutions in the town. In most cases, healthcare professionals provide the highest standard of care to patients in an effort to help them get better and recover from certain illnesses and injuries. Unfortunately, medical professionals are human and prone to make mistakes just like anyone else. The difference is that medical errors can result in catastrophic harm to patients. 

Like all other personal injury cases, medical malpractice cases are governed by very specific laws. However, these cases are some of the most complex. A Brattleboro personal injury lawyer can help you understand these laws, and protect your rights, so you claim the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Wrongful Death

Sadly, an accident is sometimes so serious, the victim does not survive it. In these cases, it is sometimes possible to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide family members with compensation for the loss, including a loss of companionship and support. In Brattleboro, as throughout the rest of Vermont, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. If the deceased did not have an estate plan that named a personal representative, the court will appoint one for them. Any damages that are awarded are then distributed among eligible family members.

Brattleboro Personal Injury FAQs

What are the steps to filing a personal injury claim?

A personal injury claim usually follows this sequence:

  1. Evidence gathering at the scene. Ideally, you will talk to witnesses and take pictures of the accident scene. If you are injured in a collision, you should also call the police.
  2. Initial medical care. You should prioritize getting well. Go to the hospital as soon as you are done at the accident scene so a doctor can diagnose any injuries.
  3. Contact with a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will know how to communicate with insurance companies about the claim and request additional information to use as evidence. Schedule consultations with lawyers to review your case.
  4. Ongoing medical care. You should participate in all rehabilitation or physical therapy recommended by your medical team and take all prescription drugs. The goal is to get as close to 100% as you can.
  5. Settlement negotiations. Once your lawyers have sufficient evidence of fault, they can reach out to the defendant to begin settlement talks.
  6. Litigation (if necessary). More than 90% of our personal injury cases settle. But sometimes we need to litigate in court to get fair compensation for your injuries.

What evidence do I need for a personal injury case?

The evidence will usually depend on the type of accident. But the purpose of evidence is to help recreate what happened. Once we “see” the accident, it’s easier to assign fault.

For a car or truck accident, we usually rely on:

  • Pictures of the cars and the scene
  • Witness statements
  • Any statements made by the other driver
  • Chemical test results (if the driver is suspected of being high or drunk)

How long will my case take?

A case can take as little as a few months or more than a year. There are many considerations. Where responsibility for the accident is clear, we can often settle in six months or less. Where there are disputes over fault, then you might wait more than a year. And if you must go to trial, then a case could take up to two years.

How much compensation will I receive?

Every case is unique. Typically, we request compensation for all out-of-pocket financial losses, such as:

  • Lost income, when your injuries are so painful or disruptive that you can’t work
  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation bills
  • Damage to your property, including your car
  • Future medical expenses or lost income

We can also request compensation for non-economic losses like:

  • Emotional distress
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Physical pain
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Contact our Brattleboro personal injury attorney to discuss how much you might receive for your injuries. Those bringing wrongful death cases often receive compensation for different losses.

How do I pay for medical care while I wait for a settlement?

Injured victims need immediate medical attention. Although you can request money for medical bills, you can’t wait 6 months to receive treatment. Typically, our clients use their health insurance to cover the cost of treatment. If you don’t have insurance, you might use medical payments insurance, or need to pay out of pocket.

How much time do I have to bring a claim?

You should not delay. Vermont’s statute of limitations spells out the maximum amount of time you have to sue as an accident victim. If you are filing a wrongful death claim, you get two years. Other personal injury cases typically have a three-year deadline.We highly recommend reaching out to our law firm as soon as possible so that you don’t inadvertently go over.

What is the one mistake I should avoid making after an accident?

The worst mistake is giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without having a lawyer present. Often, an accident victim is in so much pain that they say something that’s not entirely accurate. You need to be aware that insurance adjusters often try to pin blame on you. Anything that sounds like you are accepting responsibility for the accident can be used against you. With a lawyer by your side, we can clear up any confusing questions and help you refresh your memory of what happened.

Can I afford a lawyer?

Yes! You can afford to hire a Brattleboro personal injury attorney at Sabbeth Law. We can discuss our contingency fee agreements in greater detail in a consultation. Generally, our clients do not have to pay anything upfront to secure our assistance. Instead, we’ll reach an agreement to accept a portion of any settlement or court award in exchange for our representation. Injured victims deserve an experienced lawyer on their team.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Brattleboro for a Free Consultation

Regardless of how you sustained your injury, our Brattleboro personal injury lawyer at Sabbeth Law can advise on the facts of your case. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to obtain the sound legal advice you need.