A slip and fall accident may sound minor compared to a serious car crash, but these incidents can be life-altering. In a single moment, a dangerous condition can lead to severe injuries involving the head, neck, back, or spine. Even when injuries initially seem minor, they can worsen over time, resulting in chronic pain, extended medical treatment, and lost income. For many victims, a slip and fall accident affects not only their health, but also their ability to support themselves and their families.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace fatal falls remain a serious concern nationwide, and Vermont has historically reported rates that exceed the national average in certain years. These statistics underscore how dangerous falls can be—especially when property owners fail to address known hazards.
At Kramer Law, P.C., our Brattleboro slip and fall accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take. We are committed to helping injured individuals hold negligent property owners accountable and pursue the full compensation they deserve.
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere people walk, including stores, apartment buildings, offices, sidewalks, and parking lots. Common causes include:
Vermont’s long winters significantly increase slip and fall risks due to snow and ice. During seasonal thaws, mud, slush, and debris can create additional hazards. Property owners have a legal duty to address dangerous conditions within a reasonable period of time. When they fail to do so and someone is injured, the victim may be entitled to financial compensation.
Slip and fall accidents can affect people of all ages, but older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable. Common injuries include:
Serious injuries such as hip fractures often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Even injuries that appear minor at first can worsen over time, leading to long-term medical care, physical therapy, and chronic pain.
Under Vermont premises liability law, an injured person must generally prove the following elements to recover compensation:
Strong evidence is critical in slip and fall cases. Helpful evidence may include:
The Brattleboro slip and fall lawyers at Kramer Law, P.C. conduct thorough investigations, preserve key evidence, and work with experts when necessary to build strong personal injury claims for compensation.
Vermont follows a modified comparative negligence standard. If an injured person is partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
Example:
If a jury awards $100,000 in damages but finds the injured person 10% at fault, the total recovery would be reduced to $90,000.
Anyone found to be 50% or more at fault is barred from recovering damages. Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto slip and fall victims to reduce payouts. An experienced attorney can push back against these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation.
Depending on the circumstances, slip and fall accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Taking the right steps after a slip and fall can significantly impact your claim:
Do I need to prove the property owner intended to cause my fall?
No. Vermont law requires proof of negligence, not intent. You must show the owner failed to act reasonably.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Vermont?
In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you may still recover damages, reduced by your share of responsibility.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall claim?
You are not required to have an attorney, but experienced legal representation can significantly improve your chances of a fair outcome.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you do not have to face insurance companies alone. Our Brattleboro slip and fall accident lawyers at Kramer Law, P.C. are ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 802-257-2221 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Our office is located in Brattleboro, Vermont, and we proudly serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.
