Personal Injury Law in Rutland, VT

Have you or a loved one experienced a life-altering injury in Rutland? Accidents happen, but when they result from negligence, the path to recovery should not be one you walk alone.

Personal injury cases are a substantial emotional and financial burden. Additionally, the litigation process can be exhaustive. Allowing a professional to help you take control can be necessary for the next steps in life.

This quick guide has local legal facts to consider and actionable tips. Take the first step today in securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law in Rutland relates to the legal process of getting compensation for an injury caused by someone else’s negligent behavior. These cases involve one party, the plaintiff, trying to seek financial compensation for expenses incurred and money lost as a result of the defendant’s reckless behavior. These cases involve both parties’ insurance companies and may even settle before proceeding to litigation.

Examples of Personal Injury Claims in Rutland, VT

Some personal injury claims are more common than others. However, almost any incident that ends with a physical or mental injury could qualify, depending on the circumstances.

A few of the most common personal injury claims are:

• Car Accidents
• Slip and Fall
• Dog Bites
• Medical Malpractice
• Workplace Accidents
• Burn Injuries

Most Common Injuries in Rutland 

Safe Streets Vermont reports motor vehicle crashes injure more people in the state than any other incident. Furthermore, the state points out that pedestrians or bicyclists in cities like Rutland are particularly vulnerable. Finally, it is notable that over 50% of pedestrian victims are 60+.

Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Rutland, VT

Once you determine that you wish to proceed forward with a personal injury action in Vermont

A lawsuit begins when a complaint is filed with the court and served on the defendant. The complaint alleges your assertion as the plaintiff that the defendant’s negligent behavior resulted in damage to your body or mental state. As the process proceeds forward, you may have to go through depositions, independent medical evaluations, and document production. This discovery process is lengthy and ends in either settlement or a court appearance.

Attorneys have the option to file for summary judgment after discovery includes. They ask the court to rule based on the evidence disclosed. The litigation goes to trial if the judge does not see fit to decide from the bench. A settlement can still happen until the judge or jury in Rutland starts deliberations. Otherwise, the final decision is up to them.

Vermont Personal Injury Settlement

With most personal injury cases, insurance companies and injured parties prefer settlement negotiations rather than going to court for a trial. You may wonder how much you should seek in your settlement and the factors that impact the final amount.

If the other party has insurance, the insurance company likely wants to settle out of court to avoid leaving the final settlement decision to a jury. Settlements benefit injured parties as much as they do insurance companies. This is because accepting a settlement means you receive compensation sooner rather than later. Also, by going to court in VT, that means you risk not receiving any compensation at all.

Damage Awards in Vermont

If your Vermont personal injury lawsuit goes before a judge or jury, your legal team will be ready with a request for damages. In personal injury cases, there are three types of damage awards a court may order the defendant to pay to compensate you for the damage he or she inflicted.

Special compensatory damages reimburse you for things such as lost income, medical bills, and insurance deductibles. You submit receipts proving these losses.

General compensatory damages are subjective. If you receive special compensatory damages, you may also collect general damages. If your injury was particularly painful, you might request that the judge order the defendant to compensate you for the pain and anguish.

Punitive damages are the most rarely awarded and are up to the court. The judge or jury may determine that the defendant’s negligence was particularly heinous and the resulting injury to you was equally horrific.

There are no limits on damages for personal injury lawsuits in Vermont currently. There is no predefined limit for elements like pain, suffering, or medical expenses for cases from Rutland.

Statute of Limitations in Rutland, VT Personal Injury Law?

The injured party may have a set amount of time to file suit for a personal injury case. State law establishes statutes of limitation. Commonly, the plaintiff’s injury or discovery of the injury begins the statute of limitations. However, the latter factor is trickier, as the plaintiff will have to prove when the injury was first realized.

Most personal injury cases from Rutland must start within three years. Nonetheless, there may be an exception if you reasonably could not discover the harm until later.

We recommend you speak with a personal injury lawyer for this matter. Don’t wait too long and miss out on receiving the compensation you deserve for your injury.

Work With an Experienced Rutland, VT Lawyer

Pursue a personal injury claim in Rutland against the responsible person if you are dealing with an injury caused by someone else. One of our experienced lawyers can help you navigate your personal injury claim. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Vermont state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!