Vermont Personal Injury Laws
Vermont follows a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar and has no statutory cap on non-economic damages in personal injury or medical malpractice cases. The state's small size and rural character result in relatively few major personal injury trials, but Burlington's growing legal community handles a range of claims. Vermont's ski industry generates a unique category of personal injury litigation.
Statute of Limitations
3 years
Fault Rule
Modified Comparative Fault (50% Bar)
Non-Economic Damages Cap
No Cap
Fault Rule: Modified Comparative Fault (50% Bar)
You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Average Settlement Amounts in Vermont
Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, liability, and other factors. Below are estimated average settlements for common injury types in Vermont.
| Injury Type | Average Settlement |
|---|---|
| Car Accident | $20,000 |
| Slip and Fall | $16,000 |
| Dog Bite | $29,000 |
Key Vermont Personal Injury Statutes
- •Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 512 (statute of limitations)
- •Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 1036 (modified comparative fault, 51% bar)
- •Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 20, § 3546 (dog bite liability)
Damage Caps in Vermont
Vermont does not impose a general cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no statutory limit on pain and suffering awards in most cases.
Vermont does not have a specific medical malpractice damages cap.
Injury Claims in Vermont
Learn more about specific injury types and how Vermont law applies to each.
Major Cities in Vermont
Personal injury attorneys in Vermont serve clients in Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Barre, Montpelier, and surrounding areas. If you have been injured in any of these cities, the same state laws described above apply to your claim.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in your state.