Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Burlington

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Burlington, Vermont?

  Non-emergency cases can be reported to the Burlington Police Department at 802-658-2704.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Burlington, Vermont?

  Residents of Burlington can obtain a copy of the police report by visiting https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/Police/Records-Request. Interested parties are encouraged to provide as much information as possible when completing the form.

• What is the difference between a personal injury claim and a lawsuit in Burlington?

  A personal injury lawsuit in Burlington requires a victim to file a formal complaint through a local court with or without an attorney. On the other hand, a personal injury claim simply requires a victim to report the incident to the insurance carrier with the information regarding the accident, assumed due to another person's negligence.

• What does a personal injury attorney in Burlington do to help a case?

  There are many things a personal injury lawyer in Burlington can do to build your case, and the most significant is protecting and asserting your civil rights. Hiring an attorney can also help you gather evidence, identify liable parties, protect you against the other party's insurance company, and obtain fair compensation for you in negotiations or court.

• Are settlement amounts received from a personal injury case in Burlington taxable?

  Personal injury settlements are not subjected to tax. As stated in the federal tax code, financial recoveries other than punitive damages from workers' compensation and personal injury cases, either from agreements or lawsuits, are exempted from taxation unless you have taken deductions for medical costs. If you encounter this situation, it is encouraged that you get advice from a qualified tax person.

• How long does it take to resolve a personal injury case in Burlington?

  Determining how long a personal injury case in Burlington will take depends on several factors, including the length of the investigation and evaluation. Each case is unique, and other factors to be considered are the types of injuries sustained and the course of treatment, the insurance companies involved, and whether the case can be settled without going to trial.

• How to determine if a person has a valid personal injury case in Burlington?

  To determine if you can file a personal injury case in Burlington against a negligent party, you must have suffered damages, such as physical or psychological harm. You will also need proof or evidence to support your claim and show the losses you have incurred due to the injuries. Due to the complexity of the elements, it can be challenging for most people to decide if they have a case without speaking with an attorney.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.