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Paul Harding

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Paul Harding

If you were injured because someone failed to maintain a safe property, our attorneys at Harding Mazzotti, LLP provide compassionate guidance. Backed by the resources of one of the Northeast’s most recognized personal injury law firms, our trusted Manchester slip and fall accident lawyers fight to hold negligent property owners accountable while pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to.

Call 800-529-1010 to schedule a free case review or complete our online contact form to get started.

Why Choose Harding Mazzotti, LLP for Your Manchester Slip and Fall Case?

Harding Mazzotti, LLP has the resources to investigate your accident. Our experienced lawyers will preserve critical evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts when needed, and build a strong claim for compensation. Whether negotiating with an insurance company or preparing your case for trial, our Manchester slip and fall attorneys fight aggressively while treating every client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

Over the past 30 years, we have recovered more than $1 billion for injured clients. Backed by more than 40 attorneys and 120 support staff, we provide the resources of a large law firm while maintaining the personalized service of a smaller practice. We are available 24/7, offer free consultations, charge no fee unless we win, and proudly serve the Manchester community from our staffed Manchester Center office. This local presence reflects our commitment to community involvement and our belief that helping people extends beyond the courtroom.

How Do Vermont Laws Affect Your Slip and Fall Claim?

Several Vermont negligence laws may affect your ability to recover compensation after a slip and fall accident. Understanding the deadlines for filing a claim and how fault is determined can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions after an injury.

Vermont's Statute of Limitations

In most cases, Vermont law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident results in a wrongful death, the deadline is generally two years from the date of death. Waiting too long can make it more difficult to preserve evidence and may prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether.

Vermont's Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Vermont follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if you were partially responsible for your fall, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation, however, will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even a small share of responsibility can affect the value of your claim, making a thorough investigation and strong supporting evidence especially important.

How Do You Prove a Slip and Fall Case in Vermont?

To recover compensation, you must show that a property owner, business, or another responsible party failed to use reasonable care to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition. You could also show that the responsible party failed to warn lawful visitors about hazards they knew or reasonably should have known about.

To prove a slip and fall claim, you must show:

  • Duty of care: The property owner or manager owed you a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions or warn lawful visitors about known hazards.
  • Breach of duty: The owner or manager failed to address a dangerous condition or provide an adequate warning within a reasonable period of time.
  • Causation: The unsafe condition directly caused your slip and fall accident and the injuries you suffered.
  • Damages: You experienced measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or other harm resulting from the accident.

An experienced Manchester personal injury lawyer can investigate and help gather the evidence needed to support each element of your claim.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Manchester Slip and Fall?

A serious slip and fall accident can leave you with significant financial and personal losses. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages. While every case is unique and personal injury settlement amounts vary based on the facts, the goal of a claim is to help you recover the losses you’ve experienced and the costs you may continue to face in the future.

You may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical care related to your injuries.
  • Lost income: Wages lost while you recover, reduced earning capacity, and future income losses if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries.
  • Wrongful death damages: If a slip and fall accident results in a loved one’s death, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may pursue compensation on behalf of eligible surviving family members.

What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents in Manchester?

Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, but certain conditions are especially common in Manchester. Long Vermont winters often leave sidewalks, parking lots, and walkways covered with snow and ice. During warmer months, increased tourism can lead to busy businesses, inns, restaurants, and retail properties. Unsafe conditions can easily develop if hazards are not addressed promptly.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

  • Wet floors: Recently mopped floors, spills, and slick entryways at businesses along Route 7A can create unexpected hazards.
  • Uneven walking surfaces: Cracked pavement, uneven sidewalks, loose flooring, and historic walkways in Manchester Village can increase the risk of a fall.
  • Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see changes in elevation, obstacles, or other dangerous conditions.
  • Missing handrails: Broken or missing handrails on stairs, ramps, and walkways can increase the likelihood of a serious fall.

What Injuries Can Result From a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident can cause far more than cuts and bruises. Depending on how the fall occurs, victims may suffer serious injuries that require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term medical care. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to severe fall-related injuries, but people of any age can experience lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences after a preventable fall.

Common slip and fall injuries include:

  • Hip and wrist fractures: These injuries often require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended recovery periods that can limit mobility and independence.
  • Traumatic brain injuries: A traumatic brain injury may occur when the head strikes the ground or another object, potentially causing lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or permanent paralysis.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments, muscle strains, and other soft tissue injuries can cause ongoing pain and restrict your ability to work or perform everyday activities.

Talk to a Manchester Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

Recovering from a slip and fall accident can be challenging, but you do not have to go through the legal process on your own. Every case we handle is guided by the same commitment to responsive service, compassionate support, and personalized attention that clients describe in their testimonials.

Our legal team at Harding Mazzotti, LLP is ready to help you understand your rights, investigate your claim, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to recover. You can meet with us at our Manchester Center office location at 5046 Main Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255, or take advantage of our other office locations and additional appointment centers for added convenience.

Call Harding Mazzotti, LLP today at 800-529-1010 for your free consultation or complete our online contact form to discuss your case with a Manchester slip and fall lawyer.