Burlington Gig Workers Are Getting Exploited After an Injury

Injured While Working in Burlington? These Companies Want You to Think You Have No Rights

Gig work can be a lifesaver. It’s flexible, it’s quick cash, and it lets you be your own boss—until something goes wrong. What happens when you’re injured on the job? Companies like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart want you to think you’re on your own. They call you an “independent contractor” to dodge responsibility, leaving you with the medical bills, lost income, and no safety net. That’s where personal injury lawyers come in: they know the loopholes these companies use and can help you fight back. 

Here’s the truth: You’ve got rights. Just because they say you’re not an employee doesn’t mean they’re off the hook. Burlington has protections for injured workers—yes, even gig workers like you. Vermont labor laws provide certain rights and protections that companies don’t want you to know about. You don’t have to take the hit for their greed. At Horn Wright, LLP, we fight for workers like you, making sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Tired of Risking Your Safety? Burlington Gig Workers Can Hold Employers Accountable

Let’s be honest: gig work isn’t just a side hustle—it’s risky. You’re dodging traffic, rushing to meet tight deadlines, and working unpredictable hours. Accidents happen, but when they do, the companies making billions off your labor want nothing to do with it.

Gig workers deal with serious risks every day, like:

• Car accidents while making deliveries or picking up passengers – The National Safety Council reports that rideshare and delivery drivers face higher accident risks due to long hours and constant app notifications.
• Slip-and-fall injuries while carrying orders – The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that delivery workers experience more falls than most other jobs, thanks to unshoveled sidewalks, uneven driveways, and wet floors.
• Repetitive stress injuries from hours behind the wheel or heavy lifting – Studies show that gig drivers who work 40+ hours a week are at risk for chronic back pain, carpal tunnel, and joint problems.
• Late-night assaults – The U.S. Department of Labor says gig workers—especially those on overnight shifts—are at a higher risk of being robbed or attacked on the job.

You shouldn’t have to pay the price for their broken system. These companies set the rules—you deserve to hold them accountable when you get hurt. Personal injury lawyers in Burlington can help you push back and demand the compensation you’re owed. Plus, Vermont’s workers’ compensation laws may provide benefits even if your employer claims you’re not eligible. These companies set the rules—you deserve to hold them accountable when you get hurt.

Lost Wages? No Pay Stubs? Here’s How Burlington Gig Workers Can Get Paid Anyway

If you’re hurt and can’t work, you need income—simple as that. But since gig companies don’t offer sick pay, workers' comp, or even real pay stubs, proving lost wages can feel impossible.

Here’s what you can do:

• Use your app earnings history or bank statements – Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart keep records of your completed gigs. These can show what you were making before your injury.
• Check your tax returns or past earnings reports – The IRS recognizes gig income, and your previous tax filings can prove your average wages.
• Save screenshots of missed job opportunities – If you can’t accept rides or deliveries because of your injury, keep a record. Missed earnings count, too.

Depending on how you were injured, you might also have a claim for workers' comp, personal injury damages, or even a lawsuit against the company. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and maximize your claim. In fact, under Vermont’s personal injury statutes, you may be entitled to compensation beyond just lost wages and medical bills. Don’t assume you’re out of options just because your employer isn’t cutting you a check.

Who’s Actually Responsible When a Burlington Gig Worker Gets Hurt?

Big gig companies love to say, “You’re your own boss.” But the second something goes wrong, they ghost you. So who’s actually responsible when you get hurt?

How Employers Shift Liability to Avoid Paying Damages

These companies have a playbook, and it’s designed to protect their profits—not you:

• Calling you an ‘independent contractor’ to avoid paying benefits – The Economic Policy Institute estimates that misclassification costs workers 30% of their earnings in lost benefits and protections.
• Forcing you into arbitration – A 2021 study found that over 60 million workers are blocked from suing in court because they signed arbitration agreements—often without realizing it.
• Offering barely-there insurance – Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, but they leave huge gaps—like not covering injuries that happen when you’re waiting for a ride request.

But here’s the good news: these tactics don’t always hold up. Gig workers in Burlington and across the country have fought back—and won. Don’t take their word for it when they say you’re out of luck.

Hurt While Working for Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart in Burlington? Here’s What They Won’t Tell You

These companies aren’t in the business of looking out for you. They won’t tell you that you might be able to recover money for:

• Medical bills from a work-related injury – Some gig platforms offer limited insurance, but they make it hard to access and often stick you with high deductibles.
• Lost wages—even if you’re an independent contractor – If you can prove lost income due to an injury, you may be eligible for compensation through disability benefits or a legal claim.
• A lawsuit if their policies made your job unsafe – Unrealistic delivery times, constant app notifications, and lack of safety training? If their business model contributed to your injury, you could have grounds for a negligence claim.

They also won’t tell you that you don’t have to fight this battle alone. You deserve to get paid, to heal, and to move forward without worrying about how you’ll survive. But that only happens if you stand up for your rights—and demand what’s yours.

Don’t Let Them Get Away With It—Take Action Today

You work hard, and you deserve to be treated fairly. If you’ve been injured while working for a gig company in Burlington, don’t let them push you aside. You have options. Whether it’s fighting for lost wages, medical bills, or holding them accountable for unsafe working conditions, you don’t have to do it alone. Horn Wright, LLP, is here to help you take action. As one of the best law firms in America, our experienced personal injury lawyers know the tactics these companies use to deny responsibility—and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Because your rights matter, and you shouldn’t have to fight this battle by yourself.