Saved Someone in Burlington and Got Hurt?

A Life-Saving Act Shouldn't Ruin Yours

You didn’t think twice. You saw someone in danger and jumped in to help. Maybe you pulled someone from a burning car on Main Street, stopped a robbery near Church Street, or gave CPR to a stranger at Waterfront Park. Whatever the situation, you put someone else’s life before your own. But now, you're the one suffering. You’re in pain, facing medical bills, maybe even out of work. It doesn’t feel fair, does it? A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Doing the right thing shouldn’t leave you paying the price. But getting compensated for your injuries isn’t always straightforward. You need to know your rights—and fast.

The Real Risks of Stepping in to Help

When adrenaline kicks in, you don’t stop to think about what could go wrong. But being a hero comes with real risks:

• Serious Injuries: A bad fall, a car accident, a violent encounter—you could end up with broken bones, a concussion, or worse. Some rescuers suffer lifelong disabilities.
• Emotional Toll: Witnessing a traumatic event or getting hurt yourself can lead to PTSD, anxiety, or depression. The mental scars can last longer than the physical ones.
• Financial Hit: The cost of an ambulance ride, ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy—it all adds up. If you can’t work while you recover, lost wages make it even worse.

It’s not just about what happened in the moment. It’s about everything you’re dealing with now—and how to make things right. A Burlington attorney can help you explore your legal options and determine the best course of action.

Who Should Be Held Responsible for Your Injuries?

You were trying to help. So why should you be the one suffering the consequences? Depending on what happened, there may be someone legally responsible for covering your losses:

• The Person You Helped: If their reckless behavior puts you in danger—like a drunk driver causing a crash—they might be liable for your injuries.
• A Third Party: Maybe it wasn’t the victim’s fault at all. A negligent property owner, business, or even another bystander’s actions could have created the dangerous situation.
• Your Employer: If you were injured while helping at work, you might have a workers’ comp claim, even if the rescue wasn’t technically part of your job.

It all depends on the details, and that’s where an experienced attorney can help sort things out.

Burlington’s “Good Samaritan” Laws: Are They on Your Side?

Vermont has laws designed to protect Good Samaritans like you. The state's Good Samaritan Law offers legal immunity to those who provide emergency assistance. But here’s the catch: they mostly protect you from being sued. They don’t necessarily guarantee you compensation if you get hurt.

Where These Laws Protect You—and Where They Don’t

Vermont law says you can’t be held legally responsible for trying to help someone in an emergency—unless you act recklessly. That’s great if you’re worried about getting sued, but it doesn’t help if you’re the one who needs financial support.

The Dangers of Legal Ambiguity

The law is full of gray areas, and that can leave injured rescuers in a tough spot:

• Unclear Legal Recourse: Because Good Samaritan laws don’t guarantee compensation, you might have to fight for coverage through other legal channels.
• Massive Medical Bills: The average ER visit in the U.S. costs over $2,000. A hospital stay? That can hit $10,000 or more. Without the right coverage, you could drown in debt.
• Fear of Helping Next Time: If people think they’ll be left with bills and no support, they might hesitate to step in next time. And that could cost lives.

This system isn’t always fair, but there are ways to fight for what you deserve. A Burlington personal injury attorney can help you navigate these challenges and ensure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistakes.

When the System Fails: Who Pays for a Rescuer’s Medical Bills?

You did the right thing. Now, you’re stuck dealing with the fallout. So, who’s supposed to cover your medical costs?

The Legal Battle of Insurance Claims

Insurance companies don’t like paying out—especially for something as legally complicated as a Good Samaritan injury. Here’s what you might be dealing with:

• Health Insurance: Might cover some costs, but high deductibles, co-pays, and denied claims could leave you paying thousands out of pocket.
• Liability Insurance: If someone else’s negligence caused the situation, their insurance might have to pay—but expect a fight.
• Workers’ Compensation: If you were on the job, your employer’s insurance might cover you. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) ensures workplace safety regulations, which could be relevant in workplace-related rescues. But they could try to argue that your injuries weren’t work-related.

How to Fight Back Against Unfair Denials

If an insurance company denies your claim, don’t just accept it. You have options:

1. Get a Copy of the Denial Letter: You need to know exactly why they’re refusing to pay.
2. Gather Evidence: Medical records, witness statements, security footage—anything that proves your case.
3. Talk to an Attorney: A lawyer who knows the system can negotiate with insurers and take them to court if necessary.
4. File an Appeal: Many denials can be overturned with the right approach. But deadlines are tight, so don’t wait.

Crime Fighters Beware: If You Were Hurt Stopping a Criminal, What Happens?

You stepped in to stop a crime. Now what?

Can the City or State Compensate You?

Vermont has a Victims Compensation Program that may help cover:

• Medical expenses
• Counseling for trauma
• Lost wages if you’re too injured to work

But it has limits. If your injuries weren’t directly caused by the crime itself, you might not qualify.

Holding the Perpetrator Legally Accountable

You can sue the person who hurt you—but let’s be real. Criminals aren’t usually swimming in cash. Even if you win a lawsuit, collecting damages can be a whole other battle.

Horn Wright, LLP: Protecting Those Who Protect Others

You didn’t hesitate to help. Now, you shouldn’t have to hesitate to get the support you deserve. At Horn Wright, LLP, ranked as one of the best law firms in America, we fight for Good Samaritans like you. Whether it’s an insurance claim, a lawsuit, or workers’ comp, we’ll take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing. Don’t get stuck paying for someone else’s mistakes. 

Contact our Burlington office today for a free consultation and get the legal support you deserve.