Hurt by Your Neighbor’s Carelessness in Burlington? 

Life in Burlington should be peaceful, but when a neighbor’s carelessness turns your world upside down, it’s frustrating—maybe even infuriating. Whether you tripped on their crumbling sidewalk, got hurt by their aggressive dog, or suffered because they ignored property maintenance, you’re left dealing with pain and stress that isn’t your fault. So, what can you do?

If you're looking for top-tier representation, you can hire one of the best law firms in America. Medical bills pile up. Time off work drains your finances. Stress keeps you up at night. Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, is here to fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you need to move forward.

When a Neighbor’s Property Becomes a Hazard: What Vermont Law Says

In Vermont, property owners have a responsibility to keep their land safe.  This aligns with premises liability laws in the United States, which hold property owners accountable for hazardous conditions. Whether it’s an untrimmed tree, a broken walkway, or an aggressive dog, they need to address potential dangers before someone gets hurt. This is what Vermont law says about property hazards:

• Owners must maintain their property in a safe condition. Ignoring hazards like rotting trees or unstable porches can lead to liability if someone gets hurt.
• If a danger arises, they should fix it promptly. Letting a hazard sit too long, like a crumbling staircase or a sagging fence, puts people at risk.
• If someone gets injured due to an ignored danger, the owner is responsible. Say a neighbor knew their deck railing was loose but did nothing about it. If it collapses and injures you, that’s on them.
•  You can read more about Vermont’s dog bite liability laws under the Vermont Statutes on Dog Bites. If a dog has bitten or shown aggression before, the owner is responsible for future incidents. Leash laws and fencing requirements also play a role in liability.

If your neighbor ignored a serious problem and you got hurt because of it, you could have a case for compensation.

Was It a Falling Tree, a Fence, or a Dog? Understanding Your Rights

 According to Negligence Law, liability depends on whether the property owner failed to exercise reasonable care. But if they were careless, they should be held accountable. Let’s break it down:

• Falling Trees: A dead or dangerously leaning tree is a disaster waiting to happen. If your neighbor ignored obvious signs of decay and it crashed down on you, they could be responsible. But if a healthy tree falls in a storm, that’s a different story.
• Broken Fences: A fence isn’t just a boundary—it’s a safety feature. If a rickety, neglected fence collapses and causes an injury, the owner should have addressed it sooner.
• Dog Bites: Vermont’s "one-bite rule" means if a dog has shown aggression before, the owner can be held fully liable. Even without a previous bite, if they ignored leash laws or failed to control their dog, they could still be responsible.

 A Burlington attorney can help you navigate these cases and fight for what you’re owed. If your neighbor’s negligence put you in harm’s way, you have the right to take action.

What Happens If You’re Hurt on the Property Line? Who’s at Fault?

Things get tricky when an injury happens right on the property line. Who pays? The answer depends on a few key factors:

• Who Owns the Area? If you slip on an icy shared driveway, both property owners might share responsibility.
•  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also requires safe and accessible sidewalks, which can impact liability in certain cases.  This is in line with the Burlington City Ordinances on Sidewalk Maintenance. If your neighbor was supposed to salt the walkway but didn’t, they could be at fault.
• Was There Negligence? If a rotting tree straddles two properties, but only one owner was warned about the risk, they may be the one held liable.

These cases aren’t always black and white, but with the right legal approach, you can prove fault and get compensated.

The Damages You Can Recover After a Neighbor’s Negligence in Burlington

A serious injury can upend your life in an instant. The good news? You may be able to recover damages for the financial and emotional toll.

What Expenses Can You Claim?

• Medical Bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, medications, it all adds up.  Under tort law, injured parties have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses caused by another’s negligence.
• Lost Wages: Can’t work because of your injury? You shouldn’t have to drain your savings. Compensation can cover lost income so you can stay afloat.
• Pain and Suffering: Some injuries don’t just heal overnight. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, emotional trauma, or PTSD, you deserve to be compensated for the impact on your life.
• Property Damage: If a neighbor’s negligence damaged your car, house, or personal belongings, you can seek reimbursement. A falling tree or collapsed fence shouldn’t come out of your pocket.
• Future Medical Costs: If your injury requires long-term treatment, those expenses should be covered too.  Under Vermont’s personal injury laws, injured individuals may be entitled to damages for long-term medical needs.

If someone else’s carelessness disrupted your life, they should pay, not you.

How to Take Legal Action Without Turning Your Neighborhood into a Battlefield

Suing your neighbor sounds like a nightmare. No one wants to feel awkward every time they step outside. But when their negligence causes you harm, you can’t just ignore it. Here’s how to handle the situation without making it worse:

• Document everything – Take photos of the hazard, whether it’s an unshoveled sidewalk in January, a rotten tree branch ready to fall, or a loose dog running wild. Keep a record of medical visits, conversations, and any past complaints. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.
• Talk to your neighbor (if you can) – Sometimes, a simple conversation solves the problem. Maybe they didn’t realize their tree was damaging your fence, or their deck was a safety hazard. If they’re reasonable, they might fix the issue before things escalate.
• Know the local laws – Burlington has strict property maintenance rules and leash laws. If their negligence violates these ordinances, you may have solid legal ground. For instance, homeowners are responsible for keeping sidewalks safe in the winter, so if you slipped on an icy patch they ignored, that’s on them. You can check Burlington’s municipal code for more details.
• Get legal advice early – The sooner you talk to a Burlington personal injury attorney, the better. A good lawyer will tell you if you have a strong case and help you avoid unnecessary drama.

Mediation vs. a Lawsuit

Not every dispute needs a courtroom showdown. Mediation gives both sides a chance to work things out with a neutral third party. It’s faster, cheaper, and less stressful than a lawsuit. Plus, it helps preserve your sanity and your relationship with your neighbor.

But what if they refuse to take responsibility? Or their insurance company lowballs you? That’s when it’s time to take legal action. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills – ER visits, surgeries, rehab—you name it. If you broke your wrist after slipping on their neglected walkway, those costs add up fast. Under Vermont’s premises liability laws, property owners must maintain safe conditions for visitors.
• Lost wages – Can’t work because of your injury? Vermont law lets you seek reimbursement for lost income, so you’re not left struggling. The Vermont Workers' Compensation Act provides legal backing for wage recovery.
• Pain and suffering – Your injury isn’t just about money. If it’s caused lasting pain or impacted your daily life, you deserve compensation for that, too.
• Property damage – If their negligence damaged your car, home, or anything else, they should pay for the repairs. A fallen tree that crushed your fence? That’s their responsibility. Vermont’s property damage laws outline legal avenues for recovering losses.

Filing a lawsuit might sound intimidating, but sometimes it’s the only way to get what you deserve. Burlington courts take these cases seriously, and with the right legal team, you won’t have to fight alone.

Enough Is Enough! It's Time to Take Back Control

You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. If your neighbor’s carelessness has left you hurt, Horn Wright, LLP, is ready to fight for you. Our personal injury attorneys know how to handle these cases with care, getting you the compensation you need while keeping things as smooth as possible. 

Reach out today for a consultation.