Lost Wages in a Vermont Personal Injury Claim
If an injury caused by another party's negligence forced you out of work in Vermont, you can recover lost wages and future earning capacity as part of your claim. Here is exactly how to document, calculate, and recover your income losses.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Modified comparative fault (51% bar)
Fault System
3 years
Filing Deadline
At-Fault
Auto System
What Lost Wages You Can Recover in Vermont
Past Lost Wages
All income you lost from the date of the accident through settlement or verdict — including salary, hourly wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment income.
Future Lost Earnings
If your injury causes permanent or long-term disability affecting your ability to work, you can recover the present value of future income losses. Expert economic testimony is typically required.
Lost Business Income
Self-employed individuals and business owners can claim documented lost profits caused by their inability to work.
Benefits & PTO Used
Sick days, vacation days, and other benefits consumed due to your injury may be recoverable as lost wages.
No-Fault vs At-Fault in Vermont
Vermont Injury Law
Vermont applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. The statute of limitations is 3 years. Vermont does not require no-fault PIP insurance. Vermont's ski industry and outdoor recreation sector generate distinctive personal injury claims, including ski accident, snowmobile, and hiking injury cases. Vermont's Act 250 land use law and environmental focus create unique premises liability issues. Vermont has no general cap on compensatory damages. Vermont courts apply pure discovery rule principles for latent injury cases. Medical malpractice claims in Vermont have a 3-year limitation period under 12 V.S.A. § 521. Vermont has no statutory Dram Shop Act, but courts recognize common law vendor liability for over-service of alcohol in some circumstances. Workers' compensation in Vermont is administered by the Department of Labor and provides the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. Vermont courts are relatively uncrowded compared to urban states, often resulting in faster case resolution.