Q: Fell through makeshift floor vent injuring my knee. Was working at a residence. Unsure who's responsible or what to do.

A: A Vermont attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. If the accident occurred in the course of employment, a good starting point could be to consult with a workers' comp attorney. If there are elements of the accident that indicate a possible basis for claims outside of WC, you could ask the workers' comp attorney about those. Many workers' compensation attorneys offer free initial consults. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

A: Your question doesn't tell us enough to answer it.

First, we need to know who owned and/or controlled the place where you were injured.

Second, we need to know why you were on the premises and what your status on there was.

Where you a tenant of the premises?

Where you there to transact business?

Had you been invited there?

Were you a trespasser?

Under current Vermont law your rights would differ in each situation.

Third, once we understand your status, we would need to evaluate whether the person who owned or controlled premises failed to take reasonable care to protect you, or people like you, from harm and/or showed willful and wanton disregard for your safety.

Fourth and finally, we would need to evaluate whether you took, or failed to take, reasonable steps to protect yourself.

With this information, we could evaluate whether you have a claim.

It sounds like you could use a consultation with an experienced Vermont personal injury lawyer.