Vermont § 985 - Injuries from defective bridges and culverts

§ 985. Injuries from defective bridges and culverts

• (a) If damage occurs to a person, or his or her property, by reason of the insufficiency
  or want of repair of a bridge or culvert that the town is liable to keep in repair,
  the person sustaining damage may recover in a civil action. If the damage accrues
  in consequence of the insufficiency or want of repair of a bridge erected and maintained
  by two or more towns, the action shall be brought against all the towns liable for
  the repairs. The damage and costs shall be paid by the towns in the proportions in
  which they are liable for the repairs. The court may issue execution against any
  or all towns for their proportion only, provided that the liability to any town shall
  not exceed $75,000.00 or, where insurance is carried, the maximum policy liability
  limits, whichever sum is greater, on account of injury to or death of a person and
  damage to his or her property. (b) Towns and other corporations shall not be liable for damage to a person or his or
  her property by reason of the insufficiency or want of repair of a bridge or culvert
  while traveling on the highway or bridge in violation of the provisions of Title 23
  regarding motor vehicle use. (Added 1985, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)