Can I claim for injuries in the USA from the UK?

The USA is a popular destination for UK travellers, whether for holidays or business trips. Yet if you’ve been injured or made ill, it can turn what was supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable trip into a difficult and stressful experience.

We understand that suffering an injury in any foreign country can be a worrying time, particularly if you need to access medical attention and are worried about how to ensure you get the best care and are not left out of pocket. At Slater and Gordon, we’ve acted for a great many clients who have been injured while on business or holiday while in the US, in accidents such as:

• Road traffic accidents: where another driver's negligence or a poor road surface was to blame
• Holiday accidents: including poolside slips, hotel trips and even theme park ride failures caused by poor maintenance
• Accidents at work: if you work in the US, your employer has a duty of care to protect you from injury
• Skiing and other sports injuries: where the venue or another user's negligence has caused an injury
• Assaults and terrorism: where you have been assaulted or caught up in a terrorist incident
• Legionnaires' disease: or indeed any other illness that has been caused by negligence

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many more circumstances in which illness or injury could be caused unnecessarily. If you or a loved one has suffered during a trip to the US, get in touch with our industry-leading team of travel solicitors to discuss making a No Win No Fee compensation claim.

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What should I do if I have an accident in America?

You may be understandably rattled and concerned if you or a loved one has been injured during a trip to the USA, however there is help available. If your injuries or illness is serious, seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also contact your travel insurance provider, as your policy should cover the cost of any medical treatment you require.

When you are ready and able to do so, you should consider reaching out to a specialist travel solicitor to discuss making a USA accident claim for compensation. At Slater and Gordon, our team of expert solicitors have many years’ experience in handling complex cases abroad, and have strong partnerships with legal experts based in the USA. This mean that no matter the circumstances, we are perfectly placed to fight your case and secure the compensation you deserve.

When you first reach out, we’ll take a detailed account of what has happened and the injuries or illness you have suffered. We’ll be able to tell you straight away whether we think you have a case and the next steps for taking it forward. Throughout it all, we’ll be there to support you and offer you industry-leading guidance, so you’ll never feel like you’re going it alone.

To start your USA accident claim, get in touch with our team on 0330 041 5869 or arrange a call back online at a time that suits you.

Can I claim compensation in the UK for a USA accident?

When claiming compensation for an injury or illness suffered abroad, there are certain circumstances in which you will be able to pursue action through the UK courts. However, it could be necessary to make your claim through foreign courts, so it is important that when you speak to a solicitor, you chose one with a good track record of working with legal experts abroad.

One of the most important factors in determining where your claim will be pursued is who is deemed to be the liable party. If your claim is made against a person or company based in the UK, it is possible to pursue legal action here.

However, if they are based in the US, it could mean that action needs to be taken through the US courts. While this may take a little longer, it’s worth noting that US law is often more generous in the damages it awards for injury than English law.

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Can I claim back any medical expenses as part of a USA accident claim?

Simply put, yes you can. While most people will be able to cover the cost of any medical treatment in the USA using their travel insurance, this isn’t always the case and where you’ve had to pay for any medical expenses, this cost can be recovered as part of your compensation claim.

It doesn’t matter if your claim is pursued in the UK or the US, or if you had travel insurance. The aim of any compensation claim is to provide recompense for the impact your injuries or illness have had on your life, including any financial outlay. This means that any money spent because of your injuries – including medical treatment or travel costs – can be recovered in your claim. Generally speaking, your claim should consider:

• The severity of your injuries, both physical and psychological
• Any loss of earnings in the short and long term
• Any additional financial losses, such as medical or travel expenses
• The cost of any modifications needed to your home or mobility aids
• The cost of your holiday or travel, and compensation for loss of enjoyment

Why choose Slater and Gordon?

When claiming compensation for an injury or illness that happened in the US, it’s important that you choose a solicitor with a proven track record of working with the US courts successfully. At Slater and Gordon, we have a strong network of relationships with solicitors and legal experts based in the US, allowing us to handle claims quickly and effectively, securing the compensation our clients deserve to support their recovery.

Our industry-leading team specialise in cases dealing with personal injury cases with a foreign element. We work closely with medical experts and foreign solicitors who provide us with invaluable insights to expedite your claim swiftly and efficiently – no matter where or how you were injured.

When you choose our travel lawyers, you will not only be getting legal expertise for your holiday claim but a dedicated and empathetic lawyer who will help you get the compensation you deserve.