USA Accident Claims

In the UK, you usually need to make a compensation claim within three years of your accident or illness.

In fatal cases, the family of the deceased has three years to make a claim, starting from either the date your loved one died, or the date you received the post-mortem results.

However, these time limits vary a great deal from country to country and are much shorter in some countries, so when an accident or illness has taken place abroad, it's vital that you contact us as soon as possible. We are experts in international law, and have a worldwide network of partner law firms that we work with, so we'll be able to advise you on specific time limits.

If your illness or accident has resulted in a hospital stay in another country, it's still vital that you contact us as soon as possible to ensure you get your claim started within the relevant time limits.

We can begin working on your claim while you're still abroad – all you need to do is contact us.

You can often claim in the UK even when an accident occurred abroad, though this will vary depending on your circumstances. Most importantly, it will usually depend on who is deemed responsible for your injuries.

If your claim is against a person or company based in the US, sometimes the only option is to make a claim through the US courts. This may lead to the recovery of substantial damages as US law often provides for damages which are more generous than under English law.

If this is the case, we work with a network of excellent US lawyers to help our clients claim compensation. We will still handle every aspect of your case in co-operation with one of our US colleagues.

The vast majority of claims settle without going to court. In the unlikely event that your opponent doesn't make a reasonable proposal to settle your claim and you do have to appear in court in the US, we will be there to represent and support you and your family.

Time limits for making a claim in the UK are generally three years, but if you do have to claim in the USA it can vary from state to state. It's important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to work out the best place to make a claim, and get the process started.

The cost of treatment and hospital stays in the USA are often a concern following an accident. Many who are injured in the US will have travel insurance to help cover these costs, but this isn't always the case.

If you've incurred any medical expenses in the US, then these can be included as part of the cost of your claim. This is the case whether you're claiming through the UK or US courts, and also whether you had insurance or not.

The amount of compensation you receive should reflect the true impact that an accident has had on your life. As well as medical expenses you've had to pay in the USA, we'll also consider claiming compensation for:

• Your condition, and its severity
• Psychological trauma experienced
• Current and future loss of earnings if you've had to stop working in the short or long-term
• Medical expenses you've had or will have to pay in the USA or at home in the UK for ongoing care or support, as well as travel expenses to any appointments
• Modifications to your home
• Mobility aids
• The amount you had spent on your holiday or travel abroad, and the loss of enjoyment you've experienced
• Your pain and suffering.

If you have any concerns or questions about the claims process in general, please give us a call for a free initial consultation on your case, where we'll discuss your circumstances and talk you through your options.

When making a compensation claim for an accident that happened in another country, it helps to have the experts on your side. We have the largest and most successful international personal injury team in the UK, claiming hundreds of millions of pounds for accidents and illnesses overseas.

We have long-standing relationships with law firms in America who work with us while we pursue your claim. You can rest assured that we have all the experience and know-how needed to pursue your claim in the USA.

As well as successfully representing numerous victims of accidents in the US over the past 30 years, our experience also extends to a number of high-profile incidents, including successfully helping victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks access compensation, as well as successfully representing a number of British nationals seriously injured in a coach crash in Nevada.

Whatever the nature of your injury, our top priority is to make sure you get the rehabilitation you are entitled to, and a compensation settlement that reflects the severity of your injury and the suffering and disruption it has caused. Throughout the entire process of your claim, we will aim to explain everything to you in plain English and make sure that you are aware of all your options at every stage. We will always take your long-term needs into account when putting your claim together, including the cost of any future medical treatment or counselling you may need.