Accident Abroad Claims

Every year, thousands of people are injured in accidents while abroad. Thankfully, much like in the UK, there are usually laws in place to help people injured in accidents overseas. If you've been injured while abroad, whether for work or leisure, in an accident that wasn't your fault, our lawyers could help you claim compensation.

The laws around making compensation claims can differ from country to country, and the procedure may also be different depending on whether you were on holiday, or were working abroad. In these situations, it helps to have the experts on your side.

We have the UK's largest and most successful team of lawyers specialising in making accident claims abroad, with several of our lawyers recognised internationally as leaders in the field.

We also have more than 25 years of experience in pursuing claims following a wide range of accidents abroad, including:

Most of the international personal injury claims we handle are made in England & Wales. But in some cases, it may be beneficial to make your claim abroad. We can advise you on this in a free initial consultation about making a claim.

Sometimes, we may advise clients that their claim would be best made in Scotland, as the laws there are slightly different to England and Wales. This could make for a better settlement for you.

Compensation claims in England, Wales, and Scotland are normally funded through a No Win No Fee agreement. This means that there's nothing to pay upfront, and that you won’t have to pay any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful*.

If you've been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault while abroad, contact us on 0800 121 6558 for a free initial consultation on your case. Alternatively, you can contact us online and we’ll get back to you.

There's no obligation to continue with us after this conversation – you're free to just ask us for our advice on whether or not you can make a claim.

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Accident Abroad Claims - More Information

Follow these expert tips to protect yourself from accidents while away on holiday and prepare yourself in case you suffer an injury:

Insurance

Before travelling, make sure you have travel insurance with good medical assistance cover for the whole duration of your trip
Post Brexit the EHIC scheme has been replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which can give you similar state healthcare to residents in those countries. Apply for that on the government website or at your local post office for free, ensure it is up to date and keep it with you when you travel. These are free cards, do not use websites that charge a fee for the service.
Don’t rely on an EHIC or GHIC alone. This doesn’t cover all expenses if something happens to you. For example, it wouldn’t cover the cost for you to be repatriated by air ambulance back home if you were seriously injured
It’s important to read the fine print of your insurance policy to make sure it gives you the right level of cover. Look out for policy limits and exclusions

Health and safety

Keep an eye out for safety advice and warning signs around your holiday complex or the local area on how to avoid injury. The same advice goes for excursions
Check for any faults when you arrive at your accommodation and report these to hotel staff or your holiday rep. If possible, take photographs to provide evidence of potential safety breaches
Request a sticker from hotel staff to place on any glass doors, if there’s isn’t already one

Reporting accidents

Report any accident as soon as possible to your resort representative, hotel staff or accommodation owner
Contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible after an accident to get advice on your level of medical cover. Some companies have a strict period for making a claim, which is worth checking before you travel. It’s also useful to keep the contact number for your provider to hand
Make sure that your accident has been recorded in the hotel’s accident book, and keep a copy of it
If possible, take photographs of where the accident happened and what might have caused it
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact details
If you seek medical attention, keep a report of any doctor’s notes, hospital documentation, and medical treatment receipts
Try to keep a diary of your appointments or any discussions with hotel staff or management following an injury.

Person relaxing by the sea with no legal worries

I am relieved that our legal battle is finally over. Our holiday was a nightmare and we were so disappointed. We’re glad Irwin Mitchell has managed to achieve a successful outcome for us."

David, client

Jason's Story

“Securing the ongoing funding for his exoskeleton was extremely important to Jason, and has enabled him to walk again; something he hasn’t been able to do since the accident. " – Bronwen Lancaster, Chartered Financial Planner

“I just feel so lucky to be in the position that I am today. I feel like I’m able to live life to the full and I’m determined to ensure nothing holds me back in the future." – Jason

Who Can Claim Compensation For An Accident Abroad?

If you've been injured, or if a loved one has died, as a result of an accident abroad, you may be eligible for compensation. To make a claim, we will work to prove that the accident was caused by someone else. For example:

A road traffic accident caused by someone else's reckless driving
An assault
Slips caused by an unmarked wet floor in a hotel
Inadequately supervised or poorly instructed sporting activities
An injury caused by medical negligence during surgery or treatment abroad
An injury caused by inadequate safety procedures at work

This isn't an exhaustive list, and there are many situations in which you might be able to make a claim. Whether you were injured on holiday, or while working abroad, your entitlement to make a claim is not affected, but it could determine who you can claim against.

Claims could be pursued against the person directly responsible for your accident, or against a third party who had a duty of care to you while you were abroad, such as an employer or a package tour operator.

If you're not sure whether or not you'll be able to make a claim, it's best to contact us for some advice – call today on 0800 121 6558 for a free initial consultation about your case. There's no obligation to continue with us after this conversation – you're free to just ask for our expert opinion.

What's The Process For An Accident Abroad Claim?

To make a compensation claim for an accident abroad, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with us for a free initial consultation. We'll discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident, advise you on whether or not we think you can claim, and whether you could benefit from a No Win No Fee* arrangement.

If you choose to go ahead, your claim will usually go through the following four stages:

Investigation. We'll establish who's responsible for your accident, which could involve speaking to witnesses, or accessing reports made by the emergency services. We'll also arrange for a medical examination to find out the full extent of your injuries.
Rehabilitation. If you have any medical care or support needs, we'll help you to access the necessary treatment and advice that you are entitled to. This could include physical therapy, surgery, or psychological treatment, as well as mobility equipment and home modifications.
Compensation. We'll work out how much compensation you should get based on the severity of your injuries and your pain and suffering, any medical expenses you've had, and your ability to get back to work. We'll put this amount to those responsible, and they can either accept blame or contest the claim.
Conclusion. If your opponent accepts blame, you'll be awarded compensation. If not, the case will be settled in court – although this is rare. If you do have to go to court, we'll be there support you every step of the way. If we agreed to handle your claim under a No Win No Fee* arrangement, then you won't have to pay anything if you were unsuccessful.

If you have any questions about the claims process, contact us today on 0800 121 6558 for your free initial consultation.

Why Choose Irwin Mitchell For An Accident Abroad Claim?

Making a compensation claim can be a daunting prospect, and it helps to have the experts on your side. We can help you navigate language barriers and complex local laws, so there's nothing to worry about.

Our international personal injury team is the largest in the UK, and we work with a worldwide network of law firms to ensure that we can provide an expert service to our clients across as many countries and in as many languages as possible.

We've helped our clients claim hundreds of millions of pounds for accidents and illnesses abroad, as well as offering personalised rehabilitation support to help them recover as much as possible from their injuries.

We'll work with you from the beginning of your claim to identify what medical care and support you are entitled to, such as:

Surgery
Physiotherapy
Mobility aids
Home modifications

This comprehensive approach to our clients' welfare has seen us named Post Magazine’s Rehabilitation Award for Claimant Solicitors on seven occasions.

Our aim is to make the claims process as simple as possible for you, and we're committed to handling all claims with compassion and care, putting the interests of you and your family first.

If you have any questions about the claims process, or how we can help, contact us on 0800 121 6558 for a free initial consultation about your case. We'll offer our advice in plain English, without any legal jargon, and let you know what your options are.

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Accident Abroad Claims

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Accident Abroad Claims - More Information

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