Can I Make a Claim if I was Injured in the USA?
Claims for Accidents on Holiday, Travelling or Working in the USA
If you were injured in an accident in the USA and it wasn’t your fault, you may still be able to claim compensation from the UK. Whether your claim can be brought in the English courts depends on who was responsible and how your trip was arranged, but UK solicitors can often still help.
Call 020 7485 8811 today.
“Osbornes is a well-regarded personal injury practice well equipped to advise on high-value and high-profile claims.”
“Osbornes fields a specialist personal injury team with standout expertise in catastrophic trauma, regularly securing multimillion-pound settlements in spinal, brain, and amputation cases. “
If you were injured while visiting the United States and the accident was not your fault, you may still be able to bring a holiday accident compensation claim from the UK. Whether your claim can be handled in the English courts, or whether it must be pursued in the US, depends on factors such as who was responsible for the accident, where they are based, and how your holiday or trip was arranged. In some cases, UK residents can instruct UK personal injury solicitors to manage their claim even if the injury happened abroad.
Can UK courts deal with an accident that happened in the US?
Sometimes, yes.
You may be able to bring a claim in the UK if there is a connection to England and Wales, such as a UK-based company or insurer being responsible for your injuries.
When you can usually claim in the UK
You are more likely to be able to pursue your claim in the UK if one of the following applies.
The responsible party is based in the UK
You may be able to claim in the UK if the accident was caused by:
- A UK-based company or organisation
- A UK employer (for example, if you were injured during work-related travel)
- A UK insurer
In these situations, the English courts will often have jurisdiction, even though the accident happened overseas.
You booked a package holiday from the UK
If your trip to the USA was booked as a package holiday with a UK tour operator, you can usually make your claim in the UK.
Under UK package travel laws, the tour operator can be held responsible for injuries caused by failures in accommodation, transport, or services included in the package — regardless of where the accident occurred.
When you may need to claim in the USA
You may need to pursue your claim in the US if:
- You were injured in a road traffic accident caused by a US driver
- The accident occurred in a US hotel, restaurant, shop, or attraction
- The injury was caused by a US company with no UK presence
In these cases, the claim is usually governed by US law and must be brought in the appropriate US state.
However, this does not mean you have to deal with the process alone or travel back and forth unnecessarily.
Can a UK solicitor still help if the claim is in the US?
Yes.
Even if your claim needs to be pursued in the USA, a UK personal injury solicitor can:
- Advise you on your legal options
- Handle evidence gathering and medical reports in the UK
- Work with trusted US attorneys on your behalf
- Communicate with insurers and defendants
- Manage the claim while you remain in the UK
Many US claims are settled without the need for a court hearing, meaning you may never need to return to the US.
Time limits for making a claim
Time limits are extremely important in international injury claims.
- In the UK, personal injury claims usually have a three-year time limit
- In the USA, time limits vary by state and can be much shorter
- Some claims are affected by international conventions, such as those involving air travel
Because deadlines can be missed quickly, it is important to seek advice as soon as possible.
What should I do if I’m injured in the USA?
If you are injured while travelling in the US, you should:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the accident to the relevant authority (police, hotel, employer, or tour operator)
- Take photographs and gather witness details if possible
- Keep copies of medical records and receipts
- Contact your travel insurer
- Speak to a UK solicitor experienced in overseas injury claims
Early advice can make the difference between a successful claim and one that cannot proceed.
Why instruct a UK personal injury solicitor?
A UK-based solicitor can:
- Advise whether your claim can be brought in the UK or must be pursued in the US
- Explain your rights clearly and in plain English
- Help you avoid missed deadlines
- Coordinate international legal work on your behalf
- Often act on a No Win No Fee basis
This allows you to focus on your recovery while our solicitors manage the claim.
Speak to our holiday accident claims team
If you were injured in the USA and want to know whether you can claim compensation from the UK, our specialist holiday accident solicitors can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Contact us today for expert advice on your options.
- Call 020 7485 8811 or
- Fill in the form below
The team offers specialist expertise in cycling-related injury claims and regularly acts for foreign nationals.
It has considerable experience in cases arising from motor accidents and accidents at work.
Osbornes has a well-regarded personal injury practice well equipped to advise on high-value and high-profile claims, including fatalities and severe injuries regarding the brain and spinal cord.
Osbornes have expert leadership. They are very client-centred and provide great communication.
They have got a team of strong partners who are experienced and capable, and their lawyers have a can-do attitude and don't seem to be fazed by anything.
They grasp complex and sophisticated matters quickly.
From partners to associates, the lawyers are committed to ensuring a successful outcome for every client.
They have intelligent, experienced lawyers who advise their clients very carefully.
Osbornes deal with their clients in a very professional manner, attempting to get the best results at all times.
Ben Posford, head of catastrophic injury, is well-known for spinal cord and cauda equina claims, including high-profile fatality work.
Osbornes fields a specialist personal injury team with standout expertise in catastrophic trauma, regularly securing multimillion-pound settlements in spinal, brain, and amputation cases.
Excellent firm with a good insight into and prosecution of catastrophic PI work handled by an experienced team.
Without doubt, Osbornes are the firm to watch in London.
This team is growing in profile all the time. The firm now has many of London's leading personal injury solicitors.
The file handlers I have worked with are experienced and expert personal injury practitioners who can be relied upon to achieve excellent outcomes for the client.
They are very supportive of their clients and are willing to take on difficult cases.
This team is very well organised and approach their cases with great attention to detail.
They have particular expertise in dealing with Eastern European clients who speak little or no English as they have native speakers within their team.
Osbornes is a excellent firm for high value and complex personal injury work.
Osbornes Law is a really strong team with a lot of depth.
Osbornes work professionally as a team, responding diligently to emails or telephone calls.
Osbornes clients are individuals whose cases are treated with the focus required when dealing with life changing injuries.
Fielding a ‘first class, very well resourced’ team of litigators, the personal injury department at Osbornes is rated for its diverse workload of complex, high-value injury claims, representing both domestic and international claimants.
Osbornes is an excellent firm, made up of lawyers with flair and pedigree.
Osbornes lawyers are smart, well trained, experienced and well managed.
Osbornes personal injury practice is first class; very well resourced and second to none.
Osbornes is becoming one of the top players in the claimant personal injury market. A large team with a great number of very high quality solicitors.
Osbornes is a highly proficient serious injury firm. They bring all the benefits of the biggest firms in the market but none of the downsides.
Osbornes prepares cases well; the whole team is good and lawyers there know their stuff.
They deal with people compassionately and take on the right amount of detail. The firm has some really brilliant key solicitors.
The personal injury team is responsive and its level of service towards clients and other professionals is exceptional and high quality
The team offers specialist expertise in cycling-related injury claims and regularly acts for foreign nationals.
It has considerable experience in cases arising from motor accidents and accidents at work
Osbornes is a well-regarded personal injury practice well equipped to advise on high-value and high-profile claims.
Their team includes bright, hard-working solicitors dedicated to achieving successful outcomes for their clients from partner level to paralegal. Their client care is exceptional.
They are a team who are highly respected in the PI sector.
This is an excellent PI team doing a broad range of PI work.
Osbornes’ ‘highly respected‘ personal injury team is experienced in a range of complex, high-value claims, with notable strength in acting for European clients for whom English is not a first language.
Osbornes’ ‘highly respected‘ personal injury team is experienced in a range of complex, high-value claims
Osbornes’ ‘highly respected‘ personal injury team is experienced in a range of complex, high-value claims.
"Osbornes always provides work of excellent quality and the advice is sound."
"The firm has the ability to handle the most sophisticated and complex matters."
"Osbornes is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes."
'The team deals with multi-million pound, often multifaceted claims, involving such factors as severe brain, psychiatric, gynaecological and spinal injury, major trauma, amputation and fatality.'
"They are a boutique firm with highly experienced partners who are well-respected in the industry."
"The team at Osbornes deals with catastrophic injury claims with the same professionalism as the largest firms, but provides a much more client-focused experience."
"A really first-rate team, well capable of dealing with the most serious and complex injuries."
"This team has carved out an exceptional reputation in catastrophic injury work."
"Osbornes has impressed me with their personal touch for clients whilst offering a first-class handling of catastrophic injury claims. The partners all have vast experience and are highly respected in their field."
"This is a really excellent personal injury team that can be regarded as one of the major players in the London claimant personal injury market."
"Osbornes have managed to recruit a team of outstanding catastrophic injury lawyers who are at the top of the game."
"They punch well above their weight. The quality of service they provide equals that of any of the larger top-name firms in this area"
Ben Posford is fiercely bright, with an unrivalled passion for his clients’ cases. His encyclopaedic knowledge of all things PI is second to none. His foresight and commercial nous have propelled Osbornes into the highest echelons of the market where they rightly belong.
The firm has an excellent and innovative line in cases involving non-English speaking claimants, managed by recruiting paralegals with multi-language skills – an impressive route for expansion of the caseload.
Great expanding team with expertise and respect in the sector. Led by a commercially savvy and business minded team.
A really excellent group of PI solicitors, notable for their individual quality.’
A niche firm that punches well above its weight in the catastrophic injury sector, borne out by the quality of work they obtain.
This combination of experience and diligence reaps massive rewards for clients, Osbornes being well known in the industry as a fantastic firm.
The Osbornes personal injury team now comprises some of the most technically adept and hard hitting lawyers in the business.
Excellent coverage of personal injury, and traumatic brain injury. There is a real specialism in claimants who do not speak English as a first language.
The group is noted for its expertise in matters relating to cycling injuries, and is the official legal partner of the London Cycling Campaign charity.
To complement its strong reputation for high-value and complex personal injury work, the firm continues to develop its 'excellent and innovative line in cases involving non-English speaking claimants'
"Osbornes comprises some of the most technically adept and hard hitting lawyers in the business"
"A small but high-powered team, dealing with cases of significant value and complexity."
"An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."
"Osbornes Law have captured the magic of keeping the customer service levels of a smaller firm whilst having all the expertise and power of the biggest firms."
"A superb boutique catastrophic injury firm."
"Really good at dealing with people who have suffered a serious injury."
"Affable and charming with very good client-handling skills."
"superb firm with consummate professionals and a human touch."
Osbornes now has a team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers; particularly strong on high-value quantum cases, workplace accidents and claims involving foreign workers injured in the UK.
The team provides fantastic strength-in-depth for personal injury claims. It is also particularly well placed to service clients from Eastern Europe with specialist native language speakers. From the smallest case to a multimillion-pound spinal injury case, Osbornes has the right staff to manage every claim.
Ben Posford remains pre-eminent in his field with expert understanding of litigating cases of the upmost severity. His experience builds on Stuart Kightley’s running of the firm with recent partner additions of Rob Aylott making a fantastic addition.
A firm going from strength-to strength-which retains its client care whilst being able to offer a full personal injury service.
Beneath Ben Posford’s calm and reassuring presence, which clients love, lies a formidable tactical and legal brain. His experience tells and he gets it right at every stage of the process from arranging the best possible rehabilitation, to ensuring, so far as possible, a polite relationship with those acting for the defendant in order to ensure best and early resolution of the claim.
"Clients say he is very impressive, in terms of both his experience and his management of the personal injury team."
"They have an expanding profile in personal injury and clinical negligence and offer a superb, broad service in accidents abroad, enabled by their recruitment of bilingual legal executives who can guide non-English speakers through complex litigation."
"Solid personal injury practice well equipped to advise on high-value and high-profile claims arising from fatalities and severe head and spinal injuries."
"Offers specialist expertise in cycling-related injury claims."
"Offers specialist expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Stuart Kightley is an incredibly empathetic solicitor who is very knowledgeable about traumatic brain injury."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."
"The hard-working, thorough and committed Robert Aylott, who brings significant heavyweight personal injury experience."
"Key team members include the energetic and personable Stuart Kightley who is head of the personal injury department."
Thank you for the hard work and patience and for being so patient with my constant questions.
"I have found Osbornes to be thorough, clear and understanding from the initial call. They do exactly what they say they will and with passion! I would recommend them to anyone".
Very good efficient service. Would not hesitate to use again.
I will use Osbornes for any future needs.
I don't think I could have asked for anything more. One of the best dealings I've had with the legal profession.
Sam was excellent and very professional in dealing with our claim.
Head of the personal injury department, Stuart Kightley is a first-rate practitioner, wholly focused on getting his client the best outcome in a pragmatic, sensible and consensual manner.
As a real specialist in spinal cord injuries, Ben Posford is always looking at new angles on how to maximise his cases.
Ben Posford is one of the best catastrophic injury lawyers around.
They provide exceptional service, great knowledge and understanding of the law, excellent client care and tactical nous
Stuart Kightley is praised for his expertise in catastrophic and fatal claims. Clients say he is very impressive, in terms of both his experience and his management of the personal injury team.
My claim was dealt with efficiently and professionally. Communication was excellent, and timely. Shrewd and sound advice was provided at every stage of the claim from beginning through to completion. On the basis of my personal experience I would strongly recommend Osbornes.
I just wish to thank you for your hard work and successful outcome. I am pleased with the result and would recommend you and your firm to anyone in the future.
Ben Posford … is ‘tactically astute’ and ‘one of the best personal injury solicitors around’.
Ben Posford ‘knows how to maximise the value of the claim for his clients’.
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When should I contact a personal injury solicitor?
After an injury, making a claim can feel like a low priority. A survey of 4,000 people commissioned by APIL found that one in five had been injured through someone else’s negligence, yet 41% of them never made a claim. Many simply did not know they were entitled to compensation.
There are also exceptions to the standard three-year limit worth knowing about. Children have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim, and different rules apply to people who lack mental capacity. If you are unsure whether a time limit applies to your situation, contact us and we will advise you.
Why do I need a specialist personal injury solicitor?
The legal field is vast with many specialities. It makes sense that you will have a better outcome with a specialist personal injury lawyer who has years of experience and a successful track record handling cases similar to yours.
A specialist personal injury solicitor has in-depth knowledge of personal injury laws and they are well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and their tactics.
They know how to evaluate the worth of your claim, taking into account all your damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering and possible future expenses. They ensure you get a fair settlement. If this cannot be achieved through negotiation, they are prepared to take your case to trial.
In fact, 88% of claims in Q1 (January to March) of 2025 involved legal representation on both sides – highlighting just how important it is to have expert legal support from the outset.
Having confidence that your solicitor is working to secure your future can provide peace of mind, knowing that your case is being handled by a competent and caring professional.
How do I choose the best personal injury law firm for me?
First, look out for a personal injury law firm that is regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). This ensures they meet high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Then, dig deeper to understand what sets the best firms apart.
Award-Winning Personal Injury experience
Osbornes Law has been fighting the corner of the injured person for over 50 years and is one of the UK’s leading personal injury litigation firms. Our award-winning department specialises in high-value and complex trial litigation involving severe brain and head injury claims, spinal cord injury claims, fatal accident claims and cycling accident claims cases. We’ve worked on thousands of different types of claims over the years and will match you with a specialist personal injury solicitor who has experience handling cases just like yours.
Recognised personal injury expertise
Our team of specialist personal injury solicitors are recognised experts in their field and have been accredited by leading legal directories such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and APIL. We are proud partners of leading charities such as the London Cycling Campaign and Headway, the brain injury association. This means we have not only achieved superb results for clients, but also have the respect of fellow lawyers and industry professionals.
Secured millions of pounds in compensation
Our track record of winning our clients’ cases speaks for itself. We have secured millions of pounds in compensation for our clients over the years, achieving numerous multi-million-pound settlements. Browse through our case studies to see how we have helped people just like you.
Empathetic personal injury lawyers
Injuries can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Your personal welfare is just as important as winning your compensation claim. That’s why we take a whole-person approach, looking at all your needs, not just your legal ones. Our expert personal injury lawyers will guide you through the court system, but they will also signpost you to the rehabilitation, medical and charitable resources that can help you get back on your feet in every way possible. With home appointments and hospital visits, we make sure you have all the support you need during this difficult time.
Our lawyers explain everything in plain language
At our firm, communication is key. We understand that legal jargon can be confusing, so we take the time to explain everything in plain language. You will always know what is happening with your case and what your options are. Your road to recovery starts with an initial consultation with our London solicitors. We will give you a full, fair assessment of your personal injury case—and if we don’t think it is a strong one, we will tell you. There is never any obligation to proceed with us and all initial advice is free.
Initial consultation – questions to ask and how to prepare
The initial consultation is a friendly, confidential discussion about your injury and how it happened. The personal injury solicitor will assess your case, let you know whether you can make a claim, and talk you through the next steps. They will also explain how you can finance your claim and the costs involved.
You need to trust your accident lawyer and feel confident in their ability to handle your case. Here’s how to prepare and some questions you can ask to make the most of your initial consultation:
How to prepare
- Write down a timeline of events leading up to and following your injury.
- Gather any documents related to your injury and the incident, such as medical reports, police reports, receipts and photographs.
- Be prepared to discuss the impact the injury has had on your life, work and well-being.
- Have your list of questions ready.
Questions to ask
- What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
- Who will be handling my case, and how can I contact them?
- Are you prepared to visit me at home if necessary?
- What kind of support and assistance will you provide throughout the claims process?
- How long do you think my case will take, and what factors could affect the timeline?
- On average, what settlements do you achieve in cases similar to mine?
- Can I see examples of successful cases similar to mine that your firm has handled?
- What are the options for funding my case?
How much does hiring a personal injury solicitor cost?
The majority of personal injury cases are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any upfront legal fees to start your claim. Instead, your solicitor’s fees will be deducted from the compensation awarded if the case is successful.
It’s important that you understand the terms and conditions of the no-win, no-fee agreement before signing. The percentage should be explicitly stated in your agreement, and you should check whether there are other costs and deductions, such as for any shortfall in the recovery of their basic charges or for After The Event insurance.
Your personal injury solicitor should explain these potential costs to you upfront, offering you a clear picture of the financial aspect of your claim.
Insurance policies and your right to choose
Road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, slips and falls, and other types of accidents that result in personal injuries tend to have an insurance element involved. In road traffic accidents, for example, both you and the at-fault driver will have insurance cover, and your respective insurers will be involved in negotiating the claim.
Insurance companies often have their own set of tactics aimed at protecting their bottom line, which can leave injured parties feeling pressured and unsure about their rights.
If your car or home insurer is covering your legal claim, they might assign you a solicitor from their panel. The panel solicitor may not be an expert in your type of injury, or the best person to handle your claim. If you are unhappy, know that you don’t have to accept your insurer’s choice of solicitor. Choosing your own solicitor is often a better option, as you can be sure that your solicitor will be acting in your best interests.
We are experienced in handling claims covered by legal expenses insurance. Our solicitors will guide you on how to negotiate with your insurance company, and navigate these tactics on your behalf and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.
Contact us today for an initial consultation
Call us today on 020 7485 8811 or fill out the form below to discuss your case in confidence. Our dedicated team is here to support you.
