You can claim compensation for a variety of injuries sustained abroad, as long as someone else was responsible for the accident. Common claims include those arising from road traffic accidents, such as car, motorbike or cycling collisions, as well as slips, trips or falls in public spaces like shopping centres or pavements. Injuries that occur at hotels, restaurants or other holiday venues, or during organised excursions or activities arranged by a tour operator, may also lead to claims if negligence can be proven.

If you've had a serious accident such as a spinal injury abroad, contact our personal injury team to discuss the specifics of your case.

You can still make a claim for compensation for an injury sustained overseas after returning back home to England or Wales Many cases of injuries abroad can be pursued through UK courts, particularly if the accident occurred as part of a package holiday covered by The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Even if the incident happened independently of a package holiday, you may still be able to bring the claim here, or we may be able to help you, work within the legal system of the country where the accident took place.

The time limit for making a claim varies depending on where the accident occurred. The law in England and Wales allows three years from the date of the incident to start a personal injury claim. However, different countries may have shorter or longer deadlines, and some claims, such as those involving package holidays under the Athens and Montreal Conventions, affecting sea and air travel for passengers,,  have their own specific timeframes. Speak to our solicitors at your earliest opportunity to learn more about making a claim within any relevant deadlines.

After sustaining a serious injury abroad, your first step should be to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Receiving appropriate medical treatment not only addresses your immediate health needs but also creates detailed medical records that can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. Depending on where the accident happened, you may need to contact local emergency services or attend the nearest hospital. If you require ongoing medical care once you return home, keep copies of all documents and treatment plans provided to you in the country where your accident took place.

Gathering evidence at the scene of the incident can strengthen your case. Take photographs of the location, any visible hazards and your injuries. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact details so they can provide statements later. Keep records of all expenses related to the injury, such as travel costs for medical care, prescriptions or mobility aids. If an insurance company is involved, such as a car insurance provider in the event of a road traffic accident, notify them promptly.

The claims process for filing a personal injury claim in a foreign country varies depending on where the accident happened, whether the case can be pursued under the local laws of England and Wales or the local laws that apply.

To begin each claims process, your solicitor will investigate the incident by collecting evidence such as medical records, photographs, witness statements and any official reports from local authorities. Your solicitor will then liaise with local legal representatives, insurers or authorities to ensure all necessary procedures are followed.

In cases where medical treatment abroad was costly, they will also help to seek compensation for expenses incurred and prevent financial hardship from impacting you further. JMW will manage the full process for personal injury claims abroad and will fully support you throughout the process, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

"No win, no fee" arrangements are available to you should you have sustained catastrophic injury abroad. This type of agreement means you won’t need to pay your solicitor’s fees upfront, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t be required to cover these costs.

At JMW, our personal injury team will carefully review the details of your case during an initial consultation. We’ll discuss whether a "no win, no fee" arrangement is appropriate and outline how our personal injury solicitors can support you throughout the process.

If you’ve been injured abroad, you may be able to claim compensation for a range of losses. These include medical costs incurred while overseas and any ongoing treatment or rehabilitation required once you return home For those who have experienced a serious or catastrophic injury abroad, claims can also include long-term medical care and specialist support.

More serious injuries, such as a spinal cord injury or a brain injury abroad, often have far-reaching effects on a person’s life. These injuries may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation or personal care. A spinal injury claim abroad might include compensation for the costs of specialist equipment, home adaptations or ongoing therapy, while a head injury claim abroad could cover cognitive rehabilitation or support for emotional and psychological impacts.

Loss of income due to being unable to work is another area you can claim for, including future earnings if your injury has lasting effects that will impact your ability to work. Other expenses, such as costs for travel to medical appointments or care, may also be recovered to help ease the financial hardship caused by the injury abroad. Alongside financial losses, compensation can address non-financial impacts, such as the pain and suffering caused by the injury, as well as its effect on your quality of life. For example, if you are unable to enjoy activities you once did or are dealing with emotional distress linked to your injury, these factors will be considered.

If you experienced an illness abroad or require future care, rehabilitation or home adaptations, these can also form part of your claim. JMW specialises in international personal injury claims and will assess all aspects of your case to ensure your compensation reflects both the immediate and long-term impact of your injury.

Choosing to work with a solicitor experienced in pursuing personal injury claims abroad provides many advantages. They have the expertise to handle the legal complexities of foreign claims, including differences in laws, procedures and time limits. If language barriers arise, they will take care of communication with local authorities or representatives on your behalf.

At JMW, we provide comprehensive support for clients injured abroad. We can arrange interim care and rehabilitation packages promptly, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our team’s extensive knowledge and international connections will help to build a strong case and work towards the best possible outcome.