No one wants a serious injury, but when it happens overseas it can be even more traumatic. From dealing with another country’s health care system to not having your friends and family there for support, it can be a challenge. Many people then assume that they cannot bring a personal injury lawsuit if the injury occurred overseas. This might not be true. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
You Might Be Able to Sue Under the Laws of the Country in Which You Were Injured
Depending on the specifics, you might be able to secure compensation for your injuries based on the laws of the country in which you were injured. In this instance, you would want to talk to a local attorney to find out what your options are, what the costs of bringing a suit are, and what the likelihood of winning is.
Be Sure You Do Not Give Up Your Rights
On the other hand, in certain circumstances, you might have the right and ability to bring a case in the United States – but it is important that you take the necessary steps to not give up your rights. If the at-fault party was a cruise line, travel agent, tour bus operator, and another type of travel company, they are likely to try to reduce their exposure to liability issues. There are several ways they can do this – and you need to make sure they do not get you to inadvertently give up your rights.
Read Any Waiver You Are Asked to Sign
Before you take part in an activity that could potentially be dangerous, you might be asked to sign a waiver. This is common for activities like rafting, zip-lining, or biking. The purpose of this waiver is to protect the company in the event that you injure yourself. Read this waiver before you do the activity and do not sign it if you are not comfortable doing so.
Note that these waivers are not always legally binding. Depending on the language used, even if you signed a waiver you might still be entitled to compensation. This is just one of the reasons that you should have a personal injury attorney help you determine if you have a case.
Lookout for Disclaimers on Your Tickets
Similarly, bus and cruise companies often print disclaimers on your ticket that are similar to the liability release you are asked to sign. These disclaimers often say that there is no liability in the event of an accident, or they might specify how any claims can be brought against the company. Again, your attorney can review this to see if it is legally valid.
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is worth finding out if you have grounds to file a personal injury case. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation at your convenience.
