Legal News
Britons Injured Overseas Face Lower Compensation (23 November 2011)
Date: 23/11/2011
Changes to European law mean that Britons who sustain serious injuries while overseas could be hit by reduced compensation. Previously, British travellers who suffered injuries overseas would be awarded compensation under English law. However, under the change in the law, all compensation claims for accidents after January the 11th 2009 are to be treated according to the rules of the legal system in the country in which the accident occurred. Significant differences exist across European countries for personal injury compensation claims; the reduced cost of living and higher social security payments in some European countries mean that British travellers who sustain injuries abroad may only receive a small fraction of the amount that they would have received had their case been dealt with under English law.
Compensation payouts are often essential for funding daily living and health and social care of those who have been injured. Lower compensation payouts could result in individuals struggling to fund the costs associated with their injuries. Foreign Office figures have revealed that 3,752 Britons suffered from a serious accident that required hospitalisation and consular assistance during 2010/11. One third of all injuries were experienced in Spain. The change to the European law highlights the need for all travellers to possess an adequate travel insurance policy.
Duncan Lewis’ personal injury solicitors can provide legal advice to clients who have suffered injury because of a holiday accident and wish to pursue compensation claims. The team are committed to helping their clients to attain maximum compensation for their accidents.