Accident working abroad claims

If you were injured while working abroad, you may still be entitled to claim compensation, no matter where in the world the accident happened. Our specialist international injury team is here to guide you through every part of the process, clearly and at your pace.

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Author

Ross Smith

International Injuries Team Lead

Reviewer

Jamil Mohammed

Solicitor

Last Updated

19th July 2026

Can I make an accident working abroad claim?

You can make an accident working abroad claim if you were injured while working in a foreign country, because of your employer's negligence. No matter where you are working in the world, your employer has a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to keep you safe. If they failed in that duty, and you were injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.

Working abroad, particularly in industries like construction or oil and gas, carries a higher level of risk than many other environments. However, a more dangerous environment by nature does not mean your employer isn’t responsible for your injuries at all. They are still legally required to provide safe systems of work and adequate training. You are also entitled to properly maintained equipment, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep you safe.

You may be able to make a claim if your injury was caused by a slip, trip or fall in the workplace, or a construction or height-related accident. Claims can also involve forklift or machinery accidents, as well as manual handling injuries.

In other cases, injuries may result from faulty or poorly maintained equipment or inadequate PPE. You may also have a claim where there has been substandard training or negligent handling of equipment by a colleague.

Accidents on cruise ships and offshore rigs also fall within the scope of international workplace claims so if you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, or if some time has passed since your accident, it is still worth speaking to us. Time limits vary depending on the country where your accident happened, so it is important not to delay. We will tell you honestly whether you have a case.

Example of an accident working abroad claim

Imagine a construction worker sent to work on a site overseas who suffers a serious fall because the scaffolding was not properly secured and no safety harness was provided. If the employer failed to carry out adequate risk assessments or supply the required safety equipment, this could form the basis of a valid accident working abroad claim.

Common accident working abroad claims we support

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What compensation can help with

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Funding your recovery, no matter where you were working.

Compensation for an accident working abroad is about making sure you have the financial support to recover properly and rebuild your life. It can help cover the costs that your injury has created in the immediate aftermath and going forward.

Every injury is different and therefore so is every case. The value of your claim will depend on factors like how your injury happened and how badly you were hurt. The impact on your ability to work in the future as well as the psychological impact on you and your family will be considered when your claim is valued. What matters is that any settlement reflects the full picture of what you have been through.

Most claims include compensation for two broad areas: general damages for the suffering and loss of quality of life caused by your injury, and special damages for the financial losses and costs you have incurred as a direct result.

Understanding the potential value

The value of an accident working abroad claim usually reflects both the injury itself and the wider impact it has had on your life. This includes general damages, which relate to the pain and effect of the injury, and special damages, which cover the financial consequences such as lost income and the cost of care. Every situation is different, so the final value depends on how your injury has affected you now and how it may continue to affect you in the future.

Understanding interim payments

We understand that waiting for a claim to conclude can put serious financial pressure on you and your family, particularly if you have been unable to work since your accident. Where possible, we will seek interim payments on your behalf. These are payments made during the claims process, before the final settlement is reached, to help cover immediate costs and ease financial pressure while your case continues. You should not have to wait until the end of your claim to get the support you need.

Specialist accident working abroad solicitors

Why choose Fletchers for your accident working abroad claim?

At Fletchers, our international injury team has gathered evidence and handled cases across a wide range of industries and countries including cruise staff, and offshore oil and gas claims. We combine legal expertise with a genuine understanding of how these accidents affect people's lives, and we have the global network of legal partners to pursue your claim effectively, wherever it happened.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist international injury solicitors with a dedicated team experienced in cross-border workplace claims
Ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading firm in international personal injury
Proven track record in offshore and drilling rig accident claims, including complex multi-jurisdictional cases
Global network of legal partners to support claims wherever in the world your accident happened
Experience securing compensation for serious and life-changing injuries caused by workplace accidents abroad
Rated excellent on Trustpilot by the clients we have supported
No win, no fee, so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand what you're going through.

Being injured while working abroad is frightening and often isolating. You may have been far from home when the accident happened, dealing with unfamiliar healthcare systems and a foreign language, while pressure from your employer increases all when you’re trying to recover from a serious injury. When you get home, the challenges don’t always stop. Many people find themselves unable to work, worried about their finances.

We also understand the wider impact on your family. When someone is injured abroad, especially in a serious accident, the effects ripple outward. Families are left without answers about their loved ones and sometimes facing significant financial pressure if the main earner cannot work.

We have supported many clients who felt exactly this way; uncertain whether they had a case and overwhelmed by the complexity of claiming across borders. We know you need someone who understands and will fight for a fair outcome on you behalf. We will handle every part of the process and keep you informed at every stage. You focus on your recovery, we’ll handle the rest.

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FAQs about accident working abroad claims

Can I claim compensation if I was injured while working abroad?

Yes, in many cases you can. No matter which industry you work in or which country you were working in, your employer has a duty of care towards you. They should take all reasonable steps to keep you safe while you are at work. If that duty was breached and you were injured as a result, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. We will assess your situation and tell you honestly whether you have a case.

How long do I have to make a claim for an accident at work abroad?

Time limits for accident working abroad claims can vary significantly depending on the country where your accident happened and the law that applies to your claim. In some cases the standard three-year limit that applies in England and Wales may be relevant, but in others different rules apply. It is important to speak to us as soon as possible so we can advise on the time limit that applies to your specific situation.

How much compensation could I receive?

There is no fixed answer, as every claim and set of circumstances is different. The value of your claim depends on factors like the severity of your injury and if it had lasting effects, as well as any earnings you have lost because of it, now and in the future. We will work to make sure that any settlement truly reflects the full impact of your injury.

Will I lose my job if I make a claim against my employer?

Making a claim against your employer for an accident that occurred abroad should not affect your contract of employment. It is illegal for an employer to treat you differently or penalise you for making a personal injury claim. If you are fired, or your working conditions become so difficult that you are forced to resign, you may have additional grounds to claim for unfair dismissal. It is also worth knowing that in most cases, compensation is paid by your employer’s insurance company, not directly by your employer.

What evidence will I need for an accident working abroad claim?

Every case is different, but useful evidence can include accident reports or records made at the time and photographs of the scene or your injuries. Medical records from treatment you received abroad and in the UK can also help, and any correspondence with your employer about the accident. Do not worry if you do not have everything to hand, our team will help you understand what is needed and work with you and our international partners to gather it.

Can I claim for an accident on an offshore oil or gas rig?

Yes. Our team has extensive experience handling offshore drilling rig accident claims, which involve specific complexities around jurisdiction and the applicable law. We have an impressive track record in this area and understand the serious, life-changing impact that offshore accidents can have. If you have been injured on a rig, we can advise you on your options and guide you through the process.

What support will I receive during my claim?

From the moment you contact us, we will take the time to understand your situation and explain clearly what your options are. We will handle the legal complexity, work with our global network of partners where needed, and keep you informed throughout. Where possible, we will also look to secure interim payments to ease financial pressure during the claims process. Our aim is to take the burden off you so you can focus on your recovery.