Categories: Health

Injured Overseas? 7 Legal Steps You Should Take

When you’re going on a winter holiday outside the UK, the last thing you want to worry about is getting injured. Your holiday should be fun and relaxing. It shouldn’t be filled with broken bones or life-threatening scenarios that could, in addition, also be very expensive. Here are some legal steps you can take if you’re injured overseas, especially if you’re on a working holiday.

Reasons Why You Should Get Medical Help ASAP

Of course, nobody actually plans on getting injured, but these things happen, sometimes despite even best precautions.There are several reasons why you should seek medical attention as soon as you get injured. Sometimes injuries, no matter how minor they seem, can lead to serious health problems. For example, chest or back pain can be a result of something completely minor, but also an indicator that something serious might be going on, especially if it persists. You should seek medical attention if you’re involved in an auto accident or skiing accident. You should also seek medical help if you have a high fever, diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood.

Get Medical Help Right Away

If you get injured on your winter vacation in the UK, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your safety should come first on your trip. This is especially the case if the injury is so life-crippling that it needs to be stabilized. If your injury is minor, such as a cut, scrape, or laceration, you should still seek medical attention.

Your injury should be reported within a certain amount of time if you want to retain your rights. There are laws that protect employees who travel abroad, and they have varying time frames for reporting injuries. Reporting your injury as soon as possible is the best way of ensuring that you’ll receive treatment and compensation for it.

Arrange to Pay for Medical Expenses

If you don’t own travel insurance, the first step is to locate the closest Embassy, which can help you out. If you did purchase travel insurance, talk to a travel services representative who can help you find the closest medical facility. They may also provide tips on contacting your friends and family and receiving following-up care.

Do you need a medical evacuation? Contact your Embassy as soon as possible. Remember that you’ll be responsible for the cost of the evacuation. Having travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is important because the insurer makes the arrangements and pays for it.

Get Everything in Writing

You want to make sure you’re following the reporting procedures for your injury. Collect all of your evidence and get everything in writing. Some of this information can include the prognosis or diagnosis from the doctor who treated your injury. You should also include the time and day of the injury, as well as the time that you received medical treatment.

You can include other types of evidence if necessary. This can be helpful when building your case with a personal injury lawyer. If there was a witness at the scene of the incident, you can get a written statement from that person. Anything that’s considered evidence can help you with your case.

Report the Injury As Soon as Possible

The process varies on the injury involved. If your injury is serious or life-threatening, you should report it as soon as possible. If the injury is minor, then you should contact your supervisor. Follow your judgment when it comes to reporting your injury.

Either way, keep in mind that your injury should be reported within a certain amount of time after the injury took place. This is so you can protect and retain your rights.

Collect Evidence Related to Injury

The best way to provide proof is to create a written statement of your injury. Describe everything in detail leading up to your injury, including the diagnosis or prognosis you received from the medical professional who treated your injury. Also include information about any medical treatments or medication prescribed. Getting a copy of your medical records is a great way to get evidence of your injury claim.

Getting written evidence about your injury is helpful if your employer disputes your claim. Include any copies of video proof of your injury provides strong supporting evidence of your injury claim. This is helpful if any video or photographic evidence was made available at the time.

Talk to a Legal Attorney

You should speak with a legal attorney who can help you with your case. You should contact a personal injury attorney, or another lawyer who specializes in your type of injury. You should be aware of your legal rights in the event that you’ve been injured overseas. You’ll be contacted by your employer and the employer’s insurance in regards to your injury.

Jess Young

Jess is a writer at the UK's largest independent press agency SWNS. She runs women's real-life magazine Real-Fix.com, as well as contributing articles and features to all of the major titles and digital publications.

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