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Cross-border personal injury can be costly and complicated


When British Columbia residents take short trips into the United States, they may not stop to consider the possibility of being in an accident or suffering another type of personal injury. However, even a shopping trip for a single day can result in a cross-border personal injury. Most people do not bother to get travel insurance for short trips, but even if they do, dealing with authorities on both sides of the border if civil lawsuits follow could be challenging.

Examples of such incidents include a gymnastics coach from a border town in another province who suffered a fall in a gym in a U.S. state. The event left him paralyzed and with medical bills totalling almost $170,000. He says he used to take frequent trips across the border to watch ball games and never thought of the possibility of landing in a U.S. hospital

Another Canadian couple was heading home from south of the border in their SUV during a snowstorm. Their vehicle was struck by a commercial truck, and although the wife’s injuries were not serious, the husband suffered multiple injuries including a fractured spine, collapsed lung and a broken pelvis. He also broke his nose and 12 ribs along with an aorta dissection, a lacerated spleen, liver and kidney. He had to spend 14 days in a U.S. hospital, ending up with medical bills for $325,000.

After suffering injuries due to the negligence of other parties, regardless of whether it is negligent property owners or drivers, dealing with civil laws and insurance companies on both sides of the border can be challenging. While an injured British Columbia victim focuses on recovering and regaining his or her health, an experienced cross-border personal injury lawyer can provide valuable guidance and support. The lawyer can deal with the civil laws and insurance companies on both sides of the border while working on recovering financial and emotional damages.

Source: CBC News Windsor, “Medical emergencies in U.S. can cost Canadians thousands“, Accessed on Dec. 9, 2017