Afternoon Tea Gone Wrong: How Abrams Landau Helped a Virginia Traveler Hurt Abroad in London
While the majority of ABRAMS LANDAU clients are injured on board aircraft while embarking or disembarking or in airport terminals, there are also a number of cases where we’ve been able to assist travelers who suffer injuries after arriving at their foreign destination. In a recent case, a Virginia gentleman was severely scalded when taking high tea at a well known London hotel.
American travelers are rightfully fearful of injuries abroad, as they are not accustomed to the health care available on foreign shores. Plus, domestic health insurance may not cover procedures abroad. Some travelers wisely check with their insurance companies well before their departure date. Others, like when Lawyer Landau goes outside the country to compete as a member of teamUSA, are required to have special insurance for accidents and illnesses while outside =of the USA. Doug Landau has represented foreign tourists catastrophically injured in the States who had special insurance coverages through their auto club, employers and/or travel agencies. What should you do to protect yourself before traveling abroad, especially if you have any significant health conditions? CHECK YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES BEFORE TRAVELING to see what may be covered and what may not.
This Northern Virginia resident was traveling with his wife to the United Kingdom, and like many, wanted to enjoy the local ambiance, customs, and scenery. Unfortunately, what should have been a pleasant afternoon tea turned into a painful ordeal when the waiter, without any warning, spilled the tea pot on the gentleman’s lap. He suffered immediate burns and was quickly taken to surgery. When he returned home to the United States, he still had obvious burns and blistering over his body. Furthermore, due to his age and pre-existing medical conditions, his treatment and recovery were far more complicated.
What makes this case particularly noteworthy is the international aspect and Abrams Landau’s ability to respond effectively despite the distance. Attorney Doug Landau personally investigated the incident on-site in London not long after it occurred. Having previously served as the first American hire at a large English solicitors’ firm, Landau was uniquely equipped to navigate both the U.S. and U.K. legal systems involved in this case.
While in London, he met with one of the firm’s senior lawyers to exchange case information, compare relevant laws, and discuss the prospects for recovery under English law. This collaboration helped ensure that the client’s case would be handled efficiently and in accordance with both jurisdictions’ requirements.
The case is still pending, but in light of the clear liability and the documented injuries, a compromise settlement is anticipated for this unfortunate traveler. Both Doug Landau and his late father, Norman J. Landau, have successfully resolved cases for travelers to the United Kingdom who were injured through no fault of their own.
If you or someone you care about has been injured while traveling abroad, on board an aircraft or any airport-related accident, don’t wait. There are strict legal deadlines that apply to these cases. Delay could result in the dismissal of your case, and at the very least, the loss of important evidence. Lawyer Doug Landau and the team at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. are committed to advocating for injured travelers, workers and their families. Contact us today to get experienced legal help tailored to aviation-related injuries at frontdesk@landaulawshop.com or call/text us at (703) 796-9555.