Can a non American sue an American company?
Asked by: Prof. Therese Collins PhD | Last update: September 25, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (23 votes)
There is no prohibition against foreign citizens suing American citizens or companies in American courts of proper jurisdiction. You can file your claim through a legally licensed attorney with standing in the appropriate Court.
Can a non US citizen sue a US company?
Yes, immigrants, permanent residents, and tourists can sue in the United States. The legal system generally allows anyone within U.S. jurisdiction to bring a lawsuit, regardless of their immigration status.
Can you sue if you are not a US citizen?
No Citizenship Requirement
State laws and regulations do not allow discrimination against non-citizens when they seek damages for injuries sustained in an accident. Therefore, in the United States, citizenship is not a requirement for filing a personal injury claim.
Can you sue a company based in another country?
Successfully suing a foreign company often requires adherence to international agreements like the Hague Service Convention. These rules streamline the process for delivering legal notices and increase the chances of your case being heard in court.
How to file a lawsuit against a company in the USA?
You start a lawsuit by filing a complaint. In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit.
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How much does it cost to file a lawsuit in America?
County Court: The filing fee is typically under $100. District Court: The filing fees can range from $200 to $600. Small Claims Court: Filing fees are generally under $50. Cases filed here involve plaintiffs seeking $7,500 or less in damages.
How do I file a lawsuit against a company out of state?
Out-of-state plaintiffs can no longer sue in “plaintiff-friendly” courts unless that court can exercise specific jurisdiction over the defendant. The focus of specific personal jurisdiction is on the defendant-company's conduct within the forum state, and the lawsuit must arise from that conduct.
Can I file a lawsuit internationally?
It is sometimes possible to sue someone for disputes that occur overseas, but the legal feasibility and process can be complicated and depend on various factors including the nature of the dispute, the jurisdictions involved, the specific laws that apply, and the treaties or agreements between the countries in question ...
Can you take legal action against a foreign company?
Before a foreign company can be hailed into US state or federal court, it must first be notified of the lawsuit. Lawsuits in the United States begin with the service of a complaint upon a prospective defendant. Service is generally a straightforward process governed by local state and federal court rules.
Can I sue an American company from the UK?
Although you may be able to sue a foreign business in its home country, the general rule is that your case will be decided according to the law in the country where the damage occurred (i.e. your country or the host country).
Can you sue someone who doesn't live in your country?
You must prove that the law of the country where you are suing them is similar to yours. You may be able to sue someone for legal disputes abroad if you have witnesses that can testify in the case.
Do non citizens have US rights?
Yes, the Constitution applies to immigrants – even undocumented ones – but that does not tell you how far its individual rights protections extend (for not even free speech rights are absolute).
Can non U.S. citizens be prosecuted?
Criminal charges can have serious consequences for non-citizens, including possible deportation or removal. No matter the crime, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony offense, a resident's legal status will play a role in the future outcomes.
Can you file a lawsuit if you are not a US citizen?
In California, yes, undocumented immigrants in California may file a lawsuit. This issue typically arises in personal injury cases, but it's often addressed in other cases too like retaliatory labor practices.
Can a non US citizen own a US company?
Generally, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of a company formed in the United States. The procedure for a foreign citizen to form a company in the US is the same as for a US resident. It is not necessary to be a US citizen or to have a green card to own a corporation or LLC.
Can an immigrant sue a company?
Undocumented workers have rights and protections under the law. They can sue their employers for violations, including issues related to unpaid wages, unsafe working conditions, discrimination, and retaliation.
Do US laws apply to foreign companies?
In general, if you are doing business in the United States, it is likely that you are subject to the jurisdiction of one or more U.S. courts. For example, if a foreign company sells a product in the United States that causes an injury or death, that company could face a consumer lawsuit or regulatory action here.
How do I file a complaint against a foreign company?
File a complaint with government or consumer programs
Report scams and suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission. Contact econsumer.gov if you are complaining about items you bought online from a seller outside the U.S.
Can a foreign company be a relevant legal entity?
An overseas company that does not meet any of the three criteria under Condition B cannot be an RLE. To identify a PSC of such an overseas company it will be necessary to look further up the ownership chain. Condition C: It is the first corporate entity in the company's ownership chain that satisfies condition A and B.
How do I file a lawsuit against an international company?
File the suit in the district in which the contract was signed or the one specified by the contract. The plaintiff must petition the court clerk by paying the filing fees with the help of an international lawyer. The filing process will vary from country to country.
How does an international lawsuit work?
Litigation is simply the trial of cases in international courts such as the International Court of Justice, the Court of Justice of the EU, and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The defendants must agree to such litigation and both parties must agree to follow the judgment.
What is the best state to sue a company?
For example, Vermont was voted the best state in the categories of Discovery, Scientific and technical evidence and Judges' impartiality. Nebraska scored best in the category of Juries' fairness. Respondents were first screened for their familiarity with the litigation environment in a given state.
Can someone sue you from out of state?
Yes, you can be sued by someone in another state, even if you reside in California. When a dispute arises between parties located in different states, it can lead to what is known as a "diversity jurisdiction" case in federal court.
Can you file a civil suit against a company?
If a business or company is responsible for losses you have suffered, filing a civil action is an option you have to recover compensation for your losses. This civil action could be a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of your case.