Can I sue a UK company from USA?
Asked by: Savanna Reilly | Last update: January 29, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (75 votes)
Yes, you can sue a UK company from the USA, especially if they conduct business in the US, but you may need to sue in a US court or a UK court depending on jurisdiction, and enforcing a US judgment in the UK requires a separate legal action in the UK, as there's no automatic reciprocal enforcement, making it complex and potentially costly.
Can I sue someone in the UK from the US?
If the governing law/ jurisdiction clause says the US, then you can issue a claim in the US and get a judgment there. However, as there is no reciprocal enforcement agreement between the US and the UK, that judgment can't be enforced in the UK directly, so you won't automatically be able to recover what you're owed.
Can I sue a foreign company in the US?
Generally, pursuant to specific jurisdiction, a non-U.S. company can always be sued in the United States in the federal or local courts of a state where it has engaged in activity, or to which it has directed activity, for claims arising out of such conduct.
How to take legal action against a company in the UK?
What's the process for taking a limited company to court?
- Check the company's legal name on Companies House.
- Send a Letter Before Action or a Statutory Demand.
- File a claim through Money Claim Online (MCOL) or your local County Court.
- If they ignore the claim, apply for a default judgment.
Can an American sue someone in another country?
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 ...
HOW TO SUE A COMPANY OR AN INDIVIDUAL? Watch this before you file a lawsuit.⚖️
Are international lawsuits a thing?
At an increasing rate, U.S. courts are hearing cases in which parties seek evidence located abroad or parties to a foreign or international proceeding seek evidence located in the United States. International discovery issues pose difficult and complex challenges, at both the procedural and substantive levels.
Is it worth suing someone for $500?
Suing for $500 can be "worth it" in small claims court, which is designed for smaller disputes and usually doesn't require a lawyer, but you must weigh filing/service fees (can be $20-$200+) and the opportunity cost of your time (prep, court) against the potential recovery; if your costs approach $500, it's often not financially sensible, but it might be worth it for principle or if the other party pays easily, says.
Who to complain to about a company in the UK?
Report a business to Trading Standards
We'll pass your report to Trading Standards and we can also give you advice about your problem. You can also use our online form from 5pm on Fridays to 9am on Mondays. If you contact us using the online form, we'll get back to you within 5 days.
Is it worth filing a formal complaint?
Why Formal Complaints Matter. In California, making a formal written complaint about harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or wage violations is considered protected activity under multiple laws: Labor Code § 1102.5: Protects whistleblowers who report illegal conduct.
How do I put a case in international court?
The court can only hear a case if the states have accepted its authority in these ways:
- They made a special deal to take their disagreement to court.
- Jurisdiction clause (i.e., in conventions or treaties)
- Statements they made.
What are the three things you need for a lawsuit?
If you can prove the 3 elements of standing to sue, you have a valid legal claim.
- Injury in Fact. Injury in fact means that a person has suffered an actual injury. ...
- Causation. Causation means that the injury to the plaintiff was caused by the party that is being sued. ...
- Redressability.
Does US law apply in the UK?
When enforcing US judgements in the UK, it must be done under English common law due to there being no reciprocal enforcement agreement between the two countries. Whether it's a financial debt, or other US judgement, a new action must be brought to the English court as a simple contractual 'debt'.
Is there a time limit to sue someone in the UK?
The limitation period for a contract claim is six years from the date the contract was broken. This means that you must start any court proceedings by the sixth anniversary of the event that broke the contract.
How to expose a bad company?
File a complaint with government or consumer programs
File a complaint with your local consumer protection office. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve complaints against companies. Report scams and suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission.
Can I get my money back from a fake company?
Yes, you can often get your money back from a scam company, especially if you act immediately and used a credit card, but it's harder with methods like wire transfers or gift cards; your best chance involves quickly contacting your bank/card issuer to dispute the charge, reporting the scam to authorities like the FTC ReportFraud.ftc.gov (US) or Citizens Advice (UK) (UK), and saving all records.
What are the three types of frauds?
Three common categories of fraud, especially in corporate settings, are asset misappropriation, bribery and corruption, and financial statement fraud, but other classifications include types like identity theft, first-party fraud, and investment fraud, depending on the focus (e.g., perpetrator, victim, or method).
Is it worth suing a big company?
Big companies will sometimes make it harder for plaintiffs and draw out the case to cost them more money because the company has the money to provide a better defense. In that case, taking a settlement could be your best option.
How long does a civil claim take in the UK?
Civil claims in England and Wales vary in length based on complexity, track allocation, and court workload. Small Claims usually conclude within nine months, while Multi-Track cases can exceed two years.
Can I sue a company in the UK?
However, some people are hesitant about suing companies and have concerns about taking on a large organisation. The key thing to remember is that you have a right to claim compensation if you've been injured through no fault of your own. By law, your employer cannot take action against you.
What are the downsides of suing?
Time Commitment and Delays
Legal cases take time – often months or years, depending on complexity. A lawsuit involves meetings with attorneys, producing evidence, depositions, procedural delays, and eventually trial if necessary. Plaintiffs must be committed for the long haul.
What are the odds of winning a lawsuit?
The chances of winning a lawsuit vary greatly, but most personal injury cases (90-95%) settle out of court; for those that go to trial, plaintiffs win roughly 50-60% of the time, with car accidents having higher success rates (~61%) and medical malpractice cases having lower ones (~27-37%). Key factors influencing your odds include clear liability (proof the other party was at fault), strength of evidence (medical records, photos, witnesses), the type of case, and having an experienced lawyer.
What is the minimum debt to be sued?
In short: Debt collectors typically start considering lawsuits for amounts around $1,000 to $5,000, but there's no strict rule. If your debt is within that range, or if you've ignored collection calls or letters, you could be at risk of being sued.