Can you sue a company outside the US?

Asked by: Arden Rau  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (75 votes)

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 sue a company internationally?

You have to file your lawsuit in the right country and the right court. Most often, you will sue where the injury occurred. However, jurisdiction may depend on location and who you are suing. If companies with strong ties to the United States are involved, you may be able to sue in the United States.

Can you sue someone outside of the US?

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 a non-US citizen file a lawsuit in the US?

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.

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.

Can I Sue a Company from Overseas in the United States? Miami Injury Lawyer Explains

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How do I settle an international dispute?

There are a diverse set of techniques used in international dispute settlement, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and adjudication.

What happens if you sue someone with no money USA?

If the court finds the defendant responsible, they are legally required to compensate you, even if they currently lack the funds. Winning the lawsuit means the defendant owes you the amount decided by the court, which you can pursue through various legal avenues.

Do US courts have jurisdiction in foreign countries?

U.S. courts also have little trouble exercising jurisdiction over foreign entities with a minimal nexus to the U.S. when the federal law giving rise to the claim specifically establishes personal jurisdiction over the defendant upon receipt of proper service of process (for a discussion of “service” issues, see below).

Does US law apply to non US citizens?

All people in the U.S. – including citizens, foreign tourists and non-citizen residents – are subject to federal, state and local government laws. Even if only traveling for a short time, a person who commits a crime while vacationing in the U.S. could be arrested, tried, convicted and imprisoned.

Can I sue a foreign company in small claims court?

In theory, yes, you can sue anyone in your local Small Claims Court. However, Small Claims Courts, being “creatures of statute”, are given “limited jurisdiction”, which means that unlike the superior courts, they operate under different rules.

Can I leave the country if I have a court case?

In order to travel out of the country, you must ask permission from the court. The court will need to know where you are going and for how long. The judge will determine if you have a valid reason for traveling out of the country and whether you have a history of failing to appear in court.

How to sue a company in India?

Understanding the Legal Process to Sue a Company in India
  1. Identify the Cause of Action. The cause of action is the reason behind your decision to sue the company. ...
  2. Gather Evidence. ...
  3. Consult with a Lawyer. ...
  4. Send a Legal Notice. ...
  5. File a Lawsuit. ...
  6. Engage in Legal Proceedings. ...
  7. Obtain a Judgment.

Can I sue for something that happened in another country?

While there is no federal law regarding enforcement of foreign legal judgments, most states, including California, Montana, and New York, have adopted the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act. This Act means that state courts will honor legal judgments made in other countries.

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 hard is it to sue someone overseas?

Determining jurisdiction to sue someone in another country can be a complex process. It involves analyzing various factors such as the defendant's presence or assets within the jurisdiction, the nature of the dispute, and any applicable international laws or treaties.

Can you sue another country in US court?

American citizens can sue foreign governments in US courts under limited circumstances. This issue is governed by the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Foreign governments are generally immune from suit by US citizens.

What countries does the US not have jurisdiction?

The United States does not have an extradition treaty with China, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Taiwan, Ukraine, Vietnam, the GCC states, most African states, and most former Soviet states, among others.

What crimes have international jurisdiction?

They include torture, enforced disappearances, killings, enslavement, deportation and certain crimes of sexual and gender based violence including rape.

What happens if you sue an LLC with no money?

Suing an LLC with no assets is possible, but often unproductive financially. LLCs shield owners' personal assets, so winning may not yield payment. If you're wondering whether having no assets protects you from lawsuits against your LLC, it's important to understand the limitations.

Can you go to jail for not paying someone who sued you?

While debt collectors can no longer have you jailed or threaten to have you arrested for not paying your debts, there are a few instances in which you can be incarcerated with debt as the underlying cause. For example, a debt collector can sue you and, if you fail to comply with court orders, you could get jail time.

What happens if you lose a lawsuit and can't pay USA?

Based on what they learn during your debtor's examination, here are other ways someone can collect money from you if you don't pay losing a lawsuit: Wage garnishment. Bank account freezes. Property liens.

Can a non-US citizen sue a US citizen?

The civil justice system in the United States is open to anyone seeking redress for their injuries and damages.

What states is defamation illegal?

All states except Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee recognize that some categories of false statements are so innately harmful that they are considered to be defamatory per se. In the common law tradition, damages for such false statements are presumed and do not have to be proven.

Can a lawyer from another country represent you?

Can a foreign lawyer give counsel in the United States? A foreign lawyer cannot provide legal services in the United States without being admitted to at least one state's bar. Exceptions may exist in some states for example, where foreign lawyers may apply for a license as a foreign law consultant.