Zip Line Accident in Costa Rica

[amvitez]

My girlfriend and I were ziplining in Costa Rica. She was sent down the line by our guide and collided with the tourist in front of her. He was stuck on the end of the ~5K foot line. Upon impact she broke her femur and was taken through the jungle to the nearest hospital. It took 48 hours, a few ambulance rides, medical flights and hospital stays before we got to Florida for her surgery. It has been over a year, and we are still struggling to deal with the incoming medical bills.

We are seeking financial compensation for her medical bills and lost vacation expenses. However, we need legal advice. Is this something we should pursue? How should we start this process? How do we find someone that can take this case given that the accident happened in Costa Rica?

It is worth noting that on the zipline where the accident occurred, there was no visibility to the other side and they were not using radios to communicate. The only way he determined it was "safe" was by feeling the line. The guide did not send me after her because he felt that something was wrong or that someone was still on the line.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You have not indicated that there is any connection between the zip line company and the United States. If you booked this service while in Costa Rica, you will need to speak with a lawyer in Costa Rica about possible recourse.

Even if you booked through a U.S. travel agency, the odds of having sufficient connection between the U.S. and Costa Rica, or between the travel agency and the injury, seem unlikely to support an attempt to litigate a claim in the U.S. You can discuss that possibility with a personal injury lawyer in your state, who can fully review the facts.

[adjusterjack]

Is this something we should pursue?

Up to her. It's her injury.

How should we start this process?

Hire a personal injury lawyer in Costa Rica.

How do we find someone that can take this case given that the accident happened in Costa Rica?

Google personal injury lawyer Costa Rica.

[cgriswald420]

I could be totally wrong here making this ASSUMPTION, but usually, when doing something dangerous like this, you sign a waiver releasing the company from any liability that would result from an accident. So did you sign any paperwork before being allowed on the zip line? And even if not, how can you PROVE that the employees operating the zip line were negligent or somehow otherwise caused the accident to happen?

[Mr. Knowitall]

That's something for the OP to worry about with any lawyer they find who is willing to take the case, as the analysis will be made under the laws of Costa Rica which could be very different from those of a typical common law nation or U.S. jurisdiction. Costa Rica follows a civil law model, based on the laws of Spain, Mexico and Argentina.