This is the time of year when many of us are returning to work with happy holiday memories.
However, for some, their vacation will have been spoiled by an accident or illness.
Damage to your health is upsetting enough but the difficulties created will be compounded where you don’t speak the local language and are dealing with an unfamiliar health care system.
Added to the pain and suffering of your injury is the regret that the money you have spent on your trip has been wasted.
If you have been the victim of injury or illness on holiday, can you do anything to recoup your losses?
It depends upon the exact circumstances but there are certainly some situations in which you can claim successfully for your physical, emotional and financial loss.
Package holidays
If, for example, the injury occurred while you were on a package holiday, the focus will be on whether the tour operator is to blame.
Tour operators have a legal duty to protect the customers to whom they have sold holidays. This applies to holidaymakers both in their hotel and while out on excursions organised by the tour operator.
If there has been a breach of this duty, on your return home, you as the injured party may be able to pursue a compensation claim for the losses you have sustained.
Common examples include injuries caused by poorly-maintained accommodation – e.g. trip or slip hazards – and illness due to unacceptable standards of hygiene.
Road traffic accidents
You may also be able to make a claim where you have been involved in a road traffic accident abroad, but only if another party is to blame for causing the accident.
If such an unfortunate event happens, it is crucial to report the accident to the local police and your insurer.
You should otherwise collect as much evidence as possible – to include details of other parties involved, any witnesses and locus photos.
If you have been subject to a summer holiday mishap, such as mentioned above, you may be able to make a holiday accident compensation claim when you return home. To establish your rights and options, you need to speak to a solicitor who specialises in personal injury law, as soon as possible.
Get in touch with us for help
For more information about this article on holiday accidents or any aspect of our accident and injury claims services, please call us on 01343 544077 or send us an online enquiry form. Marie or Peter will be pleased to help you.
There is no charge for initial telephone discussions.
