There has been recent significant press coverage of the case of Bobby and Christi Shepherd who died in Corfu in October 2006 as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
At Nelsons, we have been following this story for several years. It concerns a faulty hot water boiler adjacent to a holiday bungalow, which released deadly carbon monoxide into the children’s bedroom while they were sleeping. An earlier trial in Corfu itself had cleared the individual holiday reps of manslaughter charges, but found the hotel’s manager, technician and electrician guilty, sentencing them to seven years in prison.
The recent coverage, however, related to a UK Coroner’s inquest into the culpability of the tour operator, Thomas Cook. An inquest jury found that they had breached their duty of care.
Carbon Monoxide Risks
While reflecting on this tragedy, it is worth revisiting the issue of carbon monoxide and the risks it poses. This is often discussed in the context of home heating systems and the failure to maintain them properly. However, it is not only at home where we are at risk.
When we go on holiday we put ourselves in the hands of tour operators and hoteliers, and there is sometime little we can do other than to trust that they will take steps to keep us safe. However, some time ago The Telegraph published which is well worth a read.
How Nelsons Can Help
If you have been injured while on holiday, we have a team of experts who have years of experience dealing with holiday claims. Please don’t hesitate to contact us via our online form or call 0800 024 1976 to see if a member of our team can help you.