We all look forward to our annual holiday, but it can turn into the holiday from hell if you get ill while abroad.
Food Poisoning On Holiday
Sadly food poisoning is common and symptoms can last for some time after you return home. One recent holidaymaker received £15,000 in compensation as he is likely to have permanent symptoms after contracting the campylobacter bacterium on holiday.
It is important to take sensible precautions with food and drink while abroad, to follow your tour operator’s guidance and to ensure that your travel insurance will provide treatment for severe illnesses.
However if you do get ill, you may be able to claim compensation from your tour operator if you can prove that they (or the hotel they are affiliated with) caused your illness by failing to prevent infection or contamination.
Steps To Take
You will need to prove that they were at fault, and we recommend taking the following steps:
- Get photos, videos or evidence from other guests if there were issues at the hotel. Make notes about food hygiene and general cleanliness, and ask to see the hotel’s complaints file.
- If anyone else at the hotel gets ill, share names and addresses with them.
- Keep a note of what food you ate and where. If you ate out at a restaurant, get evidence that other diners did not get ill.
- Tell the holiday rep that you are ill as soon as possible. Keep a note of your conversations with the holiday company.
- Get evidence from a doctor or hospital to prove that you were ill, and visit your own doctor as soon as you get home if you still have symptoms.
- Keep a diary of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life.
Obtaining evidence can be difficult, especially when you are ill, but it is vital to gather evidence in order to make a successful claim.
How Nelsons Can Help
For more information, please contact us via our online form or call 0800 024 1976 and a member of our specialist Personal Injury team will be happy to help.