It’s getting closer to that time of year when many of us jet off for a week of sun, sand and, hopefully, lots of smiles.
But what happens when things go badly wrong on holiday? If you’ve booked a package holiday, Macks Solicitors might be able to help you win compensation. Here’s our handy guide to what to do if you have an accident or suffer illness that’s not your fault…
Make a formal report to the on-site holiday rep, hotel or accommodation reception or service provider. Note the name of the person you speak to and get a copy of the report form if possible
“This is by far the most important thing,” says Macks
Solicitors holiday claims specialist solicitor James Pritchard. “Report it as soon as possible and definitely before you travel home. Try not to take things out on the rep, as it’s good to have them onside. I’ve had experience of reports being doctored, so it’s really important to
get a copy, or if not a photograph of it.”
If you’ve had an accident, take photos of the area and gather evidence such as measurements showing the dimensions of the defect.
“Make sure you do this before any spillages are cleared up or damage is repaired or fenced off,” says James. “I fought a case where a young boy had cut his toe on a broken tile while jumping into a swimming pool in Turkey. His parents took pictures straight away that showed how bad it was.”
Take details of any witnesses.
“This includes any staff as well as other holidaymakers,” says James. “Don’t just get their names, get their homes addresses as well. It might sound obvious, but once the holiday is over they’ll go back all over the world, and tracking them down can be a nightmare.”
“I recently had a client who’d slipped on some wet marble steps in Egypt. Fortunately, he’d taken details of a witness, who ended up winning us the case.”
If you’ve been affected by food poisoning, write down the details of any other holidaymakers affected by similar illness and make a detailed food diary.
James says: “It’s vital to write down everything you’ve eaten, not just that day, but for the previous three days at least. Your case will be more difficult to prove If you’ve eaten away from the hotel, unless other guests have also been struck down.”
If you need medical treatment abroad, keep a note of any expenses, including receipts. Ask for a copy of medical notes.
“It doesn’t matter if these are in another language as we can get them translated if needed,” says James. “Make sure you contact your travel insurer straight away as well.”
Keep all your holiday booking documentation and invoices. You’ll need these if you make a claim
Report the accident or illness to your tour operator directly. Again, it’s important to keep a note of who you speak to and the date and time the report was made.
“As long as you’ve reported it to the on-site rep, you can leave this until you get home” says James. “There’s no point spending what’s left of your holiday making expensive telephone calls. But don’t leave it three months after returning to contact them either – do it as soon as you reasonably can.”
Contact Macks Solicitors specialist holiday claims team for no-obligation advice tailored to your circumstances. Please don’t delay as strict time limits may apply.
