NIGEL THOMPSON MARJORIE YUE Claim speaking
We’ve all heard about the appalling fraudulent holiday sickness claims – and rightly action is being taken against the cheats who are trying to con hoteliers and travel companies out of thousands.
But what do you do when something really does go wrong on your getaway? Fake claims aside, an unlucky minority do fall ill or suffer an injury or accident while away.
We’ve teamed up with specialist travel solicitor Clare Campbell at Manchester law firm Leigh Day for a guide if things head south.
Report your complaint to the hotel and your travel rep. Take down the names of all people you speak to and ask for a copy of any accident or illness complaint forms.
Get evidence if possible. Photos and videos are useful, and can help demonstrate the complaint to a third party if necessary.
Take down the name and details – telephone, postal and email – of other holidaymakers who are experiencing the same issues as you, or can be witnesses for your complaint.
Get details of any member of British Consulate with whom you have had contact.
Get details of police involved, including a reference number.
Seek medical assistance following any injury or illness and ask for a copy of your medical records from any hospital or surgery that you visit.
Keep receipts of any expenses incurred as a result of accident or illness, including travel expenses to and from hospital and subsistence costs while in hospital.
Retain a record of all expenditure incurred either by or on behalf of the injured person as well as associated expenses incurred by those accompanying the injured person.
If you send original documents to anyone, keep a copy for your records and don’t feel pressured in to signing anything you don’t understand.
Don’t accept any offers of compensation at the resort without first obtaining independent advice from a reputable specialised solicitor.
Before you go away, make sure you have adequate travel insurance and have booked a holiday through an ABTA and/or ATOL approved travel agent or tour operator. More info at leighday.co.uk. tate.org.uk virginatlantic.com Juice Pebble Power Bank, from £22.99, Sainsbury’s and Asda
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