Solicitor Condemns Fraud in Holiday Sickness Cases

The recent news regarding prison convictions for a couple who made false claims for holiday sickness is welcome and will hopefully make people realise these cases are not quick wins but are properly investigated and should only be for those who have genuinely suffered, said Pearson Solicitors Personal Injury Team.

The pair claimed they fell ill after their holidays but their social media posts hinted otherwise and Thomas Cook took out a private prosecution.

The convictions came as the Government announced a call for evidence from travel operators as part of a crackdown on holiday sickness frauds that have plagued holiday firms operating in Spain.

As always if you have genuinely suffered illness whilst on holiday as a result of poor hygiene, food preparation, storage and serving, then you should be entitled to compensation subject to establishing fault on behalf of the hotel or tour operator.

If you do fall ill or suffer injury this should be reported to the hotel and tour rep as soon as possible, ensure that the report is documented, seek medical treatment and keep records of the treatment received.

But there is no place for unwarranted claims as they deny genuine Claimants access to justice. This case merely highlights that new laws regarding fraudulent claims are working and those who make such claims will be found out and punished.

The onus to prove injury or illness is always on the client and unless you have the facts and evidence your claim is unlikely to succeed.

For advice on holiday claims contact our Personal Injury Solicitors team on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.