The travel law team here at Hampson Hughes Solicitors were recently instructed by a client whose dream getaway to Mexico was plagued by holiday illness.
Our client booked a week long stay at the 3* Riu Yucatan hotel in the Playa del Carmen resort of Mexico in January 2016. The holiday was booked as an all-inclusive package deal with tour operators TUI.
Poor food & hygiene standards
Upon the Claimant’s immediate arrival at the hotel there was strong smell of sewage, both in the hotel itself and the surrounding areas.
They also report that throughout their stay at the Riu Yucatan hotel, they noticed a number of issues relating to poor food and hygiene practices, particularly with regards to the buffet style food service available. Our client reports:
• Food was left uncovered for extended periods of time
• Food appeared reheated and was served at incorrect temperatures
• Staff members handling food did not appear to wear gloves when doing so
According to the claimant most dishes served in the restaurant were covered in a thick sauce and so it was difficult to know if they contained meat, and, if so, if the meat was cooked correctly. At one evening meal our client was about to tuck into a dish when they realised that it contained raw meat.
Holiday illness
On the final day of their holiday, our client began to suffer from symptoms related to food poisoning. Their symptoms included abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and fatigue, as well as diarrhoea containing blood.
The claimant self medicated while abroad with Imodium and pain killers purchased from a local pharmacy. Upon their return to the UK, our client reports having to visit his GP on more than one occasion due to their holiday illness. They also claim that a year on from their trip to Mexico, their health has not returned to how it was prior to the holiday.
Successful outcome
Liability was admitted by TUI and an out of court settlement was agreed on.
Our expert Travel Law solicitors managed to secure a total of £1,900 in holiday illness compensation for the Claimant on this occasion.
Holiday illness claims – expert advice
If you believe that your holiday illness symptoms are linked to poor hygiene standards within your package deal hotel, you may be entitled to holiday illness compensation. There are certain steps that you could take in support of your claim:
• Note all important dates
• Report any hygiene issues to your holiday rep
• Document any suspected poor hygiene (e.g. photo, video)
For further information on holiday sickness compensation, please take a look at our ‘Package Holiday Claims’ page.
Call our expert team of travel law solicitors today for FREE legal advice. Whatever your experience with holiday sickness, we may be able to help. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
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