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Couple take legal action over Thomson gastroenteritis holiday illness (23 September 2014)

Date: 23/09/2014

Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Couple take legal action over Thomson gastroenteritis holiday illness

A couple who contracted food poisoning on a package holiday to Fuerteventura have hit out at tour operator Thomson for the poor standards of hygiene at their hotel.

David Fossey, 71, and his wife Lynne, 65, were staying at the ClubHotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura in 2013, when within days of beginning their two-week break they both fell ill with severe symptoms of holiday food poisoning – including headache, fever, stomach cramps, and sickness and diarrhoea.

They had booked a package on an all-inclusive basis, but allege that meals were frequently served lukewarm – and food was left uncovered on the buffet.

The couple had eaten all their meals at the hotel before the symptoms of holiday gastroenteritis struck both of them – they spent two days confined to their hotel room as a result of the severity of their symptoms. Both were so ill that the resort called in a doctor who prescribed medication.

Mr Fossey told the Daily Mail:

“My wife and I wanted a relaxing holiday together in the sun – and were looking forward to returning to the Riu Oliva Beach Hotel after visiting the year before and having a wonderful time.

“But this was ruined when we both began to feel unwell midway through the holiday.

“We were unable to leave the hotel, enjoy the weather, the facilities or our remaining time away together.”
The couple have been married for 47 years – and are now considering taking legal action against the tour operator Thomson.

Under the Package Travel Regulations 1992, tour operators have a legal duty to ensure that holidaymakers do no fall ill as a result of lapses in hygiene and cleanliness at hotels and accommodations they use.

Thomson issued a statement saying:

“We would like to reassure customers that Thomson closely audits all resorts to which we operate to ensure that health, hygiene and comfort levels are maintained in line with industry standards.”

Thomson said it was unable to comment in detail on Mr and Mrs Fossey’s holiday because of ongoing legal proceedings.

Duncan Lewis No Win No Fee Solicitors – Holiday Accidents & Illness

Duncan Lewis no win no fee solicitors can advise holidaymakers who have fallen ill on package holidays as a result of lapses in hygiene on how to make a compensation claim for holiday illness.

Personal injury claimants have three years from the date of injury or illness in which to claim compensation – and children can make a compensation claim for holiday illness on a package holiday up to the age of 21.

For expert legal advice on Holiday Accidents & Illness Claims, call Duncan Lewis no win no fee solicitors on 020 7923 4020.