Holiday Hell – What to do when it all goes wrong

The world of holidays and travel has undergone revolutionary change. The growth in package tourism and the desire to travel further and to more remote parts of the world has led to a significant increase in accidents and illness whilst abroad. More recently there has been a growing trend towards DIY holidays where the traditional package has been shunned in favour of more flexible cheaper alternatives usually using the internet and low cost airlines. These latest developments have left travellers confused and unsure of where they stand legally when a problem arises whilst on holiday.

Julie Doyle of local solicitors Maxwell Hodge specialises in claiming compensation for travellers. "We see claims arising from food poisoning, road traffic accidents, injury or illness due to the disrepair of hotels or apartments, catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. Travellers need to be as aware when they are abroad as when they are at home and the law is there to protect them." Julie confirms that pursuing compensation for accidents or illness abroad can be a complex issue and that travellers must take expert advice. "Even deciding which country’s law is applicable can be a complicated process".

In addition to claims for accident or illness recent changes to European Law, mean that passengers are now entitled to monetary compensation of between 250 and 600 euros (dependent upon the length of the delay and destination of travel) if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Airlines have saved paying millions of pounds in compensation because passengers are unsure of their rights.

There are however, time restrictions for making all claims and it is therefore important that you see a Solicitor as soon as possible.

If you believe that you might have a legal claim relating to an accident or illness, or delay or cancellation of your flight, Julie can be contacted on 0151 489 6161 or juliedoyle@maxweb.co.uk.