Holiday Accident Claims

As air travel has become more accessible to us over the past 20, the number of people travelling abroad on a regular basis has increased dramatically... but unfortunately this increase in travel had also inevitably led to an increase in accidents and illnesses suffered away from home.

If you have suffered as a result of an accident or illness abroad that wasn't your fault then you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim. Read on to find out how Legal Request can help you claim back what could rightfully be yours.

What are the common types of claims for accidents and illnesses abroad?

Accidents and illness claims for incidents endured abroad vary as much as they do for UK based claims. However there are a number of common occurrences that you should be aware of, and could potentially make a claim against:

Common injuries and illness claims from accidents suffered abroad include:

Accidents at work while working for a UK company in a foreign country
Injuries suffered in hotels/resorts due to badly maintained walkways
Food poisoning
Road traffic accidents

What should I do in the immediate aftermath of suffering an accident or illness abroad?

Keep as many records as you can as you will have to prove blame, should it come to court. Inform your tour operator or employer as soon as possible and get them to record your injury in a log book. Also ensure you take names and addresses of any witnesses that may have seen your accident.

In addition, make sure you keep receipts and records of any expenses incurred, including all medical costs.

Accidents at work while abroad... can I always claim?

In most cases yes. It becomes less complicated if you are working abroad for a UK based company and you suffer an injury as a result of an accident that wasn't your fault. In that case you would be able to make a personal injury claim using a UK based solicitor, providing the employer has a office or place of business with the UK.

However, even if you are working for a foreign company and you suffer an injury at work that wasn't your fault, you may still be entitled to compensation and you should still contact Legal Request to seek specialist legal advice.

What about if I'm just on holiday and I'm injured in an accident?

If you suffer an injury as a result of an accident that wasn't your fault while on holiday in another country you can only claim if:

• your holiday was booked through a UK based travel agent and;
• your accident was the fault of the agent or their representatives - for example, if an a badly maintained walkway in the grounds of your hotel was to blame for an accident you could make a claim against the UK travel agent you booked the package holiday through, but not if it was caused by a badly maintained pavement on public land

What about claiming for illnesses? Food poisoning for example...

Food poisoning while abroad is a very common occurrence. Mild symptoms are often mistaken for food poisoning, when in fact it could just be your body adjusting to new food and drink. However, if your symptoms are more serious, and you contracted a form of food poisoning from the hotel restaurant, then you may be entitled to some compensation.

You are not covered for food poisoning suffered from eating in a private restaurant or residence.

And finally, what about sporting injuries suffered abroad?

This is a complex area that you need to be fully aware of before you sign up to take part in any sporting or extreme activities while abroad.

For the majority of incidences it may be hard to make a claim, and impossible if you injure yourself in an accident taking part in an activity that you booked independently, regardless of whether the vendors were operating within the resort or location.

It is therefore essential you investigate any activities operators before booking with them. Dangerous beach activities such as paragliding, banana boat rides and waterskiing are rarely covered, even on your holiday insurance.

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