When we book a holiday, whether we’re focusing on sun, sea and sand or great food and culture, the last thing that’s on our minds is the possibility of an accident.
Yet the reality is that holidaymakers can and do have accidents while away. It is worth knowing what the process is if you or a member of your party gets injured overseas – because you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
So, what types of accidents count?
You can pursue a claim for pretty much any injury you sustain overseas if it is someone else’s fault.
For example, you may be able to claim for an injury caused by a badly maintained pool or path in hotel grounds, as well as injuries caused by faulty equipment in a holiday apartment, such as a scald from a kettle or a slip in a shower.
Sport-related injuries from activities such as swimming, skiing, snowboarding or windsurfing are also commonplace for holidaymakers.
And if you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident abroad that wasn’t your fault, you could have a case there too.
First things first…
If you are injured abroad, taking the initial steps correctly can help you make a claim when you get back home.
- If you get injured abroad get medical treatment immediately – if you do not, then it may affect the success of any future claim.
- Report your holiday accident or injury to the hotel staff or your travel representative, where relevant. Again, do this as soon as you can.
- Log your accident in any relevant accident book.
- Take photos of the place of the incident and any injuries if possible.
- Keep receipts for any expenses incurred in relation to your holiday injury, such as additional travel costs or medical fees. Travel insurance can also help with expenses incurred because of an injury abroad, including the costs of getting home if your injury is severe.
When you come home…
Make sure you seek professional legal advice as soon as possible, as there is a strict three-year time limit for making holiday accident claims.
It really is best to hand it over to the professionals as soon as you can, as there are complicated rules regarding the kinds of travel accident claims that can make it through the legal process.
Thompsons Solicitors has helped thousands of holidaymakers secure compensation for everything from lacerations and broken bones to head and spinal injuries. They have a specialist team working on accidents abroad who are experts on foreign jurisdiction claims, and will be able to tell you whether you have a case for compensation.
Will it cost me to pursue a claim?
You can make a holiday accident claim on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, which means you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.
So, while we wish you safe, fun and happy travels, we’d also urge to you to be prepared for every eventuality, because as the saying goes – “accidents do happen.”
