What to do when things go wrong on holiday
The summer hols are upon us and despite our very own exotic weather this year; many families are setting off for warmer climes for their annual family holiday.
A family holiday is a big ticket expense, with many families continuing to pay it off long after they have returned home. Considering how much people spend on their long awaited getaway, it can be very upsetting if something goes wrong to spoil your special trip. What’s worse is that accidents or illnesses can continue to cost you once you have returned home.
UK solicitors Your Legal Friend share their advice on what to do if there are unfortunate mishaps when you’re away.
Sick on holiday?
Food poisoning claims have been big news the past two years, with holiday companies cracking down on false claims. While this has done the job of deterring false claims from being made, it has also discouraged people who have genuinely fallen ill from complaining, lest they be branded as money grabbing or fraudsters.
Genuine claimants needn’t worry. If you are on a package holiday, particularly all-inclusive or a cruise, and you do contract food poisoning, it is not difficult to prove. By getting tested for common food poisoning bacteria when you fall ill, you can easily provide evidence of your illness. It also helps to try to collect evidence of any unhygienic practices you see too. For example, improperly heated food, uncovered buffet food, dirty plates or cutlery or even a dirty pool.
Whoops!
If you suffer an accident on holiday, the best thing to have done to protect yourself is having taken o0ut travel insurance prior to the trip. However, if your accident was caused by third party negligence (for example, a hazard at your hotel) you are eligible to make a claim for compensation. This is particularly important if you have to pay any healthcare costs while abroad or if an accident causes you to miss work once you return home.
Other side of the road
Many people choose to rent a car when travelling abroad. While you may take every precaution to stay safe, accidents happen, and if you are the victim of a road traffic accident abroad, you are still entitled to compensation. The process may be a bit lengthier and require a specialist solicitor, but a car accident can be devastating, physically, emotionally and financially. This is why compensation exists, in order to ensure an injured party has any financial losses met. While you can take precautions by familiarising yourself with local road traffic laws and always being careful as a pedestrian; it isn’t always possible to completely protect yourself from an accident.
It’s important to always familiarise yourself with your holiday providers terms and conditions, as well as the terms and conditions of your insurance when going on holiday – that way you can relax without worrying about what to do if things go wrong.