Travel

Client: National Tour Operator

Issue / Claim: A holidaymaker alleged that she had contracted a salmonella infection from hotel food, resulting in reactive arthritis and a plethora of stomach, bowel and back symptoms. She claimed a seven-figure sum for pain and suffering, past and future loss of earnings, plus care and assistance.

Weightmans’ investigation and action: The claim for reactive arthritis was not contested, but our investigations established that the infection could have been contracted from food consumed outside the hotel. It was also confirmed the particular meal was not included in the holiday package. We obtained further medical evidence and expert opinion to show that the claimant’s stomach, bowel and back problems existed before the holiday.

Result: The compensation claim was reduced by 25%, and a much lower sum accepted for loss of earnings.