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You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story

15th November 2007

Tour operator admits liability as e-coli wrecks a couple’s dream holiday

Food Poisoning on Holiday

Julie and Paul Johnston, both aged 48, from Sunderland contracted the gastro-intestinal illness within a few days of arriving at the all-inclusive Bahia Principe Resort.

The outbreak in the resort also left many other holidaymakers suffering from serious gastric illnesses. Mrs Johnston was diagnosed with shigella sonnei - a strain of E. coli which causes diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Paul Johnston is a member of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and brought his claim for compensation with the support of the FBU and their personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors. As a result, Thomas Cook has been forced to pay the couple £7,000 damages.

Legal Advice after an Accident Abroad

Julie Johnston explains: “There was no doubting who was responsible for our illness. As we were staying on an all inclusive basis and because the hotel was basically in the middle of nowhere, we ate all our meals on site and drank only fluids that were again provided on site. We’re so relieved that Paul’s union membership covers accidents abroad.”

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary said: “We are very pleased with the compensation secured for our member Paul Johnston and his wife Julie. The couple paid over £1,400 for a long-awaited holiday which was wrecked by e coli, and both continued to suffer long after they returned to the UK.”

Representing the couple, Nicola Waugh, from Thompsons Solicitors in Newcastle said: “This was a serious outbreak of e-coli. Many other holiday makers were affected too; over 120 people had been treated on site with similar symptoms, and 25 of them had actually been hospitalised. Given the initial £800 ‘gesture of goodwill’ which Thomas Cook offered the Johnstons, we’re very pleased with the damages secured. There has been a further outbreak this summer at the hotel and it is believed that the hotel has now been closed. “

Personal Injury Compensation Claim

If you are unfortunate enough to be affected by food poisoning as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result. You may even be able to make a claim for compensation if you contracted the food poisoning while you were abroad on a package holiday.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters.  We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.