Holidays can quickly be ruined when an accident occurs abroad, leaving many confused and out of pocket when trying to fix the problem.
Despite a rise in fake holiday claims, it can be difficult to know what to do in the case of genuine emergency.
Julie Vallance, Legal Director at Lime Solicitors, spoke to Express.co.uk on what to do in the case of a problem.
From taking photographs to speaking to the hotel, she advises what to do to be able to make a claim.
Report the injury straight away
Making sure it goes on record instantly will help to solve the problem.
Julie explained: “Ask for the report to be entered into an accident book to include the date and time of the accident, the circumstances of the accident and the injuries suffered.”
This can help to make sure that the accident is less likely to be discredited it if is noted down.
She also advises reporting it to the “the holiday rep and if the accident is in a hotel or a restaurant, report to the manager also.”
Holiday insurers will also need to be alerted to be able to claim back. People who choose to go on holiday without travel insurance put themselves at risk of huge costs.
Keep all documents and receipts
It is much easier to make a claim with all of the information as proof it happened.
Julie advises to “ask for a copy of the report so that it can be checked” as well as to “keep receipts of taxi fares to and from the doctor/hospital, any medication purchased and any paperwork given by the hospital”.
Photographs of the incident can help as well, such as a wet floor or broken step that caused the problem.
Do the research
The same kind of accident may have already happened to someone else meaning it is a bigger problem and gives strength to a later case.
“Make enquiries with other holidaymakers to establish whether or not anyone else has had an accident in similar circumstances,” says Julie.
She also said that getting “as much evidence as possible to prove that the accident and injuries have occurred” can help cases, especially in light of recent fake illness claims.
Travellers should be warned that health and safety regulations are different abroad to the UK.
What could be considered dangerous in the UK may not be abroad, causing accidents that the person is liable for.
Otherwise when back in the UK, the injured person should head straight to a GP if the pain is still there, and then contact a specialist lawyer.
Many deal especially with injuries abroad and can advise on what to do next.
