12.08.2014

Legal Specialists Warn Of Potential Impact Illness Has On Victims

Lawyers who specialise in helping victims of illness outbreaks in the UK and abroad have called for authorities in Devon to work quickly to provide answers regarding the outbreak of illness which has caused some of those people who have visited the River Dart Country Park near Ashburton to fall ill.

According to local reports, 46 cases of illness have been reported to the owners of the holiday park near Ashburton between Saturday 9 August 2014 and Monday 11 August 2014.  The same reports state that a lake at the site has been drained and closed while the cause of the illness is investigated.

Samples have been passed to South Hams District Council and it is expected that the results will be available in a couple of days.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist lawyers have helped thousands of victims of outbreaks of illness to gain answers and justice following problems they have endured after visiting attractions, restaurants, takeaways and holiday resorts both in the UK and abroad, as well as on board cruise ships.

Amandeep Dhillon, a Partner and expert in public health claims at Irwin Mitchell, said:

Expert Opinion

It is very worrying to hear reports such as this emerge, particularly at a time when many families will be looking forward to enjoying relaxing breaks together at holiday parks and resorts in the UK and further afield.

“Through the cases we have been involved in, we have seen first-hand the impact that norovirus can have on sufferers, often leading them to develop long-term health issues which they may not fully recover from. Unfortunately illnesses such as norovirus not only disrupt holidays but can also result in the sufferer having to take further time off work after their holiday, and other impacts on their diet and social lives.

“It is vital that authorities in Devon work quickly to prevent the further spread of the illness, and to identify the cause of these problems.” Amandeep Dhillon - Partner