Couple Instruct Expert Illness Lawyers To Investigate Cause Of Illness
An Uxbridge couple who fell ill with severe gastric symptoms during a five-star holiday in the Dominican Republic have spoken of their ‘nightmare’ ordeal as expert International Illness lawyers investigate the cause of their illness.Gill and James Petford travelled to the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Don Pablo Collection resort in Bavaro for a two-week break in October 2013 through TUI UK Limited T/A First Choice. The couple say the holiday was ruined when they both fell ill with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and lethargy that led to Gill losing approximately a stone in weight.
Gill, 57, still suffers with symptoms of illness one year on from the holiday and the couple have now instructed International Illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of the illness suffered.
Clare Comiskey, the legal specialist in Irwin Mitchell’s International Personal Injury team who is acting for the couple, said: “The Petford’s both fell ill during what was meant to be a relaxing holiday.
Our work on behalf of victims of illness outbreaks both in the UK and abroad means that we understand the impact that gastric illness can have on those affected - often leaving people with long-term health problems.
We are now investigating our clients’ concerns to determine the cause of their illness.”
Gill visited her GP on the couple’s return to the UK and she was given antibiotics to try and relieve her of her symptoms which unfortunately did not ease. She was forced to take two weeks off work from her job as a Senior Administration Team Leader and has sought advice from a Nutritionist to help her manage her on-going illness.
She said: “James and I saved hard for 18 months to be able to afford to go on the holiday and we were looking forward to being able to relax in five-star surroundings.
“But it turned into a nightmare when we both fell ill. We had hoped to go on day trips and excursions but we just weren’t well enough.
“We noticed that sometimes the food was not served at the correct temperature with some of the hot food being served lukewarm. Also on occasions new food was added to existing food. Some of the food was uncovered and looked as though it had been left out over a long period of time.
“I thought my symptoms would improve once we returned home but unfortunately this was not the case and I have been left with an altered bowel habit. It’s very frustrating and embarrassing.
“We are both bitterly disappointed that our holiday was ruined and have instructed Irwin Mitchell to help us get to the bottom of what caused us to be so ill.”