Specialist Travel Lawyers Secure Settlement From Thomas Cook

A family holiday to the Dominican Republic was ruined after a father-of-two was hospitalised when he was injured during a game of tennis when he fell and injured his arm and was not able to work for three months.

Bryan Chambers from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire was left with a broken arm which needed metal plates and screws to help with his recovery when he tripped in an uncovered gulley and crashed into a metal bin whilst playing tennis with his son-in-law during his family’s stay at the Hotel Luperon Beach Resort in the Dominican Republic in July 2008.

The 64-year-old instructed expert International Personal Injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his accident. Despite a lengthy denial of liability, the law firm has now secured settlement from tour operator Thomas Cook, who agreed to pay a significant five-figure sum to cover the pain and suffering and loss of earnings caused by the accident.

Joseph Dawson, a Solicitor and specialist International Personal Injury lawyer from Irwin Mitchell, said: 

Bryan, who works as a luxury car salesman, said: “When I collided with the bin I was running to return a shot to my son-in-law and crashed onto the floor, I felt a horrendous pain shoot through my right arm and into my shoulder. I have never felt pain like it in my life. I was in utter agony as we made our way to the hospital.”

After various scans and x-rays Bryan was told that he had broken his arm in three places and would need immediate surgery. He was discharged four days later and able to return back to the hotel with his family but was unable to enjoy his time away because of his injuries.

He added: “Our holiday was completely ruined, not just for me but for everyone. I was in so much pain and was told that I had to get back to the UK as soon as possible to have a follow up appointment after surgery.

“I was off work for three months and even then I struggled with a lot of day-to-day tasks as my arm was still healing. I had regular physiotherapy to help with my recovery – but even now I have some limitations for example, I struggle to lift my grandchildren, which is very upsetting.

“My injury has also affected my retirement plans as I will never be able to play golf again, which was one of the main things I was looking forward to in my retirement.

“I am pleased however, that the legal case has now been finalised and I can start to put everything behind me.”