International Personal Injury Lawyers Instructed To Investigate Cause Of Illness Diagnosed As Suspected Salmonella

A couple, whose honeymoon in the Dominican Republic was ruined by severe gastric illness that left them severely ill for days and struggling to leave their hotel room, have instructed expert international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of their illness, which was later diagnosed as suspected Salmonella.

David and Elizabeth Hunt from Liverpool travelled to the Dreams Punta Cana Resort, in Uvero Alto, in the Dominican Republic in September to celebrate their marriage.

But, just four days into the luxury all-inclusive break, which was booked through Thomas Cook Tour Operations Ltd trading as Signature , both of them started suffering with diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps. The symptoms continued for a number of days during their holiday and they struggled to leave their room due to the symptoms they were suffering throughout the day.

On their return to the UK, David, 45, visited his GP and underwent a number of tests which indicated he was suffering from suspected Salmonella.

The couple, from Aintree, Liverpool, have now instructed expert international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of their illness at the Dreams Punta Cana Resort, as well as the hygiene and safety practices in place after David and Elizabeth expressed concerns about the Resort.

Jennifer Downing an expert international personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the couple, said: 

Expert Opinion

“David and Elizabeth booked this holiday as a way to celebrate their marriage and to spend some quality time with each other at a luxury resort.

“Sadly, they both suffered terrible gastric illness symptoms during their break and this significantly affected their enjoyment of such a special holiday. The fact that David also appears to have suffered from suspected Salmonella is also concerning and we have heard from our clients that a number of other holidaymakers at the resort were suffering with similar problems.

“David and Elizabeth have expressed a number of concerns about the hygiene standards and practices in place at the resort and we will now be looking to provide them with the answers they want about the cause of their ruined honeymoon.

"If you also travelled to this resort and experienced similar problems we would like to hear from you to help assist with our enquiries." Jennifer Downing - Solicitor

Elizabeth, 44, and David told their legal team at Irwin Mitchell that they had serious concerns about food safety and hygiene during their time at the resort. They said some of the hot food was served lukewarm and that often cold foods were not kept chilled.

They also reported that on occasions birds were present in the eating areas of the resort and that food was left uncovered for long periods of time.

David, a stock controller within a food distribution warehouse, said: “This was supposed to be a relaxing, luxury getaway after our wedding and a chance to spend some quality time together. Sadly, we’ll remember the holiday for all the wrong reasons.

“It was completely ruined by the illness we both suffered and it was embarrassing to be left with such terrible symptoms. For the symptoms to continue when we got home, and to be diagnosed with suspected Salmonella, just added insult to injury. 

“We feel like we were let down by Thomas Cook Tour Operations Ltd Trading as Signature, as we never expected to go through this when we booked the holiday with them. It wasn’t just us either. There were other people who you could tell were not feeling great and were suffering in the same way as us.

If you or a loved one has suffered an illness whilst in a hotel abroad, our accident and illness abroad claims team could help you to secure compensation. See ourHotel Illness Claims page for more information.