Expert Lawyers Launch Investigation After Illness At Liberty Hotels Lykia

A man who spent a night in hospital after suffering severe gastric illness during a week-long holiday in Turkey has instructed expert international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate hygiene and safety standards at the Liberty Hotels Lykia.

James Lewis, 25, and his partner Josh Faultless, 25, booked the October 2016 break at the five-star hotel through tour operator Thomas Cook.

But halfway through the holiday the couple, from Stafford, both began to suffer with severe gastric illness symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

James’ symptoms continued for two days and, despite being treated by a doctor at the hotel, he collapsed in the bathroom of their hotel room. The doctor was called and he was given an IV drip to replace the fluids he had lost due his severe symptoms.

His health failed to improve and James appeared to be drifting in and out of consciousness so an ambulance was called to rush him to a local hospital, where doctors explained his kidneys were beginning to fail due to severe dehydration and he was diagnosed with a fractured rib caused by an injury sustained from when he collapsed.

James, a gas engineer, spent a night in hospital before he was discharged and he was then able to fly back home to the UK, where his symptoms continue to affect him.

Jennifer Downing, an expert international personal injury lawyer at national law firm Irwin Mitchell, representing Josh and James, said:

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“The severe illness Josh and James suffered is concerning and shows just how serious gastric illness can be and the long-term impact it can have on those affected.”

“Perhaps, more worrying, is that they have told us they were not the only ones affected by illness in the time they stayed at the resort and that other people were suffering similar symptoms.

“We have now launched our own investigation into the illness James and Josh suffered at the Liberty Hotels Lykia. We would urge anyone else impacted by illness at the hotel in 2016to contact us and help with our investigation.” Jennifer Downing - Solicitor

The couple have told their legal team of a number of concerns they had about hygiene practices at the hotel, including some of the food which appeared to be undercooked, some food being left uncovered for long periods of time and some of the food being exposed to insects.

Josh, a housing officer, said: “This was meant to be our annual holiday to relax and spend time with each other. But as soon as we arrived we felt the hotel was not up to the standards we had expected.

“When we both fell ill we spent majority of our time in our room, which was annoying, but when James collapsed it turned into an absolute nightmare. It was awful to see him in such a terrible state and being rushed to hospital.

“The last thing we expected when we booked with Thomas Cook was for one of us to be spending the night in a Turkish hospital due to illness and suffering with a broken rib. We’ve been left extremely disappointed with what turned into an absolutely appalling holiday.”

James said: “The illness I suffered on holiday is still having a serious impact on me.

“It wasn’t just us who were suffering, we could see other people around the hotel struggling with illness. We want to know what caused the illness and make sure these issues are investigated.”

If you've suffered an illness whilst abroad or on holiday, our personal injury solicitors could help you claim compensation. Visit our Holiday Sickness Claims & Illness Compensation page for more information.