Our International Personal Injury lawyers secured a four-figure sum for a man whose birthday cruise round the Mediterranean was ruined when he contracted serious gastric illness while on board.
Our client, Robert, had booked the Thomson cruise as a celebration for his 67th birthday in 2014. The grandfather of five was looking forward to sharing the special occasion with his wife Rona, who he’s been together with for almost 50 years.
The cruise took in many famous sights around the Mediterranean, including a trip to the Colosseum in Rome – a prospect which both Robert and his wife were very excited about, especially as it fell on Robert’s actual birthday. However, while on board the ship, Robert contracted severe gastroenteritis and the ship’s doctor instructed him and Rona not to leave their cabin for 48 hours. Instead of a relaxing, enjoyable trip to mark the special occasion, Robert spent his birthday in considerable pain, and their cruise was ruined.
The couple contacted our International Personal Injury experts to see if we could help them get compensation for their pain and distress. Thomson cruises at first denied responsibility for Robert’s illness, but we were able to settle the case, securing a four-figure sum.
Robert continues to suffer with painful gastric problems because of the illness he contracted on board the ship, even three years after the cruise. Our specialist lawyers have helped many people who’ve been affected by poor hygiene standards on holiday, and know only too well the long term effects this can have on someone’s health.
Expert International Personal Injury lawyer Jennifer Downing represented Robert and Rona in their case. She said: “There are a number of health and hygiene guidelines in place on board cruise ships and it is important that all operators take the appropriate steps to ensure that the health of their passengers is not put at risk.”
“The ordeal Robert went through and the on-going health problems he suffers as a result show just how much of an impact gastric illness can have.”
Robert said of his experience: “We were really disappointed with the whole experience – it essentially turned into a nightmare. Both me and Rona returned home from the cruise utterly deflated at having missed out on a really special holiday.”
“I’m thankful to my legal team at Irwin Mitchell for their hard work. It seems only fair that we should be compensated since we paid good money but weren’t able to enjoy our holiday in full.”
If you or a loved one has suffered gastric illness on a cruise, our Accidents & Illness Abroad solicitors could help you secure compensation. Or visit our Cruise Illness page for more information.
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