Illness Claim against the Melia Caribe Tropical hotel

A couple from Great Barr in Birmingham have been telling for the first time how their overseas wedding turned to disaster as they, and their wedding party, suffered sickness, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea within the first few days of arrival at the Melia Caribe Tropical hotel in Bavaro, Dominican Republic.

Mrs Sally Meakin (30) her husband Malcolm (31) and nine members of the family who had flown out to join in the wedding celebrations, suffered from severe diarrhoea and abdominal pains throughout the holiday, with Mr Meakin being violently ill on the morning of the wedding.

Mrs Meakin said: "With everyone being poorly we were unable to relax and enjoy what should have been the best day of our lives." The couple are now pursuing a claim against the Melia Caribe Tropical hotel through Thomson holidays.

Overseas wedding compensation claim

The wedding and holiday, which took place In July 2004, was booked as an all-inclusive wedding and honeymoon package through Thomson holidays. In the Faraway Shores brochure, the hotel is described as a location for Weddings in Paradise.

The Meakin wedding party were not the only ones affected, as a separate party became ill with similar symptoms at exactly the same time. Members from both parties complained of poor quality hygiene and undercooked food.

Mrs Meakin said: "This holiday was supposed to be our paradise wedding but instead turned out to be a holiday from hell. It was an extremely expensive holiday and we were appalled at the hygiene standards and the service we received."

The holidaymakers travelled to the Dominican Republic with Thomson and claims for compensation are being brought against Thomson by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors in the Birmingham office. More than two years on, the tour operator has refused to admit liability.

Suki Chhokar, Partner with Irwin Mitchell, who specialises in legal cases involving overseas illness said: "Every year we act for people who have been on holiday and who are unable to enjoy what should be a very special occasion. Instead they remember their holiday for entirely the wrong reasons.

"These illnesses are never pleasant and they can have serious long term effects on a person's health.

"Sadly, in this case a wedding and a honeymoon were ruined, and that is irreplaceable. We hope to at least obtain compensation for the discomfort and upset caused by this, most likely avoidable, set of circumstances."

Can we help you? If you or someone you know has been affected by a similar issue, our solicitors can help. Visit our accidents and illness abroad section.