Man Instructs Lawyers After He And Other Family Members Fall Ill

A British holidaymaker diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after attending his granddaughter’s wedding in Turkey has instructed specialist lawyers to investigate his illness.

Thomas Peek, from Exeter, Devon, was admitted to hospital shortly after his all-inclusive holiday with 16 family and friends at two-star Akdeniz Beach Hotel in Turkey. The 72-year-old had started experiencing problems including sickness and diarrhoea around four days into his break.

A number of other guests in the same party as Thomas also fell ill.

Thomas, who is now retired after working as a Health and Safety plant operator trainer and NVQ assessor, had to seek medical attention at the airport prior to his flight home to the UK.  He was put on a drip. On return to the UK, he spent five days in hospital and is still struggling with the effects of his illness.

He has now instructed expert international personal injury lawyers to investigate how he contracted Legionnaires’ disease.

Expert Opinion

“What should have been a memorable holiday for Thomas quickly turned into a period of extended suffering, with his symptoms proving so serious that he was admitted to hospital on his return to the UK.

“Through our work we see first-hand how dangerous Legionnaires’ Disease can be. People can often face long-term health problems and potentially even death as a result.

“We are determined to provide Thomas with the answers he deserves. If during the course of our investigation any issues are identified, it is important that lessons are learned.

“Following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, it is vital that the source is identified as soon as possible. If any members of the public start experiencing any of the symptoms, it is crucial that they seek immediate medical advice.

“We are determined to help them gain the answers they deserve in relation to their experience and hope that our efforts can ensure, where possible, that lessons can be learned so no one else suffers in a similar way in the future.

"We would be interested in speaking to any other guests who have stayed at this hotel over the last few months to provide us with further information and eye-witness accounts of the issues reported at the hotel in order to assist us with our investigations.”
Jatinder Paul - Partner

Thomas went on holiday with his wife Elaine and children, Nichola and James, along with his grandchildren, Bayleigh and Lauren. The holiday was booked with Jet2 and ran from 4 October to 19 October.

Thomas’ illness began with him feeling nauseous.  He then developed sickness and diarrhoea. After failing to recover, he visited a pharmacy on resort and he was given medication for his symptoms. He struggled through the remainder of the holiday.

During Bayleigh’s wedding on 14 October, Thomas was still suffering from symptoms and continued to feel lethargic, which resulted in him being unable to fully enjoy the wedding.

Shortly arriving home, Elaine became so concerned about Thomas’ condition that she called an ambulance. Thomas was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where tests confirmed he had Legionnaires’ disease.

Public Health England has confirmed it believed his illness had originated from the hotel.

Some of the family members and friends staying at the hotel with Thomas also suffered sickness and diarrhoea, however they were not diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.

Thomas has still not made a complete recovery, and has complained of reduced energy levels and muscle strength.

He said: “All the family had been looking forward to the holiday for months as it was going to be such a special occasion.

“But a few days into the holiday I started feeling really rough. I didn’t really have much of an appetite and tried to struggle on.

“However, it got to the point where I had to go the pharmacy but the medication didn’t really seem to work. I can’t really remember Bayleigh’s wedding or getting home because I was so poorly.”

He added: “I couldn’t believe it when I was told I had Legionnaires’. I still feel weak and am not back to my old self.

“I am angry that what should have been a great family occasion will now be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

“Nothing can make up for what has happened but I deserve to know why it did. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone else.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling holiday illness cases