Legal Experts Asked To Investigate After Guests Who Stayed At Sunny Beach Hotel Weeks Apart Fall Seriously Ill

Lawyers have secured settlements after three British holidaymakers, including a man who died, were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after returning from the same hotel. 

Brian Taylor developed flu-like symptoms shortly after returning home from a week’s long holiday to the Hotel Kalofer in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria.

The 75-year-old, of Oakes, Huddersfield, was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. He died from his illness around a month later. 

Lawyers asked to investigate Legionnaires' disease cases linked to Bulgarian holiday resort

Following Brian’s death in 2019, his family, including stepson Martin Farrell, instructed expert international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether his illness was linked to his stay at the hotel. 

Two other British holidaymakers who received treatment in UK hospitals and were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease also asked Irwin Mitchell to investigate. 

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), revealed that the European Legionnaires’ Disease Surveillance Network received four reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease that were potentially associated with the Hotel Kalofer in 2019.

Lawyers secure settlements after guests who stayed at Sunny Beach hotel fall seriously ill

Now more than four years after Brian’s holiday, following legal submissions by Irwin Mitchell, Jet2Holidays has agreed undisclosed out of court settlements with Brian’s family and the two others. The total settlement is in six-figures. Brian and the two others all stayed at the Hotel Kalofer between June and July 2019.

Despite the evidence pointing towards a common source outbreak at the Kalofer Hotel, Jet2Holidays denied liability. 

Expert Opinion

“Our clients, including Brian’s loved ones, remain angry and upset at what happened and the circumstances surrounding the events that unfolded.

“Through our work we sadly see the devastating consequences of Legionnaires’ disease, and nothing highlights this more than Brian’s death.

“While nothing can make up for what the families have been through, we’re pleased to have at least secured these settlements which provides them with some closure.

“Large buildings with more complex water systems – such as hotels, hospitals or spas – are at a greater risk of legionella contamination, the bacteria which causes the infection.

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

Legionnaires' disease: Huddersfield man Brian Taylor's story

Brian went on holiday alone as his wife of 41 years, Nancy Sykes-Taylor, then 84, had dementia and was in a care home. 

Shortly after Brian returned from holiday on 17 June 2019, Martin, of Chesterfield, went to stay with his stepdad, as he did each week. Brian had developed flu-like symptoms and a high temperature and was shaking as if he was bitterly cold. 

Martin travelled back home the following day but called his stepdad to check in on him later that night. Brian continued to sound unwell but told Martin he had been to see his GP.

Martin called Brian around tea-time on 21 June to see if he was feeling any better, however, Martin asked his son who lived locally to call round on Brian. 

In that time, Brian had collapsed and was taken to hospital by ambulance. 

He was transferred to the intensive care unit where he spent 25 days. He was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease on 24 June. He died on 17 July, 2019. 

Brian's family issue Legionnaires' warning

Martin, aged 62, said: “Brian was very independent, and very fit and active for his age. He enjoyed holidaying as well as bowling and walking to the local club on a Saturday. He adored my mum and would visit her every day. 

“When I saw him after he returned from Bulgaria, I couldn’t quite believe how poorly he was. Even more than four years on it remains difficult to comprehend how he had gone on holiday and just over a month after returning had died. The hospital did everything they could to help Brian, but he went downhill so quickly.

“The hardest thing to accept is that he never got to say goodbye to mum. 

“Nothing can ever make up for what our family have been through, but we just hope that by speaking out others are aware of the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease and how serious it is.”

Find out more about our expertise in helping holidaymakers and their families affected by serious illnesses at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.