Man Left Fighting For His Life And Spent Four Months In Hospital Following Holiday To Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa In Montenegro

A British tourist left fighting for his life after contracting Legionnaires’ disease on holiday has asked lawyers to investigate.

Steven Percy, from Rawcliffe, York, started suffering with flu-like symptoms three days before the end of his week-long holiday to the four-star Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa in Montenegro, with his partner, Karen, aged 53.

Hours after proposing to Karen and her agreeing to marry him, Steven began suffering from symptoms including a fever and tiredness. His symptoms became progressively worse over the following days.

York man rushed to hospital after health declines

He managed to fly home, however, his health continued to decline, and he became confused. Three days after his return to the UK, Steven was rushed to York Hospital.

The 67-year-old was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a serious bacterial infection, and he was placed in an induced coma. He went on to develop sepsis – a life-threatening condition where the body attacks itself in response to an infection - and multiple organ failure.

Steven, who works for a funeral director, spent just short of four months in hospital and a further fortnight in a neuro rehabilitation centre.

Sixty-seven-year-old had to be fed by a tube

Despite being discharged, he needed to be fed via a tube for a further two months because of issues with swallowing.

Steven has now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it was linked to his holiday costing more than £1,800, which he booked with tour operator, Jet2holidays.

Jennifer Hodgson is the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Steven and Karen.

Expert Opinion

“Steven’s account of his holiday and the aftermath of being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease is extremely worrying.

“We’ve dealt with many cases of people developing the disease, both in the UK and overseas. Legionnaires’ is a very serious condition that shouldn’t be underestimated. As in Steven’s case, it can lead to other complications. For those who survive, they can face a lifetime of health issues.

“Understandably, Steven has a number of questions as to how he came to fall so dangerously ill, on what was meant to be a special holiday to propose to his partner, Karen. We’re determined to help him find the answers he is looking for.

“As part of our work and to assist with our investigations, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may also have been affected by illness whilst staying at the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa, Montenegro.” Jennifer Hodgson

Holiday illness: Steven Percy's story

Steven and Karen travelled to Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa in Montenegro on 6 April, 2024.

He was admitted to hospital on 16 April where he stayed until 24 July. Steven was transferred to the rehab centre until 5 August. However, due to muscle deterioration from his time in hospital he required a feeding tube until the end of September.

Since then, with Karen’s help, Steven has been attempting to rebuild his life. However, he has been unable to return to work and is undergoing tests to determine whether his lungs suffered lasting damage.

Both Steven and Karen had concerns about the standard of the hotel when they arrived. They said the spa facilities were clearly poorly maintained, with tiles falling from the jacuzzi. The swimming pool was closed throughout their stay.

Steven reveals he's 'lucky to be alive' as he continues 'difficult' recovery

Steven said: “This holiday was meant to be a moment we’d remember all of our lives, however, we’ll remember it now for all the wrong reasons. I know I’m lucky to be alive but that’s little consolation for what Karen and I have been going through.

“Initially I thought it was flu, but as the symptoms became worse, we started to realise it was something much more serious. I don’t remember much about my time in hospital, but it’s terrible to imagine what Karen and our families went through, as doctors told them I was critically ill, and it was unclear if I would survive.

“I went on that holiday as the happiest man alive, but my life now is totally different. My recovery continues to be a difficult journey, but I’m determined not to give up and I want back the job, and the life, I had before.

“My lethargy and weakness are hard to cope with, as is the memory loss, and there’s so much concern about whether my lungs are permanently damaged.

“We can’t change what happened, but we deserve some answers over how I came to be so ill.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting holidaymakers struck down by sickness at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.