Lawyers Launching Legal Action Following Group Return from the Dominican Republic

Specialist travel Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are launching legal action against the tour operator TUI UK Limited T/A First Choice after a group of holiday makers had their luxury holiday ruined by illness when staying at the Dreams Resort and Spa hotel in Dominican Republic.

A group of ten holidaymakers, travelled to the four-star resort in September 2012 to celebrate Susan and Stephen Robson’s one year wedding anniversary. However, during the holiday nine of the group suffered gastric illness, with symptoms of diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

Stephen and family friend, fireman, Dirk Ord both attended a medical centre following the onset of their illness, however, after symptoms persisted both had to be taken to hospital, with Stephen being taken in an ambulance.

Stephen and Dirk instructed specialist International Personal Injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the conditions at the Dreams resort. TUI UK Limited T/A First Choice has denied liability in respect of the groups claim and now the law firm will issue court proceedings.

Stephen, from Lowestoft, in Suffolk, was discharged from hospital after three days with Dirk, from Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, being discharged after two days and on their return to the UK they also sought medical advice from their local GP’s.

As a result of the gastric illness both holidaymakers continue to suffer from altered bowels and have developed food intolerances to cereals, dairy, eggs and spices with Stephen also being diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The group said that whilst staying at the hotel during their holiday in 2012, they were concerned to see on a number of instances how food was left uncovered and exposed to flies. The group advised that it appeared on occasions food was recycled at different meal times with fresh food being mixed with previously served food. They also said food was served lukewarm and chilled food was not refrigerated properly.

Expert Opinion

“This is an unfortunate situation in which our clients have suffered severe gastric illness following their stay at the Dreams Resort and Spa in Dominican Republic
“The hotel is advertised as a four-star spa and resort but it fell short of the groups expectations during what was meant to be a celebratory holiday.

“Sadly such cases are not uncommon and their case is an important reminder that tour operators need to ensure that the health and safety of holidaymakers should always be a priority.”
Jennifer Downing - Solicitor

Stephen added: “The trip was supposed to be a special break for family and friends to celebrate mine and Susan’s first wedding anniversary. Instead, the illness the majority of us suffered made it an awful experience.

“When myself and Dirk got taken to hospital this was a distressing time for all of us, particularly my wife Susan. As a result of the illness I now have no choice but to live with IBS, a condition which has stemmed directly from this holiday, which is very frustrating.

“This was supposed to be a memorable holiday for everyone, but looking back unfortunately it is a trip we regret taking.”