Woman Demands Answers Regarding Illness Problems

Frustrated holidaymakers whose recent stays in Palmanova, on the island of Majorca, were ruined by suspected Legionnaires’ disease problems have instructed specialist lawyers to help them gain answers regarding their experiences.

Public Health England recently reported that 19 British travellers had returned from the area with the infection since the middle of September, while one victim of the illness is also believed to have died.

Spanish authorities are now thought to be investigating the root cause of the problems, with positive samples being taken from an unnamed hotel in the resort and tests also reportedly underway at other locations, including beach showers and fountains.

Following the reports, Irwin Mitchell’s specialist International Personal Injury team has now been instructed by several holidaymakers affected by the issues, including a Devon woman who has been unable to return to work after developing the illness following a week-long stay in the region. 

Irwin Mitchell has vast experience in representing those affected by illness in the UK and abroad and notably helped the families of 17 people affected by a fatal Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Stoke-on-Trent in 2012 to gain justice in relation to the problems. 

Jennifer Mullins, the specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing those affected by the problems in Palmanova, said: 

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“We have now heard first-hand accounts regarding the problems which have emerged in the region and it is vital that authorities do everything in their power to quickly identify the origin of the problems.

“Through our work, we have seen the huge impact that Legionnaires’ disease can have on victims, with it often leading to long-term health problems and in some cases even proving fatal.

“Following our instruction, we have begun making our own enquiries into the issues that our clients faced and are determined to ensure that they get the answers they deserve regarding this illness. 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 Legionnaires’ disease whilst staying in the Majorcan resort of Palmanova.” Jennifer Hodgson - Associate Solicitor

Among those who have contacted Irwin Mitchell’s International Personal Injury team for help is bar worker Noreen Palmer, 60, from Exeter in Devon. She first developed symptoms of the illness at the end of September, shortly after returning from a week-long stay at the Sol Palmanova hotel in the region.

She said: “The illness has had a huge impact on me, with the symptoms proving so severe that I have needed to take time off work from my job in order to try and recover and unfortunately, I am yet to return to my employment. I am still feeling the effects now and I cannot believe this has happened.

“The reports related to what has happened in Palmanova are hugely concerning and I have so many questions regarding how I contracted the illness and ultimately whether I could have been protected from it. 

“I want answers and hope that taking this action will mean that steps can be taken to improve standards and prevent other people from suffering like I have in the future.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in holiday illness claims.