Lawyers Instructed To Investigate Problems At Excellence El Carmen

Frustrated newlyweds whose special honeymoon at a luxurious Dominican Republic holiday resort was “ruined” when they both developed serious gastric illness problems have called on lawyers to help them gain answers regarding the issues.

Cortney Webber, 20, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, has revealed how both her and her husband Stuart, 27, developed symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps early into  their week-long stay at the five-star Excellence El Carmen resort in Punta Cana at the end of November last year.

The couple were both ill right up until the end of the break, which was provided by Thomas Cook Tour Operations Ltd trading as Signature.  The couple also sought treatment from the on-site doctor, who prescribed antibiotics to ease their symptoms, and told them others had also fallen ill. 

Now, following their return to the UK, the couple have instructed lawyers in Irwin Mitchell’s specialist International Personal Injury team to investigate the illness they suffered and whether more could have been done to prevent their special break from being ruined.

Clare Pearson, the specialist travel lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing the couple, said: 

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“While we sadly see a great number of cases of holiday illness every year, it is always made all the worse when a special occasion is also ruined as a result.

“They are understandably upset and frustrated by what they have been through and we are already in the process of developing a clearer picture regarding the various issues they faced during their stay at the resort.

“We are determined to help them get the answers they are seeking regarding the problems they endured and, as part of our work, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may have stayed at the resort and can help with our enquiries.” Clare Pearson - Legal Executive & Associate

The Webbers’ special stay at the Excellence El Carmen began on November 27th, but early on into the holiday both started to feel ill.

Sales negotiator Cortney recalled: “We had seen a handful of issues which concerned us, like some of the food being served uncovered and on occasion the pool water looking a little dirty, but we genuinely never believed we were at risk of harm.

“Our illness symptoms were absolutely awful and it really meant we struggled to enjoy our honeymoon and trips that we had booked had to be cancelled which was really disappointing.  By the end of it we were simply just glad to be going home.

“The whole holiday feels like a complete waste of time and money due to the illness and it is very difficult to think that what should have been special memories of our honeymoon have been completely ruined.

“We want answers regarding how we came to fall so ill and, while nothing can change our experience, we hope no one else will be affected in the same way in the future.”

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