If your children are going on a sixth-year holiday in the sun or travelling pre-university, it’s a good idea for them (and you) to know some basic steps to take if they have an accident
Each summer sees hordes of school leavers taking their first unsupervised holidays abroad without parents. It’s a milestone moment for you and them alike.
If, despite your nagging and advice, they have the misfortune to suffer an injury or ill-health abroad, are there steps they (and you) can take at the time to protect their interests and claim compensation?
The precise details of how and what you can claim vary according to the circumstances and also the type of travel. Compensation for accidents on cruise ships is governed by one international convention, and accidents on international flights by another. There are also specific UK regulations around compensation for negligence during package holidays.
However, it is useful to follow a few general rules if you are able to:
• as soon as you can, make notes about what happened
• take photos or videos. For example, with road traffic accidents, try to photograph number plates, and the position and state of the vehicles, and the location of where the accident occurred
• note down the names and contact details of any witnesses
• report any incidents to hotel or accommodation providers and/or tour reps while you are still abroad
• report any incident, damage or injury to your insurers as soon as possible
• seek professional medical attention for injuries while still abroad, and try to get copies of any medical records
• obtain legal advice as soon as possible after your return, as there are different time limits that apply to personal injury claims, depending on the country where your accident occurred.
Our Personal Injury Team deal with a wide variety of claims, including road traffic accidents, slips and trips and injuries at work. We are experienced and committed personal injury specialists who strive to build relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.
Our aim is to find solutions that maximise claimants’ financial security and secure their long-term well-being.
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