A 33-year-old holidaymaker from Heathcote in Warwick has been awarded a considerable sum in compensation after contracting salmonella whilst on holiday in a five star hotel in Jamaica.  Daryl Wiseman lost two stone in the two weeks he suffered the food poisoning and decided to sue holiday agents, Direct Holidays, for damages.  Mr Wiseman was staying in the Gran Bahia Principle Runaway Bay Resort when he became ill.  He decided to take action when the hotel refused to investigate the reason that caused his illness.

Remained ill for four months

The complainant was on holiday with his wife, two children and two friends when he took ill on the twelfth day of a two-week stay.  The package was all-inclusive and the group had eaten all meals in the hotel during their stay.  Mr Wiseman was able to return home, however he remained ill for a further four months and is still experiencing health problems as a direct result of the salmonella.  Before contracting the illness, he had a healthy diet and enjoyed eating most foods.  He now has to be very careful about what he eats as certain foods can now cause him discomfort. 

He pointed out that he feared for young children or vulnerable people who could not afford to lose two stone.  Mr Wiseman stressed that this was his reason for appointing solicitors as he strongly felt that action should be taken to protect holidaymakers.

Direct Holidays, who have been taken over by Thomas Cook, did not accept liability in this case, however they did award Mr Wiseman a substantial sum in compensation.

If you have suffered an injury or illness abroad, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.