10 questions and answers about holiday food poisoning and sickness

Contracting food poisoning on holiday is everyone´s worse nightmare. Not only will it ruin your holiday, but it can also leave you out of pocket and facing further medical problems when you get home.Norovirus and food poisoning are common holiday illnesses in package tour hotels, particularly those offering all-inclusive buffets, and on board cruise ships, where contagious illnesses spread quickly.Ten common questions and answers about holiday food poisoning and sickness include:

Q: Why is food poisoning linked to cruise ships?

A: Food poisoning is just as likely to happen in a holiday hotel as on board a cruise ship, but as cruise ship illness and sickness is closely monitored, you are more likely to hear about it on the news than outbreaks of holiday sickness in a hotel.

Q: Can I claim compensation for food poisoning from a hotel in the Dominican Republic?

A: Yes. As long as negligence on the part of the tour operator/hotel management can be proven, you can claim compensation for food poisoning at any hotel in the world.

Q: Should I accept an offer of compensation for holiday sickness from the tour company?

A: No, never accept any offer of compensation from the holiday tour company until you have spoken to a personal injury solicitor who specialises in holiday sickness compensation claims, or you may be sold short.

Q: I suffered Salmonella on holiday. Although the symptoms seem to have passed, do I still need to see a GP in the UK before I start work again?

A: Yes you must see a GP before you start work. People who have suffered Salmonella can pass on the virus for several weeks after their symptoms have gone.

Q: Who do I claim against for food poisoning on a cruise ship?

A: First contact a personal injury solicitor, who will assess your claim. If they think you have a case, they will then claim against the tour operator or cruise line.

Q: Am I more likely to get food poisoning from an all-inclusive buffet at a hotel, than from a normal restaurant?

A: The majority of hotel buffets are well prepared and food is displayed at the correct temperatures. However, if food is left out at the mercy of the flies, or not chilled or heated to its proper temperature, then food poisoning can result. If you have any doubts about the preparation or serving of the food at an all inclusive hotel buffet, make a complaint to the hotel management or tour rep, and don´t eat it!

Q: What shall I do if I contract holiday food poisoning?

A: The first thing to do is seek medical help and drink plenty of bottled water to prevent dehydration. Then make a complaint to the hotel/cruise rep or management, and keep a copy of any paperwork you sign including a complaint form. When you return to the UK get checked over by your GP and then contact a personal injury solicitor who specialises in holiday sickness to see if you are entitled to compensation for your illness.

Q: I became ill after eating a re-heated meal on a flight from London to Tenerife. Can I claim compensation?

A: Yes, if it can be proven that the airline was negligent and served badly prepared food which cause your illness, then you should have a case for compensation.

Q: A large group of us became ill with food poisoning at a holiday hotel in Turkey a few months ago. Can we make a group claim for 20 of us, or do we have to claim individually?

A: You should be able to make a group action against the tour operator, and your case will probably carry more weight if so many of you were struck down with the same illness.

Q: Who should I contact in the UK to make a holiday food poisoning claim?

A: Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors specialise in holiday food poisoning, and holiday accident compensation claims. When you get back to the UK, or before, contact them free on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form, and get the compensation you deserve.