One in five British holidaymakers are injured or taken ill on their big break, says law firm Slater and Gordon, whose survey claims that slips and trips are the leading cause for holiday accidents
Their national survey found that holiday adventures or activities pose less risk than simple, everyday hazards, such as uneven pavements or wet flooring, with one in three respondents experiencing slips or trips during their travels abroad.
Despite 70% of respondents feeling more relaxed abroad, the law firm is reminding holidaymakers to keep aware of the potential overlooked risks that can happen to anyone.
While many associate injuries with adventurous activities, the data tells a different story. A third of respondents believe hiking trails (32%), followed by the sea at 31% present the most dangers.
Incidents however are more frequently linked to common hazards, with holiday injuries at the poolside. Some 23% blame wet or slippery surfaces, and one in seven blame uneven flooring for their injuries.
Overall, 19% of Brits have been injured on a holiday abroad (19%), with a further 6% reporting multiple injuries. Respondents recounted requiring medical treatment abroad (40%), and nearly one in three lose holiday days and more than a quarter (26%) end up hospitalised.
The lawyers say that without the right preparations, such as travel insurance or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) card, accidents carry a financial burden where treatment for severe injuries can cost thousands of pounds to treat.
Slater and Gordon’s Stephen Goodman advises travellers to take the following steps to protect themselves and strengthen any potential claim:
- Report issues immediately to hotel staff or tour operator reps,
- Collect evidence, including photos or videos of the accident scene or hazards,
- Get contact details for witnesses
- Seek medical attention and keep receipts and medical reports
- Keep all booking documentation, records of complaints and correspondence,
- Seek legal advice early to strengthen any potential claim and to check if your booking meets the legal definition of a package under the 2018 regulations, and also
- Advice before accepting vouchers or goodwill gestures, as these can affect your right to full compensation.
- Key to claims is evidence and documentation is critical..
