Check The Small Print Before You Book
Sheffield-based law firm offers invaluable travel advice for a safer holiday
Leading UK law firm, Ashton Morton Slack (AMS), is urging keen travellers to think carefully before they make their travel arrangements to ensure a safe and enjoyable break.
Julian Skinner, legal executive at AMS, has over 20 years experience handling claims for a wide range of clients who have suffered personal injury.
Explains Julian: "Suffering an injury abroad can be a traumatic experience, but there are a number of simple ways we can protect ourselves and our family when travelling.
"My first tip would be to book your holiday through a recognised tour operator rather than purchasing flights and accommodation separately. Many holidays booked through a tour operator are covered by the Package Tour Regulations which allow you to bring a claim for compensation in the English courts where two parts of the holiday are bought at an inclusive price, i.e. travel and accommodation. These regulations also apply to holidays in the UK such as theatre and weekend breaks.
"If you book your flight with the airline, your accommodation direct with the hotel and you have an accident at the hotel, you will need to take your claim up directly with the airline or the hotel abroad which can be a laborious and very costly process.
"The same goes for holiday excursions such as day trips or boat safaris. I'd recommend booking here in the UK because again it is likely that you will be covered by package tour regulations. Booking the same excursion through the holiday rep in the resort may be cheaper but you may have to bring a claim in the local courts if something goes wrong."
Continues Julian: "Travel insurance should form a vital component of any holiday but beware; some tour operators' own travel insurance does not allow the use of their ‘legal expense insurance' to pursue a claim against themselves or their suppliers. ‘Legal expense insurance' is, however, usually included in single trip and annual policies purchased from specialist insurance firms. Having ‘legal expense insurance' makes it so much easier to make a claim if something does go wrong although many legal firms like ours operate a no win no fee basis even if you don't have legal expense insurance.
"Suitable medical insurance cover and the need to notify the insurer of pre-existing medical conditions are also a must when travelling abroad. Don't forget to check the excesses too as although there may be a price saving on the premium when it comes to making a claim you may well end up paying a high price for a cheaper product. Check deals online a few weeks before you travel."
Concludes Julian: "It's certainly worth taking the extra time to plan ahead and read the small print when it comes to booking a holiday - it could save you money in the long term and have a dramatic impact on your future should you need to make a claim if you're unfortunately injured through no fault of your own."
