Holidays are supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. If your package holiday provider or any of their suppliers have acted negligently and you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result, you could be entitled to make a claim for package holiday compensation.
Industry-leading legal support from our experienced package holiday claims solicitors
Each year, thousands of Britons travel abroad for their holidays, and for most, the experience is incredibly enjoyable. However, when accidents happen, the repercussions can be serious and wide ranging; from stressful medical treatment and financial expenses to a loss of enjoyment and even difficulties travelling home.
If you or a loved one has been injured through the negligent practices of those responsible for your care, including cabin crew, transfer drivers, or hotel staff, you could be entitled to make a claim for package holiday compensation.
Sustaining an injury is traumatic enough, but when this happens abroad, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, worried and vulnerable. No one should have to experience this due to someone else’s negligence or inaction, and our team of award-winning, dedicated holiday compensation lawyers are on hand to support you in making things right.
At Slater and Gordon, we are a leading UK consumer law firm with extensive experience in handling package holiday injury claims. We understand how distressing a holiday accident can be, and we are committed to guiding you through the legal process with compassion, clarity and confidence.
A holiday should be a time to relax, but when something goes wrong, the impact can be significant. If you have been injured while abroad, you could be entitled to make a claim for package holiday compensation.
If your holiday did not meet reasonable safety standards, and this led to an accident, you may be entitled to make a package holiday injury claim. This could include incidents such as:
One of the key benefits of making a package holiday claim is that your claim is brought against the UK-based tour operator rather than a foreign supplier. This means the process is generally simpler and governed by English and Welsh law, making it easier for you to pursue justice.
Who is liable for a package holiday claim?
If you’ve been injured on a package holiday, your package provider is liable for any accidents that occur due to their negligence or the negligence of their suppliers.
The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 impellent the EU Package Travel Directive 2015 which provides a significant amount of consumer protection to those travelling on a regulated package holiday. Under the regulations, the package provider has a duty to ensure all elements of your holiday are safe and provided to a reasonable standard.
This responsibility extends to the services delivered by third parties, such as hotels, transport providers, and excursion organisations, so long as they were booked as part of your package. Where these standards slip, your package holiday provider is liable for the cost of any recompense owed.
Establishing liability is a crucial part of any package holiday injury claim. Our dedicated package holiday accident solicitors carry out thorough investigations, gathering evidence and working with experts where necessary to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Our goal is to help you secure fair and full package holiday compensation while minimising stress and uncertainty.
Can I make a claim for package holiday compensation in the UK?
Yes, you may be able to make a package holiday claim if you were injured during a package holiday that was booked in the UK.
Irrespective of where the package holiday provider is based, if you booked a regulated package holiday then you should be able to pursue your claim here through the courts of England and Wales. If your claim can’t be pursued against the tour operator, you may need to advance your claim against the hotel directly. While in most circumstances you can still do so through the courts of England and Wales, in some cases, you will need to pursue your claim abroad.
In either case, your solicitor will be able to advise you on the best course of action and will explain the process of claiming compensation in detail.
What evidence do I need to make a package holiday claim?
To build a strong case, we will need to gather evidence that helps demonstrate how the accident occurred and who was responsible. The more detailed and comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your case will be.
Every package holiday claim is different, so the exact nature of the evidence required will depend on the circumstances of the accident and your injuries. However, it will typically include:
Medical records, such as GP or hospital records (including records from overseas treatment centres) that confirm your injuries and detail any treatment you have received
Photographic evidence showing the scene of the accident and any relevant hazards, and the extent of your injuries
Video evidence, such as CCTV footage, dashcam footage, or videos captured by witnesses
Accident logs from hotel staff or tour operators
Witness statements from other guests or staff, or from loved ones detailing the impact your injuries have had on your daily life
Booking confirmation and travel documents, establishing how your holiday was booked
Records of any financial losses, including receipts evidencing any medical or travel costs you incurred (both in the UK and abroad) because of your injuries
How do I make a package holiday claim?
Speak to one of our specialist travel lawyers on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online for a no-obligation discussion about your case, and we’ll let you know if you have a claim.
We will talk you through the claims process step-by-step and let you know in which country your claim can proceed. Your lawyer will also identify any evidence that could support your case.
As part of your claim, we will need to access your medical records and arrange an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing legal evidence.
Our experts will ensure you have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy to maximise the chances of a full recovery and future independence.
We’ll work hard to secure the best possible compensation in negotiations. Rarely, a claim may go to court, in which case your lawyer will represent you throughout proceedings.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s holiday compensation lawyers?
While holidays are more often than not a relaxing and enjoyable experience, accidents can spoil the fun. If you’ve suffered an injury during a package holiday due to someone else’s negligence, the consequences can mean a ruined trip and worse.
We are a leading UK consumer law firm with a proven track record in handling package holiday injury claims. Our holiday accident lawyers have extensive experience dealing with a wide range of cases, from straightforward accidents to more complex claims involving serious injuries. Our specialists have received high rankings from reputable independent legal guides, such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
Many of our holiday accident lawyers hold positions within the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), including senior litigator and brain injury specialist
We’re accredited by The Law Society's Lexcel programme, recognising that we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ensure our clients benefit from our expertise
The package holiday claims we pursue are funded by a No Win No Fee agreement, so you won’t pay anything upfront to start your claim and won’t owe us anything if your claim is unsuccessful
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to every case that goes far beyond legal support, and we work with every client to secure any future care and rehabilitation they may require
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of travel solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of your injury claim. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our holiday accident solicitors today
Frequently asked questions about package holiday claims
How long have I got to make a claim for package holiday compensation?
If you booked a package holiday in the UK, you should have up to three years from the date of the accident to begin your claim.
There are certain scenarios in which the time limit may vary. However, it is always advisable to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible. Your lawyer will take a detailed account of your injuries and the circumstances of your accident and will be able to inform you of any deadlines relevant to your claim.
At Slater and Gordon, our holiday accident lawyers can advise you on the deadlines that apply to your situation and ensure your package holiday injury claim is handled promptly and efficiently. Speak to our team today on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
How much will my package holiday claim be worth?
It's difficult to estimate how much compensation you're likely to receive for your injury until we have obtained medical evidence and collated your financial losses. The amount of compensation you may receive can differ depending on the extent of your injuries as well as the laws governing compensation claims in the relevant country. Each case is assessed individually to ensure the compensation awarded is fair and appropriate.
Package holiday compensation typically includes general damages, which cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity, as well as special damages, which cover financial losses such as medical expenses, lost income and travel costs. If your injury has had a long-term impact, your compensation may also take into account future expenses, such as ongoing treatment or care needs. The more serious the injury, the higher the potential value of the claim.
At Slater and Gordon, we will carefully assess every aspect of your case and work with medical experts where necessary. Our goal is to ensure your package holiday compensation reflects the full extent of your losses, giving you the financial support you need to move forward.
How long does it take to claim package holiday compensation?
That all depends on how serious your injuries are as well as whether a negligent party accepts they were to blame. Some straightforward claims can be resolved relatively quickly, though more complex cases, particularly those involving serious injuries or disputes over liability, may take longer.
One important factor is the need to fully understand the extent of your injuries. In some cases, it may be necessary to wait until your condition has stabilised before a final settlement can be reached. This ensures your package holiday compensation accurately reflects any long-term impact on your life.
Throughout your claim, your dedicated holiday accident solicitor will keep you informed and explain clearly what is required at each stage. We always aim to pursue justice for our clients as efficiently as possible and will also seek to claim interim payments where your injury might cause you financial hardship, or where you need to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible.
What should I do immediately after a package holiday accident?
If you are involved in a package holiday accident, your health should always be your first priority. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor at the time. Some conditions can develop or worsen after the initial incident.
You should also report the accident to the hotel management or your tour representative and ensure it is recorded. Taking photographs of the scene and gathering contact details for any witnesses can provide valuable evidence for a package holiday claim if you decide to pursue compensation.
Keeping receipts and documenting any expenses related to your injury can also support your claim. Once you return home, we strongly advise you to seek legal advice from one of our experienced holiday accident solicitors who can guide you through the process of claiming package holiday compensation.
To start your claim, or to learn more about eligibility and how much compensation you could be owed, speak to our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Can I claim package holiday compensation if the accident happened during an excursion?
Yes, you may be able to claim package holiday compensation if your accident occurred during an excursion, provided it was part of your package holiday or arranged through your tour operator. In these cases, the tour operator may still be responsible for your safety.
If the excursion was booked independently, the situation can be more complex. Liability will depend on the circumstances and whether the tour operator had any involvement in arranging or promoting the activity.
Our holiday accident solicitors can assess your case and advise whether you have grounds for a package holiday injury claim. We will investigate the details of your booking and the circumstances of your accident to determine the best course of action.
Do I need evidence from the resort to make a claim?
While evidence from the resort can strengthen your package holiday claim, it’s not always essential. Other forms of evidence, such as photographs, medical records and witness statements, can also support your case.
That said, reporting the incident at the time and obtaining a copy of any accident report can be highly beneficial. It provides an official record of what happened and can help establish liability.
If you don’t have resort evidence, our team can still investigate your case and gather the necessary information to support your claim.
Can I make a package holiday claim if the accident happened outside the hotel?
Yes, you can still make a package holiday claim if the accident occurred outside the hotel, as long as it was connected to your package holiday. This could include incidents during transfers or organised excursions.
The key factor is whether the service was included in your package. If it was, the tour operator may still be liable for any negligence that led to your injury.
Our holiday accident solicitors will review your case and advise you on your options, helping you pursue the package holiday compensation you are entitled to. Call us today on 0330 041 5869 to establish your full legal position or get in touch online to request a call back from a member of our team.
What if my tour operator denies responsibility?
If your tour operator denies responsibility, it doesn’t mean your claim will fail. Disputes over liability are common in package holiday claims, and there are legal processes in place to resolve them.
At Slater and Gordon, we will gather evidence, obtain expert opinions, and build a strong case on your behalf. If a fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, our package holiday accident solicitors can support you throughout court proceedings, providing tailored legal advice and unparalleled guidance. Our focus is always on achieving the best outcome for you and ensuring your rights are protected.
Can I still claim package holiday compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes, it can still be possible to claim package holiday compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, though the amount of compensation you are awarded is likely to be reduced to reflect your level of responsibility.
This is known as contributory negligence. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident, the compensation you are entitled to would be reduced by 20%. However, it is often still worthwhile making a claim, as even reduced compensation can provide vital resources to support you throughout your recovery.
Can I make a No Win No Fee package holiday claim?
Yes, you can. All the package holiday claims we pursue are funded by a No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee agreement. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront to start your claim and, if your case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe us a penny in legal fees.
Pursuing a package holiday claim on a No Win No Fee basis means you have access to our award-winning holiday accident legal expertise, without any financial risk.
To find out more about funding your claim for package holiday compensation, speak to our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Can I make a claim for package holiday compensation on behalf of someone else?
Yes, in some circumstances, it can be possible to make a package holiday claim on behalf of someone else. Common examples of this include parents or legal guardians pursuing claims on behalf of a child under the age of 18, or an appointed representative making a claim on behalf of an individual who lacks the mental capacity to take legal action themselves.
This is referred to as acting as a ‘litigation friend’. In these cases, you take on the responsibility of pursuing legal action on behalf of someone who is unable to do so on their own and agree to act in their best interests.
Our team are on hand to guide you through the steps involved, explaining the process clearly and providing expert advice tailored to your circumstances. Speak to us today on 0330 041 5869 to learn more or get in touch online.