£8,000 Compensation Secured for Family Injured in Holiday Coach Accident

At Keenan Solicitors, we recently helped a young family secure a combined settlement of £8,000 following a coach accident during their package holiday in Spain. This case highlights the importance of holding package holiday providers accountable for incidents abroad, ensuring families receive the compensation they deserve.

The Accident:

Our clients, a family of four, were on a package holiday to Spain, excited for a restful getaway. While travelling to their hotel on a transfer coach organised by the holiday provider, the coach was struck by a Spanish taxi at a roundabout near the hotel. The collision caused varying injuries to each family member, disrupting their holiday and leaving them in distress.

The Injuries:

• Mum: Suffered minor ankle injuries, soft tissue injuries to the neck and lower back, which resolved within 3 months.
• Dad: Sustained a straining injury to his back that lasted 3 weeks.
• Daughter (9 months): Experienced a bump to the head, which eased after 3-4 days, and distress following the accident.
• Son (4 years): Suffered minor bruising to his left eye and a small cut on his lip, both of which healed within 3-4 days.

Our Approach:

1. Liability:

• We wrote to the package holiday provider, who appointed solicitors in Northern Ireland to deal with the claims.
• Although the accident occurred in Spain, the family’s entitlement to compensation was secured under package holiday laws due to the holiday being arranged in Northern Ireland.
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2. Evidence Gathering:

• Gathered comprehensive evidence, including the cost of the holiday and detailed medical records for each family member.
• Arranged medical assessments with a Consultant in A&E Medicine to document each individual’s injuries and recovery timeline.
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3. Legal Proceedings:

• With no open admission of liability, we issued court proceedings to expedite a resolution.
• Consulted with a barrister to prepare the family for court proceedings and ease their concerns.

4. Settlements:

• Negotiated settlements for all four cases prior to the court contest date, achieving:
  • £3,000 for Mum
  • £2,500 for Dad
  • £1,250 each for the children.

5. Child Settlements:

• In cases involving children, settlements require court approval to ensure their interests are safeguarded. The judge readily approved the agreed amounts, and the funds were lodged into the court fund to be released when the children turn 18.

The Outcome:

The family received a combined total of £8,000 in compensation, bringing closure to their ordeal without the stress of a contested court hearing. This resolution ensured that each family member was fairly compensated for their injuries and the disruption to their holiday.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates our expertise in navigating complex claims involving package holiday providers and incidents abroad. If you or your family have been injured while on holiday, contact Keenan Solicitors today for expert legal advice.