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Make yours a Happy Healthy Holiday

Add our "International Accident & Emergency Helpline Card" to your packing list

The holiday season is now well underway. We all look forward to our holiday (once we are all packed, arrangements made, cat dropped off at the cattery and neighbours instructed on watering the tomato plants…). For most of us, the 7-14 nights away are bliss and give us important uninterrupted time with family & friends.

If it does not go according to plan, then at best we are left disappointed (and more stressed then when we left!) or at worst, needing medical attention. Over recent years, Jennie Jones and the Injury team at Nockolds have handled a range of claims arising from accidents on holiday. These include:

Unsafe villas – not compliant with even the local standards.
Hotel lift that was not properly fitted and closed on a guests arm.
Car accidents while driving abroad.

This year before you take your break, take a minute to know your basic legal rights.

Package Holidays:

If you have booked your holiday as a package (a combined price for transport, accommodation and, or excursions) then the holiday company are bound by English law under Package Travel Regulations. This allows the English court to deal with the claim and if you are successful and compensate you under English law. The company will also have to look after you in terms of getting you home and dealing with problems such as airline going bust!

Independent Travel:

More frequently, we now make travel plans independently, finding budget airline flights and our own accommodation. This gives us more flexibility but we do not have the same protection if something goes wrong or one of the companies involved goes bust.
There is some financial protection under the Civil Aviation (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) Regulations 1995, but they will not bring you home.
If there is a problem while you are away, you are injured or the accommodation is not as expected, then what you can do depends on which law applies. Is it English law or that of your Holiday destination? Generally claims can be made here in England, but it is important to get advice from someone who specialises in these issues.

Consumer groups argue that the large organisations who use their websites to sell flights and bolt on hotel rooms, villas & car hire should provide the same protection to their customers as package holiday providers are required to.
However if you have paid for your Independent Holiday with your credit card you will have additional Consumer Protection.

This summer, Nockolds are running a free travel helpline and offering clients an emergency contact card to take on holiday .

DOWNLOAD YOURS HERE , PICK ONE UP FROM OUR MARKET SQUARE OFFICE, OR EMAIL JENNIE JONES jsj@nockolds.co.uk .

Clients can then get advice and guidance while they are away and hopefully make the most of what is left of the holiday or make sure they are in the best possible position to seek compensation when they get home. This service is part of the free initial consultation service offered by Jennie and her team.
Call Jennie on 01279 712537 for further information or to discuss your situation.

Alfonso Valero (profile) Dalila Segador (profile) Ivan Moody (profile) Jennie Jones (profile) Rachel Davis (profile) Tuesday 19th July 2011
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