Law firm Irwin Mitchell has served proceedings against Jet2holidays on behalf of 100 customers who say they fell ill while staying at a Turkish resort.
The company says customers suffered gastric illness during or after their stay at the four-star Mukarnas Resort and Spa Hotel in Antalya, also known as the Mukarnas Spa Resort Hotel, between May and September 2022.
Among the claimants are a family including a four-year-old girl diagnosed with salmonella, and a 55-year-old nurse and her 18-year-old son who suffered from gastric symptoms for several months after the holiday.
Legal documents filed at the High Court argue Jet2holidays continued to send holidaymakers after it became aware of an outbreak of illness at the resort and that there was a failure to comply with health and safety regulations, putting several guests at risk.
Irwin Mitchell said the legal action follows a long period of investigation by experts and legal submissions.
Partner Jatinder Paul said: “It’s very concerning to hear how many people, including young children, fell seriously ill at this resort, especially in just a few months.
“Following investigations and refusal from Jet2holidays to resolve these cases amicably, we’ve now issued High Court proceedings and are determined to ensure the 100 people impacted are given the answers they deserve regarding how they came to contract serious illnesses.
“Gastric illness can be very serious and should never been downplayed. It can lead to life-changing health issues and even death.
“Nearly three years on, a number of our clients continue to be affected by debilitating complications linked to their illness.
“Nothing can make up for how their holidays were ruined but we call on Jet2holidays to work with us to resolve these cases as quickly as possible so our clients can start to put their ordeals behind them.”
Jatinder told Travel Gossip Jet2holidays is due to file a defence by 12 May. After that, a timetable will be set out by a High Court judge. It’s likely to take 24 months for the case to go to trial and that will only happen if the two parties are unable to settle the claims.
The group action also includes a separate claim for a child who suffered a fractured finger after another child collided with her near the bottom of a slide in the hotel pool, which the law firm says wasn’t monitored.
A spokesperson for Jet2holidays said: “It would be inappropriate for us to comment, as lawyers have been instructed.”
