What should you do if you have an accident on holiday in Greece?
When on vacation in Greece, holidaymakers make plans where they’d like to stay, what type of accommodation they want, they decide if they’d like an all-inclusive complex or if they’d rather go somewhere where they can prepare their own meals. Holidaymakers choose what date they want to travel, and of course, they plan what they need to pack to take with them.
For the majority of holidaymakers, thinking about what they would do in the event of an accident that results in an injury, or what they would do if they fall ill, this rarely cross their minds. Unfortunately, every year a small number of people are involved in an accident on a package holiday to Greece, or they fall ill while staying in Greece, often due to the negligence of someone else. In many instances where the accident or illness wasn’t their fault, they may be entitled to make a compensation claim.
If this happened to you or to someone you care about, and you would like to learn more about how to make a claim for an illness or accident on holiday in Greece, this guide provides essential information on how to go about seeking compensation.
Jump to a section
- A guide to Travel and Tourism personal injury and illness claims in Greece
- How to deal with getting ill or being hurt on holiday in Greece
- Who could be responsible for your personal injury, illness or accident?
- What should I do if I get sick or hurt on a Greek holiday?
- Where can I find help in Greece?
- If you need help in Greece from the British Embassy
- Why do I need travel insurance?
- What are the top places to visit in Greece?
- Common illnesses tourists get in Greece
- Tourist food poisoning / food allergies in Greece
- Illnesses caused by poor hygiene at your hotel or restaurant
- What to do if you have a car accident in Greece
- Were you injured by poor maintenance at the hotel?
- Were you injured in a boat accident in Greece?
- What are the most common Greek holiday accidents?
- Check if your package holiday qualifies for extra protection
- How can I claim compensation for an injury or illness in Greece?
- How much can my Greek holiday personal injury claim be worth?
- Where to learn more about dealing with holiday injuries
A guide to Travel and Tourism personal injury and illness claims in Greece
Although going on holiday should be an enjoyable occasion, and for most holidaymakers it is, sadly for some, it could end up being the opposite. Unfortunately, accidents and illnesses can and do occur when people are on holiday in Greece which can not only ruin the holiday itself, but could also be extremely stressful when it happens abroad.
Although some accidents could be partly due to the careless behaviour on a the part of the injured party, in some instances another person could be to blame through negligence. For example, if you sustain an injury after tripping over in your hotel due to poorly maintained floor coverings, the hotel could be to blame because it is their responsibility to ensure the hotel is a safe environment. In short, any problems with the floor should be dealt with in a timely manner and cordoned off in the meantime to prevent an accident from occurring.
This guide provides essential information on how to file a successful claim for compensation against a third party. Included in the guide is advice on the following:
- Where to get help in Greece
- How to determine responsibility of an accident or illness
- What are the most common types of accidents
- Why travel insurance is a must
- How to start a compensation claim
- What can you include in your claim and much more
The guide provides a good insight as to what is involved when making your holiday accident in Greece claim and where you should start.
How to deal with getting ill or being hurt on holiday in Greece
There are many ways in which you may suffer an injury or get ill whilst on holiday in Greece. In the majority of cases, the injuries sustained or illnesses are fairly minor and can be treated with basic first aid and over-the-counter remedies. In short, a holiday is not affected too much. However, occasionally injuries or illnesses can be more severe which means that medical treatment and/or hospitalisation is a must. Therefore this has a negative impact on your holiday often ruining it altogether.
The sort of injury and illness in Greece caused by someone else that people often file personal injury claim for typically include the following:
- Physical Injury such as broken or fractured bones, cuts, lacerations and concussion
- Illnesses like infections and diseases
- Food poisoning
- Mental and psychological trauma or illness
The guide provides advice on who to contact in the event of an accident, how to seek medical treatment whilst in Greece and what steps you should take in order to gather the necessary evidence if you wish to make a compensation claim against a third party.
Who could be responsible for your personal injury, illness or accident?
For personal injury claim in Greece to be successful, you must prove that someone else was liable for your accident/injuries or illness. Different organisations, businesses or individuals could be liable for your accident or illness depending on the circumstances involved. For example, if you became ill with severe food poisoning, the restaurant may be liable, or if you suffered an accident and suffered injuries whilst on an excursion organised by your package holiday provider, they could be held responsible.
Being able to prove third party liability for your accident or injury, is of paramount importance when making a successful accident on holiday in Greece claim. Without the required proof, your claim would not be successful. Whenever you suffer an injury or fall ill when you are abroad on holiday, you should hire a personal injury solicitor who specialises in foreign holiday compensation claims as they have the necessary experience when it comes to gathering the evidence needed to make a successful claim.
What should I do if I get sick or hurt on a Greek holiday?
If you have an accident on holiday in Greece, or you fall ill whilst there, if someone else was to blame and you want to make a claim for compensation, there are specific steps that you can take to support a claim. If you choose to hire a solicitor to act on your behalf, they would offer essential advice and assistance when it comes to gathering the initial pieces of evidence needed to strengthen your case. However, knowing what proof would be needed yourself, can help speed up the process. In short, providing the following at the outset is recommended:
- Medical Treatment – apart from being important for your health, visiting a medical professional to have your injuries or illness assessed, is essential if you wish to pursue a compensation claim. A medical report would state the nature of your injury, treatments involved, severity and future prognosis. The report is used to assess the amount of compensation you could be awarded
- Photos – taking photos of the scene of the accident can be helpful in proving liability. Also, having photos of your injury can give visual evidence to support your case
- Witnesses – witness statements are vital when it comes to strengthening your case because they can back up your version of events. You must also get witness contact details
- Police report – depending on the nature of the accident, you may need to notify the police which is the case if you are involved in a road traffic accident, motorcycle accident or if you were involved in a fatal accident. Should this be the case, you mus request the police incident report number
- Expenses – keep a record of all receipts which includes any expenses incurred as a direct consequence to your injury
- Holiday Provider – be sure to contact your holiday provider to report what has happened to you as soon as possible. You should follow this up once back in the UK too
- Health travel insurance provider – contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible. Also, contact them once you have returned home to inform them that you arrived back in the UK
- Loss of income – if you need time off of work, or in severe circumstances, you are unable to return to work, keep a record of any income lost or potential future income lost because of your injury or illness which you could claim back
Where can I find help in Greece?
There are a various places you can find help and advice if you have a holiday accident in Greece or you fall ill whilst in Greece with the main contacts being as follows:
- Your holiday and travel provider
- Your health and travel insurance provider
- The Greek healthcare system
- The British Embassy – the contact details are provided below
If you need help in Greece from the British Embassy
A representative of British Embassy should contact you within 24 hours of them being notified that you have been admitted to hospital having been injured or fallen sick whilst in Greece. They should also contact your insurance provider on your behalf to inform them of what’s happened, and may also contact members of your family in the UK so that they are made aware of your situation.
British Embassy contact details are as follows:
British Embassy Athens
1 Ploutarchou str
106 75 Athens
Greece
Telephone : +30 210 7272 600
Website – www.gov.uk/world/ organisations/british-embassy-athens
There is also helpful information on the British government page www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece
Why do I need travel insurance?
Although the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is available to all citizens in EU countries and is a must when travelling to another EU country as it allows you access to healthcare in the same way a local would receive it, it doesn’t cover everything. For example, the EHIC doesn’t provide cover for outpatient on-going treatment or medical care required when travelling home to the UK. It is also worth noting that your EHIC may not be valid after Brexit. As such, taking out travel insurance is very important if you don’t want the risk of being faced with huge medical bills if you fall ill or you are injured in an accident in Greece.
What are the top places to visit in Greece?
Greece is a beautiful country to visit with fantastic scenery, picturesque beaches and the country enjoys an all year round sunny climate. As such, it’s no wonder that Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations with British tourists. There are a variety of beaches, resorts and islands to visit, all of which offer the sort of holiday experience tourists yearn for.
Some of the best locations in Greece include the following:
- Crete – for anyone interested in Greek history, Crete is an amazing place to visit because it is full of archaeological and mythical history and has many historical ruins and cultural places that are worth exploring
- Santorini – this Cyclades island in the Aegean sea with its spectacular views and black sandy beaches is a lovely place to visit. The Rocabella Santorini Hotel and Spa is a firm favourite with many holidaymakers
- Rhodes – the largest and the most popular of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes has a lot to offer with its beautiful beaches, an abundance of restaurants and its medieval town and history
- Corfu – Corfu boasts byzantine churches and remains of Venetian fortresses. According to legends, mythological beauties used to visit the waterfalls of Nymphes
- The best beach in Greece for families is in Naxos and is called St George’s beach
- Mykonos has the best beach for those wanting to party whic is called Paradise beach and boasts lots of bars and clubs
- Another beach in Naxos is called Plaka beach and is said to be great for holidaymakers who just want some time to relax in the peace of quiet of a beautiful beach
Statistics for visitor numbers to Greece are as follows:
| Visitor position | Visiting nationality | Visitor numbers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Macedonian | 3,023,059 |
| 2 | German | 2,810,350 |
| 3 | British/ UK | 2,397,169 |
| 4 | Bulgarian | 1,900,642 |
| 5 | French | 1,522,100 |
| 6 | Italian | 1,355,327 |
| 7 | Turkish | 1,153,046 |
| 8 | Polish | 754,402 |
| 9 | American/ USA | 750,250 |
| 10 | Serbian | 727,831 |
Common illnesses tourists get in Greece
Although there are a variety of illnesses you could suffer from when holidaying in Greece, there are some which are more common than others which includes the following:
- Food Poisoning – this is the most common of all reasons for falling ill whilst in Greece. Poor hygiene is typically to blame as well as incorrect storage/preparation of food, and under-cooked food. Kitchen staff may not be trained sufficiently in food hygiene and the basic hygiene methods to the same standard as we expect in the UK. As such, food poisoning incidents are quite common
- Campylobacter – this is one of the common causes for British tourists to develop diarrhoea. Symptoms may take between two and five days to appear and typically include vomiting, cramping stomach, diarrhoea and nausea. It may last anywhere between 2 days to a week, but sometimes lasting longer. If the infection is severe, sufferers may be left with more permanent health issues which includes irritable bowel syndrome and in serious cases, a severe condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome
- E-Coli – an E-Coli infection can be minor to severe and life-threatening symptoms depending on the strain. E-Coli could be present in foods contaminated with human sewage or animal faeces and is most likely to be present in under-cooked meats, milk and unpasteurised cheese, and contaminated or un-chlorinated water. Symptoms of E-Coli include nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhoea with blood present, stomach cramps, and a fever. It is essential for an E-Coli infection to be diagnosed and treated as a matter of urgency. Infections generally last less than a week but can sometimes last several weeks if the infection is severe
- Salmonella – this is often spread by poor hygiene standards and under-cooked poultry and meats. Symptoms are very similar to those of E-Coli and could also include a rash and feelings of lethargy
- Legionnaires Disease – Legionella bacteria causes a type of pneumonia and is often found in droplets of water that you breath in which includes when you are in a steamy or misty atmosphere. The main culprit for spreading legionnaires disease is poorly maintained air conditioning units and could also be caused by freshwater hot tubs and Jacuzzis
- Gastroenteritis – holidaymakers are advised to only drink sealed bottled water to prevent stomach problems. However, sometimes untreated and contaminated swimming pool water can result in a bout of gastroenteritis, severe vomiting and diarrhoea causing illness
If you suffered an illness similar to the ones mentioned above, or any other illness because of someone else’s incompetence or negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation. If you are unsure of whether or not you have a valid claim, contacting a personal injury lawyer for help and advice is essential.
Tourist food poisoning / food allergies in Greece
Mistakes and negligence concerning food safety can lead to a number of infections and illnesses which includes incidents involving food allergy issues which could be life-threatening for some sufferers.
If you become ill due to negligence whilst holidaying in Greece, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim for damages and out of pocket expenses.
In the UK, food establishments are required by law to provide a safe environment for their customers and need to meet certain standards of hygiene for health and safety reasons or they run the risk of being closed down. Unfortunately, in Greece, the standards of hygiene and levels of health and safety food training aren’t always that high. However, they still have a responsibility to their customers to provide food that is safe for human consumption.
The NHS website has some useful information on food poisoning abroad and food allergies which can be found by clicking on the following links:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/food-and-water-abroad
www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning
www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-allergy
The NHS also have guides on the most common food-related illnesses such as:
Campylobacter – www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/food-poisoning-bug-in-chicken
Amoebiasis or Dysentery – www.nhs.uk/conditions/dysentery
E-Coli – www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/facts-about-e-coli
Salmonella – www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/food-poisoning
Illnesses caused by poor hygiene at your hotel or restaurant
Poor hygiene is probably the most common reason for outbreaks of bacteria causing sickness among holidaymakers when staying at a hotel or in other accommodation when holidaying in Greece. Housekeeping staff should be adequately trained in hygienic practices and cleaning to ensure the rooms and public areas in a hotel are of a suitable standard. Another problem that is a common fault, is insufficient amounts or total lack of disinfectant or chlorine in a swimming pool which kills off harmful bacteria and which helps prevent illnesses from spreading.
Poor hygiene in kitchen and restaurant areas, is especially of concern. In order to prevent food poisoning and other food-related illnesses, any areas where food is stored, prepared, cooked and eaten should be thoroughly cleaned regularly throughout the day.
What to do if you have a car accident in Greece
If you are involved in a road traffic accident in Greece and suffer an injury like whiplash or a more serious injury which includes a fractured bone or worse, there are a number of things you should do which are detailed below:
- Inform the Police and ask for an incident number
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible and get a medical report
- Take down the details of the driver or person at fault, including their contact details, car make and registration details, and their insurance details
- As mentioned earlier in the guide, witness statements are essential when it comes to establishing liability
- If your car was a rental, you must inform the hire company. If it was your own car, you must notify your own insurance company
- Inform your travel insurance provider
- Inform your holiday package provider
- Depending on the circumstances, try to take photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved if you are able to
Although making car accident claims in Greece shouldn’t be much different to making a claim in the UK, speaking to personal injury claim firm could be helpful because it would ensure that you are doing everything correctly from the outset which in turn could ensure your claim is successful.
Were you injured by poor maintenance at the hotel?
If you have been injured due to an accident at your hotel that was caused by poor maintenance, the hotel may be liable for, or if your holiday was booked as a package deal, your holiday provider could be responsible. A personal injury claim solicitor has the required experience to establish who may be deemed liable if you are in any doubt.
There are numerous possible accidents that could occur because of poor maintenance when you are on holiday in Greece which could include the following:
- Slipping over due to a leak or spillage
- Tripping over uneven floor surfaces or poorly maintained floor coverings
- Damaged tiles around the swimming pool area could cause someone to be injured
- Poor lighting in a stairwell could result in someone falling down the stairs
- Electric shock due to electrical appliances and switches not being regularly checked and tested
- Being injured due to the collapse of broken or damaged furniture
- Balcony accidents caused by safety railings being broken or becoming loose
The hotel owners or occupiers have a duty of care to regularly maintain all areas of the hotel and address any issues to ensure a safe environment for all visitors and staff. Package holiday providers also have a duty of care to make sure that any accommodation available within their package deals are indeed up to an adequate safe standard.
Were you injured in a boat accident in Greece?
Before embarking on any boating trip/activity, or partaking in any other water sporting activity, you should always check that the provider or company has the relevant qualifications and insurances in place and that they are regulated under Greek law. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee that the provider operates to the expected standards all of the time and accidents may still occur.
If you were injured in a boating accident and it was because of the negligence of those in charge of the boat, you may be entitled to claim compensation against them. However, if it was an excursion organised by your package holiday provider, they may be found responsible for your injuries. You should get in touch with a legal expert who deals with Greek ferry accident claims or similar so they can clarify who was responsible for your accident and therefore who you should file a personal injury claim against.
What are the most common Greek holiday accidents?
There are many different types of accidents that could take place whilst on holiday in Greece with some found to be more common than others, these include:
- Slip, trip and fall accidents
- Scalding and burns through cooking
- Falls from hotel balconies
- Lift injuries
- Injuries related to fire
- Carbon Monoxide poisoning
- Swimming and diving accidents
- Balcony and patio glass door accidents
If you have an accident on holiday in Greece and it wasn’t your fault but resulted in you sustaining an injury, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim against the negligent third party.
Check if your package holiday qualifies for extra protection
Package holidays provide the best level of protection as they allow you either have a refund or to be repatriated home sooner than planned if your travel company goes out of business. They also cover the cost of your holiday if it is cancelled due to no fault of your own.
A package holiday must include two of the following to be considered as a package holiday and paid for in a single payment for it to be protected under the Package Travel, Package Holidays, and Package Tours regulations 1992:
- Flight and travel arrangements.
- Car Rental
- Tour Operator
A package holiday is classed as one if it has been advertised and sold as a package. The package provider must have asked you to select more than one service whether this is flight times and accommodation or other, and charged you a single fee.
How can I claim compensation for an injury or illness in Greece?
If you have had an accident on holiday in Greece or have suffered an illness whilst in Greece and it was someone else’s fault, you may have the right to claim compensation for the pain, suffering and financial loss you endured.
The easiest and less stressful way to make a compensation claim is to hire a personal injury solicitor who specialises in claims abroad. Just because the accident or incident happened in Greece doesn’t mean you have to use a Greek lawyer to act on your behalf. There are many UK legal firms that can successfully represent you when you fall ill or suffer an injury when on holiday in Greece.
When investigating which legal firm to use, you should consider a number of things and this includes the following:
- How successful have they been in the past?
- How experienced are they?
- How do they charge for their legal fees? Some firms like to charge by the hour throughout the legal process regardless of the outcome of the case. However, you should hire legal firm that works on a no win no fee basis which means there is no financial risk and no payments upfront. Legal firms that work on this basis only ask for payment if your case is successful. If the case is lost, there is no fee to be paid
- Customer reviews. Always look at customer reviews to get an unbiased view on how a firm of solicitors treat their clients and how satisfied previous clients were with their service
How much can my Greek holiday personal injury claim be worth?
This would depend on the type of injury you sustained, how severe it is, and how it has impacted your well-being and lifestyle. This would differ with each and every claim as each case is unique.
Compensation is paid for two categories, general damages and special damages. General damages cover the actual injury itself and is the biggest factor on the amount of compensation awarded because it takes into account the type of injury, how bad it is, the type of medical treatment needed and the length of time it is needed for, the psychological and physical effects and the impact on your life. The worse the injury is, the higher the compensation award.
Some examples of compensation that may be claimed for varying injuries to the body are displayed below:
| Injury to: | How severe: | Compensation: |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle | Minor to severe | Up to £61,139. |
| Arm | Minor to severe | Up to £114,829. |
| Back | Minor to severe | Up to £141,169. |
| Finger | Minor to severe | Up to £21,939. |
| Feet | Minor to severe | Up to £96,139. |
| Hand | Minor to severe | Up to £54,299. |
| Legs | Minor to severe | Up to £119,239. |
| Neck | Minor to severe | Up to £130,079. |
| Thumb | Minor to severe | Up to £48,039. |
| Toes | Minor to severe | Up to £49,139.. |
| Wrist | Minor to severe | Up to £4,179. |
Special damages cover the financial aspect of the claim such as medical and travel expenses incurred, lost income or work benefits and any other costs that have resulted from you becoming injured. Receipts must be provided as proof of your expenditure when claiming special damages.
Where to learn more about dealing with holiday injuries
Below are some useful links on where you can find more information about what to do in the event you have an accident on holiday in Greece. Included is a link to a reputable personal injury claims firm that would be more than happy to help and guide you with your claim.
Legal Expert Greece holiday accident claims guide
Here you can find more information on claims for accidents and illnesses when on holiday in Greece.
NHS – Healthcare in Greece guide
This is a useful NHS guide for finding healthcare in Greece if you are injured while on holiday there.
Edited Honey 23/1/20