Couple threatens Thomas Cook with legal action over Cuba holiday illness
A retired couple is threatening legal action against Thomas Cook saying illness ruined their luxury holiday in Cuba.
Patricia Butcher and Michael Butler, from Kemsley in Kent, stayed at the four-star Iberostar Laguna Azul in Cuba in October 2012 to celebrate Michael’s retirement.
But days into their holiday Patricia began to suffer with gastric illness, including diarrhoea, vomiting and a fever.
According to legal firm Irwin Mitchell, which has taken on the case, Patricia collapsed in the bathroom of the couple’s hotel room, was taken to hospital in a taxi and placed on an intravenous drip and prescribed antibiotics and pain killers.
She was discharged from hospital but continued to suffer with similar symptoms when she returned to the hotel.
The 68-year-old was rushed to hospital in an ambulance on three further occasions during the two-week holiday.
Her symptoms also continued on her return to the UK and Irwin Mitchell says she continues to suffer from symptoms to this day.
Thomas Cook has denied liability in respect of the couple’s claim.
Irwin Mitchell has now forwarded papers to court for legal proceedings to be issued on behalf of the couple.
"Unless an out of court settlement can be achieved on satisfactory terms, these clients’ claims will be determined in court," it said.
"I feel like we were completely let down by Thomas Cook," said Patricia.
"I put my trust in them and we were expecting to have a luxurious and relaxing two-week holiday, but instead we were left completely appalled by the experience."
Thomas Cook confirmed it has been approached by a law firm representing the couple.
"We are currently involved in ongoing discussions with our customers’ chosen representatives," said a spokesman.
"We can confirm that an apology was made directly to Ms Butcher in a letter to her dated February 6 2013.
"We are unable to provide further comment so as not to unduly compromise any potential legal proceedings."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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