Legionella at the Hotel Trakia Plaza, Bulgaria

Irwin Mitchell has successfully recovered damages on behalf of a family of four clients who contracted Legionnaire's disease after holidaying at the Trakia Plaza Hotel, in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. The family, which consisted of two adults and two young twin sons had booked the holiday with the Tour Operator, Balkan Holidays for a two week half board holiday during June 2003.

The hotel was brand new at the time and the family were amongst some of the first to stay there. They experienced problems with the hot water supply, which was temperamental and the temperature was never consistent.

Whilst staying at the hotel, one of the adults became ill with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Shortly afterwards, the other adult in the family began to suffer from similar symptoms which were far more severe. Upon their return to the UK, they both attended a consultation with their GP and they were diagnosed as having contracted Legionella. Legionella is a serious bacterial infection which is a form of pneumonia which can be contracted from water droplets. This illness can also prove to be fatal if left untreated.

Due to the serious nature of the illness, the father was admitted to hospital but his recovery from the illness became complicated by the onset of cancer and he has been unable to return to work for reasons unrelated to his illness.

Whilst this claim was being investigated, it emerged from the Centre for Disease Control that four other guests who stayed at the hotel also contracted Legionella.

Whilst liability was not admitted by Balkan Holidays, Irwin Mitchell managed to negotiate through to the successful settlement of the claims.

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