Yet another serious illness claim arising from TUI holidays in Cape Verde
Holiday Lawyers continue to be instructed by clients who have suffered serious gastrointestinal illness following package holidays to Cape Verde. This latest instruction reflects a pattern seen repeatedly: holidaymakers returning to the UK with confirmed infections such as Shigella and Campylobacter, often linked to failures in food hygiene and sanitation standards within resort environments.
As one of the firm’s solicitors explains, “we are continuing to see a consistent stream of clients returning from Cape Verde with very similar illnesses, which raises real concerns about hygiene standards at a number of resorts.”
First-hand investigations into resort standards
Our team has previously taken the step of attending resorts in Cape Verde alongside independent food hygiene experts to assess standards on the ground. Those investigations identified systemic issues capable of causing precisely the type of illnesses now being reported.
Where hygiene practices fall below expected standards, the consequences for holidaymakers can be significant, particularly in all-inclusive environments where exposure is repeated over a number of days.
From acute illness to long-term complications
While many people associate food poisoning with a short-lived illness, the reality can be very different.
In this case, the client not only suffered acute gastrointestinal symptoms but went on to develop Reactive arthritis, a recognised complication following bacterial infections such as Shigella and Campylobacter.
Many holidaymakers remain unaware that an initial infection can lead to longer-term complications, including:
- Post-infective irritable bowel syndrome
- Joint pain and inflammation (reactive arthritis)
- Chronic fatigue and systemic symptoms
- Skin and autoimmune-related conditions
In more serious cases, these symptoms can persist for months, years, or indefinitely, affecting quality of life and the ability to work.
Our lawyers have acted for numerous clients in this position and have successfully recovered hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages for individuals who developed ongoing symptoms following an initial infection abroad.
Low initial offers from tour operators
A recurring feature in cases of this nature is the early compensation offer made directly by tour operators.
In this instance, a very low offer was made despite clear medical evidence of ongoing complications. Based on our experience, such offers can significantly undervalue claims, particularly where long-term consequences have not yet been fully assessed.
We have seen many cases where initial offers represent only a small proportion of the claim’s true value once expert medical evidence is obtained and the long-term impact is properly understood.
The importance of independent legal advice
Anyone who receives a compensation offer following illness abroad should consider obtaining independent legal advice before accepting it.
An early offer may not:
- Reflect the full extent of medical evidence
- Account for long-term complications
- Include future losses or treatment needs
Holidaymakers are free to seek advice from a solicitor of their choosing, whether through Holiday Lawyers or another independent firm. The key point is that the claim is properly valued before any settlement is agreed.
A continuing pattern
This latest instruction adds to a growing body of claims arising from holidays in Cape Verde. The consistency of reported illnesses and complications suggests an ongoing issue requiring careful scrutiny.
Holiday Lawyers remain available to advise individuals who have suffered illness abroad and to provide an objective assessment of any compensation offer received.
