Holidaymaker requires stitches following aeroplane toilet incident
Posted: April 24, 2016
Posted in: Accidents and Sickness Abroad Head and Brain Injuries Leg Injuries Neck Injuries Public Transport Spine & Back Injuries 
A 55-year-old holidaymaker from Forest Hall in Newcastle required 14 stitches to her head following a metal toilet cabinet falling on her head during a long-haul flight. The woman, who has remained unnamed, had been on holiday in Kuala Lumpur and was returning to Newcastle via Amsterdam when the accident occurred. The traveller, who passed out in the toilet, sustained injuries to her neck, back, coccyx and thigh. She also required both internal and external stitches to her head. The airline, Dutch company KLM, denied liability however offered to pay compensation of £2,000 to the passenger.
“could easily have been avoided”
The passenger, known as Mrs Y, consulted her union, who referred her case to their solicitors. Head of Local Government for the Northern Region, Lynne Robson, said: “Too often our members have what is supposed to be a relaxing holiday, destroyed by accidents which could easily have been avoided”. She went on to add that many of their members would be holidaying abroad and that they would always be covered by her union’s free legal advice service should they experience an accident whilst abroad.
Her solicitor initiated negotiations with KLM and succeeded in increasing the offer from £2,000 to £6500. Her solicitor stated: “We helped Mrs Y to achieve three times more compensation than was initially offered by KLM’s insurers”. They went on to add that companies will often try to pay out a minimal amount if complainants deal directly with them.
If you have suffered an injury or illness abroad, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.
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