Before her accident, Beth* was an active and independent woman working full time as a nurse. She enjoyed walking her dog, spending time outdoors, and had no issues with mobility or general health.
In 2021, Beth and her husband travelled to Lanzarote for a long‑awaited seven‑night package holiday at the Melia Salinas Hotel. It was meant to be a relaxing break with family. Instead, an avoidable accident on the hotel grounds changed the course of her life for many months to come.
How the accident happened
On the day of the accident, Beth and her husband were returning to their hotel after visiting their son at a nearby resort. As they walked back from a local supermarket, they crossed the road and began descending a set of stone steps leading into the hotel grounds.
After stepping off the final step onto the kerb edge, Beth’s left leg suddenly gave way. When she looked down, she saw her ankle at an unnatural angle and immediately realised she had suffered a serious fracture. She called out to her husband before lowering herself to the ground, fearing she was about to lose consciousness from the pain.
Hotel staff and another guest came to assist, and an ambulance was called. The incident was reported both to the hotel and the tour operator’s representative.
Beth’s immediate treatment
At the scene, Beth’s injured leg was supported before she was taken by ambulance to hospital. X‑rays confirmed a fracture‑dislocation of the tibia and fibula. She was placed in a back slab cast and advised she would require surgery once back in the UK.
Unable to rearrange her flights, Beth spent the remainder of her holiday in a wheelchair, unable to participate in any of the activities she had looked forward to.
The impact of the injury
Once home, Beth underwent internal fixation surgery at Southampton General Hospital. Her recovery included:
- Six weeks in plaster
- Six further weeks in a medical boot
- Gradual mobilisation with crutches
- Several months of physiotherapy
Despite her extensive rehabilitation, Beth continues to experience:
- Daily aching and discomfort
- Difficulty walking long distances or on uneven surfaces
- Ongoing swelling preventing her from wearing much of her footwear
- Tenderness around surgical scarring
- A frozen shoulder resulting from prolonged crutch use
Her ankle has also permanently changed shape.
Effect on Beth’s work and independence
As a nurse, Beth needed to walk safely and confidently in a busy hospital environment. As a result of her injury, she was unable to work for months.
When she eventually returned, it was on a phased basis in a lighter, non‑ward role. She was only able to resume her full clinical duties once she had regained full mobility and no longer relied on crutches.
During recovery, Beth could not drive, struggled with daily tasks, and was unable to enjoy ordinary routines such as walking her dog. She relied heavily on her husband and family for support.
What should have happened
Beth’s holiday was booked under a package travel contract, meaning the tour operator had a legal duty to ensure her accommodation and its surroundings met reasonable safety standards.
Beth’s case was that her accident was caused by a breach of local Spanish safety regulations, and that hazards around the kerb area created an avoidable risk. Under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, the UK tour operator is responsible for ensuring that overseas suppliers take reasonable steps to protect guests.
Expert evidence later confirmed that features of the kerb and surrounding area breached relevant Spanish safety standards.
How Enable Law supported Beth
Beth approached Enable Law seeking answers, support, and accountability. Her claim was led by Eleanor Armstrong, a specialist in holiday and international injury cases, who guided Beth through each stage of the process.
Eleanor undertook a detailed investigation into how and why the accident occurred. She instructed a Spanish lawyer, who in turn appointed an engineer to carry out a site inspection at the hotel. The engineer took measurements and prepared a technical report identifying defects in the pavement. Based on this, the Spanish lawyer confirmed that the defects breached local Spanish safety laws.
To value Beth’s injuries accurately, Eleanor also obtained expert evidence from an independent medico‑legal orthopaedic specialist.
Despite liability never being admitted by the tour operator, Eleanor continued to build a strong case on Beth’s behalf, and the claim ultimately settled two months before trial with a five figure settlement secured in compensation. This settlement covered the costs of Beth’s treatment and recovery as well as her loss of earnings. Eleanor also recovered the employer’s outlay, as Beth’s employer had paid her basic salary in full during sick leave and was entitled to reimbursement if her claim succeeded. Through tenacity, careful evidence gathering, and a detailed understanding of cross‑border safety standards, Eleanor ensured Beth received both the answers and the compensation she deserved.
How Enable Law can help you
Going on holiday should be an enjoyable experience, and most holidays pass without incident. But if you have been injured abroad and are unsure what to do next, we are here to help.
At Enable Law, we have a specialist accidents abroad team with significant experience in supporting people that suffered significant injuries following an accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident abroad, our experts are ready to provide a free, confidential discussion about your options. You can speak with Eleanor Armstrong or one of our team by calling 0800 044 8488 or fill in the form and we will call you back at a time that suits you.
*name has been changed
