BCVLex secures compensation for a tourist injured in Punta Cana

A recent case handled by BCVLex highlights the importance of specialized legal advice for accidents occurring during international trips.
The firm successfully represented a client who suffered an injury during their stay at a resort in Punta Cana, securing compensation of €7,000 after an intense claim against the tour operator.

The Facts

The client, a man who had booked his stay in Punta Cana through a Spanish travel agency, suffered an accident while walking on a pathway connecting the beach to the rest of the resort. Along the way, he stepped on a substantial wooden splinter. Although he initially went to the resort’s medical center, the doctor was unable to remove the splinter and referred him to a nearby hospital.

At the hospital, a piece of wood was removed, the wound was bandaged, antibiotics were prescribed, and he was sent back to the hotel. However, the contracted insurance deemed repatriation unnecessary, arguing that the injury was not severe enough. In the following days, the client had to return to the hospital twice due to persistent pain and worsening of the wound.

Upon returning to Spain a few days later, where our client resides, he was urgently admitted to a hospital. There, doctors removed a second fragment of wood and a blue plastic object that had remained lodged in the wound. The man was hospitalized for several days to receive proper treatment.

The accident not only affected the client’s health but also had significant financial repercussions. His family vacation was entirely ruined. His partner and young daughter had to rent a hotel room near the hospital in Spain to stay with him during his hospitalization. Additionally, the client had to cover numerous medical expenses in both Punta Cana and Spain, and he faced work leave, further complicating his financial situation.

Initially, the resort offered three free nights as compensation, a proposal the client rejected as insufficient given the harm suffered.

Case Resolution

BCVLex’s legal team intervened to represent the client, initiating a formal claim against the tour operator responsible for organizing the trip. The strategy included:

• Gathering medical evidence from both Punta Cana and Spain.
• Demonstrating the resort’s liability for the accident due to inadequate maintenance of its facilities.
• Negotiating with the tour operator responsible for organizing the trip.

Thanks to BCVLex’s efforts, the tour operator agreed to a settlement resulting in €7,000 compensation for our client, covering medical expenses, physical injury, and emotional impact.

How to Claim Compensation for an Accident Abroad?

If an accident occurs outside Spain, it is essential that the trip was booked through a Spanish travel agency to file claims from Spain. Additionally, it is highly recommended to file a formal complaint on-site the same day of the accident with the hotel, resort, or responsible entity, leaving a written record of the incident. This will facilitate the subsequent claim process and serve as evidence in case of litigation.

It is equally important to keep all documentation related to the trip and accident, such as contracts, invoices, medical reports, and photographs of the incident site. Engaging a specialized firm like BCVLex can make a significant difference in obtaining fair compensation and resolving the case efficiently.

BCVLex Lawyers once again demonstrates its expertise in handling international cases, offering comprehensive and professional services to clients in complex situations like this. Don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll provide a no-obligation quote.