A holiday abroad should mean sunshine, relaxation, and new experiences — not stress, injury, or financial worry. Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere: in hotels, at swimming pools, on excursions, or during transport on holiday. If your trip was booked as a package holiday, you may still be entitled to compensation, even if the accident occurred outside Ireland.
At Kearney Law, we help injured travellers secure justice and fair compensation both in Ireland and abroad, by guiding them through each step of the legal process with clarity and expertise.
In this post, we explain your rights, what to do after an accident abroad, and how claims through a package holiday company work.
What Is a Holiday Accident Claim?
Holiday accident claims arise when someone is injured abroad due to another party’s negligence — such as unsafe conditions at a hotel, poorly maintained facilities, or careless behaviour by staff or operators. Common examples include:
- Slips and falls at hotels or resorts
- Transport accidents on coaches, taxis, or shuttle services
- Injuries using hotel amenities (pools, gyms, waterparks)
- Medical negligence abroad
These types of incidents can all form the basis of a claim if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Importantly, Irish residents can make a personal injury claim for accidents that happen anywhere, including abroad.
Your Rights When You Booked Through a Package Holiday Company
If you booked your trip through a package travel company, you may have enhanced rights under Irish and EU consumer protection laws. In many cases, the package provider is responsible for ensuring that all elements of the holiday — accommodation, transport, excursions — are safe and meet proper standards.
This means:
- You may be able to pursue your claim against the Irish package provider, rather than dealing with foreign companies.
- The claims process can be simpler, as Irish law may apply.
- Solicitors in Ireland can handle your claim directly, avoiding the complexity of international litigation.
What To Do Immediately After an Accident Abroad
Taking the right steps after an accident can make a significant difference in the success of your claim. Kearney Law highlights several essential actions:
1. Report the Accident
Notify the hotel, resort, tour guide, or transport provider. Ask for written confirmation or a copy of the incident report.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even minor injuries should be checked by a doctor. Keep every record, including prescriptions and receipts.
3. Gather Evidence
Photograph the location and cause of the accident and get contact details for witnesses.
4. Keep All Documentation
Save your travel documents, booking confirmations, emails, and insurance papers.
How the Claims Process Works
When you contact a solicitor such as Kearney Law, they can guide you through the structured claims process used in Ireland. Key steps include:
Case Assessment
A solicitor evaluates whether you have a valid claim and explains your legal rights.
Reporting and Evidence Gathering
They collect medical reports, witness details, and documentation to build your case.
Engaging with the Responsible Party or Insurer
Your solicitor will contact the package provider or their insurer on your behalf.
Application to the Injuries Board (PIAB)
Most personal injury claims — except medical negligence — must be submitted to PIAB for assessment of compensation. Kearney Law handles this process for you.
No Win No Fee
Kearney Law notes that many Irish solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you only pay if your case succeeds.
Why Choose Kearney Law for an Accident Abroad Claim?
- They specialise exclusively in personal injury law, giving clients focused expertise.
- They regularly assist clients injured both in Ireland and overseas.
- Their team uses efficient, modern processes to keep claims moving quickly and smoothly.
They offer empathetic, client‑first support, understanding how stressful an accident during a holiday can be.
