Couple Suffered Serious Injuries After Falling Three Floors On Holiday

A couple of holidaymakers who suffered serious injuries when the railings on their balcony at a Dominican Republic hotel gave way are taking legal action against their tour operator, The Holiday Place. 

Jerome Anyanwu and Greta Jarasiute, from West London, were on their balcony on the 3rd floor of the Hotel Barcelo Punta Cana celebrating Greta’s birthday in September this year. Greta was sitting on Jerome’s lap and the chair they were on was resting against the balcony railings when the railings suddenly gave way.

Both fell three storeys to the ground floor below and were found by security staff who called an ambulance to rush them to hospital. 

Greta, 26, suffered multiple spinal fractures and a fractured arm. She underwent extensive surgery. Greta had to extend her stay in the Dominican Republic and her mum flew over to be by her hospital bedside. She was allowed to fly home eight days after the accident and now, some two months on, she is receiving rehabilitation and treatment as she seeks to recover from her injuries.

Jerome, 22, also underwent surgery on a fractured left hand and suffered tissue damage to his neck. He was kept in hospital for eight days before being flown home a week later than planned. Unfortunately, he has recently learned that he may require further surgery.

The couple have now instructed specialist international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to commence legal action on their behalf and seek a fair settlement to help with their recovery and rehabilitation from their injuries. 

Demetrius Danas, a specialist international personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell said: 

Expert Opinion

“Both Jerome and Greta have suffered serious injuries when they were simply trying to enjoy their holiday at the Barcelo Punta Cana. We have been asked to investigate what happened and take appropriate legal action for them.

“Our clients rightly have serious concerns about the safety of the railings which gave way suddenly. The railings are in place to protect guests but on this occasion they were the cause of the problem.” Demetrius Danas - National Head of International Serious Injury

Jerome said: “It was not even the hotel we booked in the first place. The Holiday Place changed our hotel just three days before we were due to go without giving us a choice of alternatives. We had already moved rooms because of a cockroach so we weren’t particularly happy about the hotel.  One minute we were just sitting on the balcony the next we had fallen three floors and were being taken to hospital. I spent the rest of my time in the Dominican Republic in hospital.”

Since the accident, neither have been able to return to work which has inevitably caused a financial strain. They face a long recovery period with potentially more surgery and challenges to overcome. 

If you or a loved one has had an accident whilst abroad, our accident and illness abroad solicitors could help you to claim compensation. See our Holiday Accident Claims page for more information.