A Guide To How To Make A Morocco Holiday Accident Compensation Claim

Morocco holiday accident

Morocco holiday accident

A popular holiday destination, thousands of tourists visit Morocco each year. Much like any other sun holiday, most people will indulge in local cuisine, capture the Moroccan culture from tours of the city and maybe even partake in various sports too. While you would expect to enjoy your holiday without any issues or unexpected events, an accident on holiday could happen at any given time just as they can happen back in the UK. In fact, an injury abroad could happen in any destination, even on your journey to your destination.

Any UK tourist who suffers an injury or falls ill while on holiday could possibly be entitled to compensation for their harm and suffering if it was caused through no fault of their own. Even if you have contracted food poisoning from a local restaurant, it may be possibly; the grounds of which will be subject to the circumstances of your unique case. All countries have their own laws and legislation so it is difficult to talk about all countries as if they were one or all had the same laws. To be eligible to claim for a personal injury may depend on what country you are in and possibly how you booked your holiday.

There are various factors which need to be taken into consideration before beginning your claim, many of which will be discussed with you in great lengths by a legal expert from our panel. One factor of particular importance is whether your claim is within the applicable personal injury claims time limit, which varies greatly from country to country for more information contact our advisors.

However, if you find after reading this guide that you are still left with unanswered questions then call us today. We have a team of expert advisors who are more than happy to answer your queries and help put your mind at ease.

Select A Section

A Guide To Accident Claims When On Holiday In Morocco

The beautiful country of Morocco is equally as popular for its golden beaches as it is for its thriving cities and endless desserts. As the country is sunny all year round, it is a popular choice for most holidaymakers. Every year, around 650,000 British holidaymakers visit the North African country of Morocco, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations for Brits over the last three decades.

This guide has been created to provide useful information regarding holiday accident claims that could happen in Morocco, including how an accident claims process works and what a person can do to gather sufficient evidence. In addition to this, we will cover the most common types of accident claims that can be made for an injury abroad, such as:

  • Whiplash
  • Road traffic accidents
  • Hotel accidents
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Illness
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Tourist accident in Morocco
  • Airport accident

Depending on how you booked your holiday will determine if and how a claim could be made. If you are made ill or injured due to an avoidable accident that was booked as part of your package deal with a UK based tour provider your claim would be pursued under UK law. If you booked your holiday independently or the accident which caused your preventable injury did not happen on an element booked as part of your package holiday to Morocco then please call our advisors and they will be able to advise what your next steps are.

Popular Places To Visit In Morocco

As Morocco itself is a popular holiday destination, there are a number of things to do and places to see during your stay. These range from historical sites rich in Moroccan culture and tradition to outdoor activities by the beachside. Each city across the Northern African country boasts its own activities for tourists to indulge themselves in. In this section, there will be information and Morocco travel advice for those looking to visit the destination.

Marrakech 

One of the most well-known areas of Morocco, the unique city of Marrakech is rich with food, landmarks and culture. While in Marrakech, you can find yourself sharing memories with other holidaymakers. These destinations include:

  • Palacio da Bahia
  • Jemaa el-Fnaa
  • Tanneries
  • Koutoubia Mosque 

Tangier

Another exciting location situated in Morocco, Tangier is a city on the north-western coast and sits as the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. During your visit to Tangier, you can find yourself hopping from one scenic destination to another. Some of the most popular settings for visitors to sightsee include:

  • Hercules Cave
  • Medina of Tangier
  • Cap Spartel
  • Tangier Casbah

Agadir

A major city of this Northern African country, Agadir is located at the near foot of the Atlas Mountains. The city is well known of its maintained beaches and Western-resort feel. A large number of European travellers visit this area in the winter months to soak up the sun and enjoy a laid-back holiday. While here, you can discover the best of Agadir by visiting:

  • Agadir Oufella Ruins
  • Agadir Kasbah
  • Vallee des Oiseaux
  • Golf de l’Ocean

Fes

Fes is a walled city known for its medieval heritage. The city is home to what is believed to be the oldest university in the world, the University of Al-Karaouine, found in Fes el Bali. When you visit the city you will be greeted by the ancient maze-like quarters of Fes el-Bali which run all the way from the Medina to the Gates of Fes. The architecture of Fes is soaked in distinctive Moroccan tile work.

  • Medina of Fez
  • Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II
  • Moulay Yacoub Station Thermale & Spa Vichy Thermalia
  • Moulay Abdellah Quarter

I Had An Accident On Holiday In Morocco, What Should I Do?

If you have been involved in an accident caused by third-party negligence, and you are thinking about making a claim there are key steps in the claims process which you can follow as early as possible. Even if you are uncertain about whether your claim is valid or not, you could benefit from taking such steps as a precaution after an accident on holiday.

The first step towards a valid personal injury claim is to receive any treatment required for the injury and/or illness suffered. You may have to undergo another medical assessment by a doctor from our panel, who will produce an in-depth report detailing your injuries.

Next, the cause of your accident must be the fault of another party. This could be in the form of a breach in a duty of care owed to you (e.g. by a restaurant for an illness contracted or hotel for hotel accident claims) or the negligent actions of another individual (e.g. a tour guide). In sickness claims, there must be evidence to both show that the claimant was ill and how the illness was contracted. Whereas for a road traffic accident claim, the claimant should take photos of the incident, collect contact details of any witnesses and swap contact details with those involved in the accident (if possible).

When making a claim against a UK tour operator under UK law the time limitation period is usually 3 years. For time limitation periods in cases of claims pursued under Moroccan law please call our advisors for more information.

Emergency Help And Assistance In Morocco

If you have been injured by an accident on holiday in Morocco, then you may need to contact the emergency services in order to treat your injuries. For emergency assistance, please consider the contact methods below:

  • Ambulance: 150
  • Police: 177
  • Fire service: 15
  • Moroccan anti-poison centre: 081 00 01 80

Do I Need Travel Insurance And Health Cover For A Holiday In Morocco?

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, despite the recent signing of trade treaties between the UK and Morocco, there is no reciprocal healthcare agreements between the two countries as of yet. This means that it is important for visitors to seek comprehensive travel and health insurance prior to entering the country to avoid any unexpected mishaps.

You can find more Morocco travel advice by clicking this link to be directed to the GOV Foreign Travel Insurance guide on planning your level of insurance cover.

Holiday Accident Claim Time Limits

When pursuing a holiday accident claim a number of different factors will impact this time limit. For example, for negligent accidents that result from a package holiday, the case will be handled under UK legislation. This is because the holiday provider responsible is based in the UK and therefore accountable under UK law. However, for an entity which was not provided in the package holiday which caused the accident to happen the claim would not fall under UK law but could be pursued using the Montreal and Athens Convention depending where it happened or the law of the country in which the accident happened.

The table below dictates how this time limit may vary.

Edit
Type Of Injury/Illness Applicable Time Limit
An illness or injury abroad which occurs on an arrangement included within a package holiday. For example, this could be a flight, hotel, inclusive activity or excursion. The package holiday must be booked through a UK-based tour operator. 3 years
A type of claim covered by the Athens Convention which occurs on a cruise. 2 years
An accident that happens while in-flight between countries will be handled under the Montreal Convention. 2 years

You can find more information about the Athens Convention by clicking here and the Montreal Convention by clicking here.

Moroccan Package Holiday Accident Claims

If your holiday to Morocco was booked as a package holiday through a UK tour operator, then the personal injury claim will be handled under UK legislation if it was because of an element of the package deal that caused your avoidable injury. The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 is a form of legislation which provides protections to those who booked their holiday as a package deal.

You should look to reporting the incident to the package holiday provider alongside receiving medical treatment for your injuries and notifying the operator of your travel insurance.

If you need any advice at all please contact Accident Claims UK we can provide advice and legal information if thinking about making an accident claim for an injury that happened while on holiday.

Hotel Accident, Injury Or Illness Claims

Our team of experts could help you make a claim for compensation following a hotel accident. There are several different types of accidents which can be valid grounds for a personal injury claim, such as food poisoning or a slip, trip and fall accident. If you or a member of your party were hurt or made to fall ill because of a breach in the duty of care owed by the hotel, it may be possible to make a claim for any harm suffered. This would either be against a UK-based tour operator or the hotel itself, depending on how the holiday was booked. A claim can even be made for an illness contracted from a swimming pool accident (i.e. poorly maintained/cleaned)or injury suffered in a spa attached to the hotel.

Some of the most popular hotels and resorts in Morocco include:

  • Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech
  • Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche
  • Riad Fes Maya Suit & Spa
  • Riad Melhoun & Spa
  • Riad Karmela
  • Les Jardins de La Koutoubia
  • Savoy Le Grand Hotel
  • Barcelo Anfa Casablanca
  • Atlantic Palace Hotel Agadir
  • Riad Romance

You can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your hotel accident in Morocco.

Slips, Trips And Fall Accidents In Morocco

As with any accident, a slip trip or fall could be both inconvenient to both your holiday and health. Whether this was suffered on a flight while disembarking the plane, in a swimming pool or whilst walking down the stairs of a hotel, if it was due to third party negligence it may be possible to make a claim. There are some common ways in which a slip or trip could lead to a fall, such as:

Slip:

  • Contaminated surfaces e.g. liquid, grease, etc.
  • Icy surfaces
  • Cleaning spillages improperly signposted
  • Unsuitable floor coverings

Trip:

  • Poor lighting
  • Loose cables/wires
  • Uneven/defective surfaces
  • Irregular/poor housekeeping
  • Obstructions
  • Uneven carpets

You can find more information about these causes, with additional information about prevention methods, in this guide produced by the Health and Safety Executive.

Road Traffic Accidents In Morocco

As with any country in the world, a road traffic accident can occur at any given moment. According to a report by GOV Safety and Security, Morocco has a poor safety record, with 3,485 deaths and 100,000 injuries in traffic accidents reported in 2018. This approximately amounts to a road fatality rate 9 times higher than that of the UK. It is therefore recommended that you take extra care while travelling across Morocco, either as a pedestrian or another road user; especially in poor weather conditions.

However, if the unfortunate does occur and you are involved in an accident in Morocco, you will be required to fill out a ‘Constat Amiable’ form. This form will be given to you upon entering Tangier by car at the port and must be signed by you and any other parties involved.

For more information on car accident claims, click here. Please note that there are different laws surrounding settlement claims for road traffic accidents outside of the UK. Contact our advisors today to discuss what laws apply to your Moroccan holiday claim.

Could I Claim With A UK Based Solicitor Or Law Firm?

As our expert lawyers are well-versed in foreign legislation, we could help claimants with personal injury claims outside of the UK. If your case is against a UK tour operator we have solicitors who can conduct your claim for you right away.

Holiday Accident Compensation Claims Calculator

We have created the table below using JC guidelines which are used in the UK when calculating the compensation a person should receive for the pain and suffering that has been caused.  These amounts only apply to cases pursued under UK law.

Edit
Type Of Injury Severity Amount Information
Neck Injuries Severe In the region of £139,210 An injury of the neck associated with paraplegia or whereby the person in question has little or no movement, despite wearing a collar for 24 hours a day for period of years. This may also include cases of permanent spastic quadriparesis.
Moderate £23,460 to £36,120 This bracket includes fractures, dislocations and other such injuries which require necessary spinal fusion. In addition to this, a chronic condition which involves other areas of the anatomy or serious soft tissue injuries.
Minor £4,080 to £7,410 In this bracket, a soft tissue injury where a full recovery is likely to take place within a period of 1-2 years will apply. Additionally, short-term acceleration and/or exacerbation injuries, again with recovery times of up to 2 years, are included in this bracket.
Illness/Damage Resulting From Non-Traumatic Injury E.g. Food Poisoning Severe £36,060 to £49,270 Extreme cases of toxicosis which results in serious acute pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. These symptoms will require hospital admission for extended periods of time (i.e. days/weeks).
Serious £8,950 to £18,020 A short-lived, yet serious, case of food poisoning, diarrhoea and vomiting which diminishes over a 2-4 week period. However, after major symptoms disappear there will still be remaining impacts on bowel function, sex life and overall enjoyment of food for several years.
Significant £3,710 to £8,950 A victim will suffer significant discomfort, stomach cramps, alteration of bowel function and fatigue from significant food poisoning cases. Again, hospital admission for some days will be required but symptoms may last over a few weeks.
Varying £860 to £3,710 In differing degrees of disabling pain, cramps, and diarrhoea, the overall pain will continue for some days/weeks.
Back Injuries Severe £85,470 to £151,070 An injury which causes damage to the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, which as a result leads to very serious consequences irregularly found in common back injuries. A victim will experience severe pain and disability, alongside incomplete paralysis and significant impairment to bladder, bowel and sexual function.
Moderate £26,050 to £36,390 This bracket will apply to an injury of less severity than those listed above but still of significant severity. For example, a compression/crush fracture of the lumbar vertebrae, a traumatic spondylolisthesis with continuous pain and probability, or a prolapsed intervertebral disc which requires surgery are all within this bracket.
Minor £7,410 to £11,730 A full recovery or recovery to a nuisance level is likely to take place without surgery within 2 to 5 years. Also, cases of short-term acceleration and/or exacerbation injuries, again with recovery in 2 to 5 years, are included.

No Win No Fee Claims For An Accident On Holiday In Morocco

With a No Win No Fee agreement, you won’t have to pay a start-up fee or towards your solicitor’s fees unless the claim is successful in securing a settlement amount. What is known as a ‘success fee’ will be deducted from the final sum to cover your legal costs. Before you begin your claim, your personal injury lawyer will discuss this fee with you and you will come to an agreement of what percentage this should be. The maximum percentage that can be deducted is 25%. If, however, you find that your case is unsuccessful, you will not be held accountable for your solicitor’s fees.

This type of agreement is known to significantly reduce the financial risks associated with conducting a compensation claim, which means you relish in the know that you will not be required to pay for your solicitor’s fees if the claim is unsuccessful.

Why Let Us Handle Your Holiday Accident Claim?

Our team of experts hold up to thirty years’ experience in conducting personal injury claims, which means we are well versed in a variety of different laws. We can offer our services to almost anywhere in the country for UK-based accident claims, even if we are not based in your local area, through email, phone and the post we can conduct your claim.

What’s more, our advisors offer free legal advice under a no obligation consultation to all seeking clarity for their claim. Whether you have contracted an illness or suffered a significant injury from an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation.

Begin Your Holiday Accident Claim

Call us today to begin your claim. We offer a nationwide service so maybe able to help you make a holiday accident claim.

Alongside travel costs, your compensation claim could reimburse you for any in-country healthcare costs too. Contact us today to begin your personal injury claim by:

British Embassy Assistance And Other Guides

Please find below information about the British Embassy in Morocco, alongside consular services and advice on healthcare and vaccinations that may be needed.

British Embassy Rabat

28 Avenue S.A.R. Sidi Mohammed

Souissi 10105 (BP 45),

Rabat,

Morocco

Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-rabat

Email: ukinmorocco.enquiries@fco.gov.uk

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 0800-1615; Friday 0800-1300

Consular public opening hours: Monday to Friday, 0800-1200 – appointment is required

Ramadan opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 0800-1400; Friday 0800-1300

NHS Guide To Morocco
A leaflet provided by the NHS about how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

Article by HH

Edited by MM