Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Personal Injury Solicitors

Ski holidaymakers seek compensation over coach crash in France (20 July 2015)

Date: 20/07/2015
Duncan Lewis, Personal Injury Solicitors, Ski holidaymakers seek compensation over coach crash in France

British holidaymakers who were injured in a coach crash in the French Alps are now seeking compensation after being left with chronic injuries and scarring.

The Daily Mail reports that ten holidaymakers on the coach who were heading to the airport from a skiing holiday in the Alps suffered potentially life changing injuries which may leave them with impaired movement in limbs.

Sarah Rothwell-Bowness, 42, her husband Allan, 44, and their three children from Lancashire were injured in the serious road traffic incident travelling from La Rosière to Chambéry Airport in January.

The coach was carrying 32 British holidaymakers, when it overturned and left the road.

Witnesses have described the coach as having “swerved” out-of-control, before leaving the road and coming to a halt at guardrails leading to a ravine.
French Police have investigated the cause of the incident.

Mrs Rothwell-Bowness – who works in human resources – suffered severe cuts and a fracture to her right wrist and hand, requiring extensive surgery in France.

She is still unable to use her right arm and may never fully recover mobility in it. Mrs Rothwell-Bowness has also suffered psychological injuries, her legal representatives say – and will have to undergo further surgery and extensive physiotherapy. She has been left with severe scarring across her hand, extending up her wrist.

The couple and their friends Katie Hannah, 40, and her husband Gary, 44, are taking legal action against the tour operator, Esprit Holidays.

Mrs Hannah suffered severe lacerations in the crash and is due to have surgery to remove a piece of glass from her right arm. Mr Hannah sustained nerve damage to his shoulder and now struggles with movement in his right arm.

Mrs Rothwell-Bowness said:

“We had a great trip in France – but the day of the crash has to be one of the worst of my life.

“Thankfully, we all made it out of the crash alive, but myself and my husband suffered serious injuries, while our children all suffered minor injuries.

“As well as the physical impact, we have all been left traumatised by our ordeal.

“We all simply want to know what happened – and what can be done to ensure it doesn't happen again.

“The last few months have been the most difficult time of my life – and I would not want anyone to have to face what I've been through. It has been absolute hell.

“The crash has left our entire family absolutely traumatised – and I am still trying to come to terms with the awful injuries I received.

“The scarring is horrific and is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life.

“We are thankful the children weren't more seriously injured – or worse.”

Chief executive of Esprit Holidays, Andy Perrin, said:

“We deeply regret that our guests were involved in this incident – and have done all we can to support the families concerned both at the time, on their return to the UK, and subsequently.

“A full investigation has been completed by the French police, whose report is available to the families' advisors.

“We hope all will appreciate that we cannot go into further detail, however, whilst this matter remains ongoing.”


Duncan Lewis Holiday Accident Solicitors – No win no fee Holiday Accident Claims

Duncan Lewis holiday accident solicitors can advise package holidaymakers injured as a result of negligence or health and safety breaches on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including holiday accident claims involving:

• Airplane accidents
• Balcony falls
• Burns and scalds in holiday apartments
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Children’s accidents
• Cruise ship accidents
• Electrocution in holiday apartments
• Excursion accidents (poor instruction or equipment, coach accidents, etc)
• Glass injuries (shattering glass in patio doors)
• Lift/elevator/escalator/stairway/steps accidents
• Road traffic accidents
• Slips, trips and falls
• Sports accidents (horse riding, balloon flights, camel rides, quad bikes, hang gliding, paragliding, etc)
• Swimming pool accidents.


Package holiday accident claims have to be made within three years of accident or diagnosis of holiday injury – children can make a no win no fee package holiday accident claim up to the age of 21.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Holiday Accident Claims, call Duncan Lewis Holiday Claims Solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


For all Personal Injury related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.