BOLTON solicitors Kippax Beaumont Lewis have established a free surgery to help people who have suffered a "holiday from hell." The firm - one of six in the country on the Holiday Travelwatch approved board of solicitors - is advising holidaymakers to seek legal advice first if they believe they have a legitimate complaint concerning their holidays. Kippax Beaumont Lewis is offering victims a free initial assessment of their complaint.

Then, subject to the advice of the lawyer, they can proceed on a "no win, no fee" basis, pay as they go or agree to a fixed fee in cases best heard in the Small Claims Court.

Settle

Mr Toby Williamson, travel law specialist at the firm, said: "It's worth noting that most cases settle before trial and the involvement of a specialist solicitor at an early stage can increase the offers of settlement."

Recent cases settled by Mr Williamson and his colleagues include:

A TOTAL of £3,000 recovered for a family of four sent to the wrong resort over Christmas.

There was no representative at the hotel - effectively part of a business complex - and they were forced to hire a car to get to the resort of their choice during the day.

A CLIENT walked through an unmarked glass door.

The holiday company was in liquidation, the insurers sued and the client received £15,000 in compensation plus full legal costs.

A HOLIDAY group of 10 people was sent to the wrong resort over the New Year period and was placed in a hotel without the amenities advertised and paid for. £10,000 plus full legal costs was recovered.

Kippax Beaumont Lewis holds travel law surgeries at its Mawdsley Street offices every Thursday from 5pm to 6pm.

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