I was extremely saddened to read on Sunday of the fourth Briton to be left in a critical condition in recent weeks following a fall from a hotel in Spain.

The Mail reported how a 24 year old woman suffered multiple head and leg fractures after falling from the sixth floor of a hotel in Magaluf, Majorca on Friday 25th May. Whilst it is understood that the fall followed a family argument, and there has been no speculation that the accident was drink, drugs or “balconing” related, witnesses have reported that the woman “went out on to the balcony and for some reason climbed up on the railing”, before losing her balance and falling.

Since April alone, three British holidaymakers have died in falls from hotels in Magaluf. This toll is already on a par with statistics for the whole of 2011, when at least 12 Britons fell from hotel balconies in Spain and 3 people were fatally injured. 

An inquest in Leeds heard that Adam Atkinson, 20, of Castleford, had consumed "a large amount of alcohol" before falling to his death from the third floor of a hotel on 17th April. Benjamin Harper, 38, of Twickenham, had been party to a stag do in the resort when he died, and the circumstances surrounding the tragic fall of Charlotte Faris, 23, from a third floor balcony on 5th May remain unknown.

Reading of these tragedies, I was saddened to think of the excitement and build up that many of us feel towards our annual summer holiday, and the stark reality of the devastation that can unfold when accidents happen. Whilst resorts such as Magaluf are well-known for their happy party atmosphere, “free shot with every drink” culture, and the exciting opportunity to escape the 9-5 grind with a break from the norm, it is important for tourists not to lose sight of their safety and the risks and dangers that remain.

The Foreign Office has recently warned those visiting Spain not to take any unnecessary risks, especially when under the influence of drink or drugs. BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat has reported Paul Abrey, head of the UK Consulate for the Balearic Islands in Spain, suggesting that many drink and drug related issues in the Islands “wouldn't happen if people were sober and perhaps a bit more relaxed.”

If you have fallen ill or been injured whilst on holiday in the UK or abroad then you could potentially claim for compensation. We can help, just simply contact us on 0800 0384 384 or fill out the claim form here and a specialist travel personal injury lawyer can review your compensation claim for free. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.