Your face is numb but it’s ok you can afford to do up the lounge.

Posted by: Cassas on: July 29, 2009

• In: Seriously?
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There was a article in the Independent today about the decision by the Ministry of Defence to take legal action against Cpl Duncan, of the Light Dragoons, and Royal Marine Matthew McWilliams to have their compensation reduced after they successfully appealed to have their compensation increased for injuries they suffered during service.

“Cpl Duncan was initially awarded £9,250 after being shot, while Marine McWilliams received £8,250 for fracturing his thigh on a training exercise, before they appealed to a tribunal for further compensation. Both men argued they had suffered a number of subsequent health problems during their treatment and these should not be regarded as separate from their original injuries. Three judges agreed with them and increased their compensation. Cpl Duncan was awarded £46,000 Marine McWilliams £28,750.”

Accompanying this story was this breakdown of the military compensation rules, detailing the amount a soldier might expect to receive according to their injury.

It kind of reads a bit like a rather morbid game we used to play at university where you would discuss what you would do for a certain amount of money. For example, would you chop off your pinky for a million pounds? We were students, we were poor, it was mostely in jest. Only it isn’t a game for these soldiers, these are injuries actually incurred in the line of duty and reading the amounts involved they’re paltry. I am not saying that money solves all ill’s, but less than £3,000 for permenant facial numbness?! 

It is appalling that having gone through the trauma of getting injured and finally winning a reasonable amount of compensation for their claim Cpl Duncan and Marine McWilliams now have to go through yet more strain in trying to defend their right to adequate reparation.

Tags: compensation, Independent, military, personal injury claims, soldier