Soldier’s Head Injury Compensation Claim Capped

A soldier who was seriously injured whilst serving in Afghanistan will have his head injury compensation claim capped by the Ministry of Defence

Steven Quick has more on this story…

The Daily Mail has reported how Lance-Bombardier Ben Parkinson-who suffered brain injuries, lost both legs and fractured four vertebrae when he was on patrol and was hit by a land mine-will now only receive half of his £1million compensation due to a cap by the current government.

The paratrooper was initially offered the paltry sum of £150,000 as compensation for his serious injuries, his claim was then reviewed by the Ministry Of Defence who re-valued his claim for compensation, admitting that it should be worth £1,087,000.

But last week the 27-year-old was informed that as a result of the cap imposed on payouts to soldiers he will in fact only receive £570,000 as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Prime Minister Thought That Head Injury Compensation Cap Was Fair

The Daily Mail also reported how Diane Dernie, the mother of Ben Parkinson, had exchanged letters with David Cameron concerning her son’s claim for compensation. The Prime Minister had stated that he had ‘followed Ben’s progress closely’, but thought the cap placed on compensation was fair.

To make matters worse the paratrooper is now set to be discharged from the army against his will which will mean an end to the rehabilitation he has currently been receiving. Ms Dernie commented:

“On Friday we received a letter from his base at Catterick Garrison saying he is being recommended for medical discharge, subject to a further review in December. That would mean the end of Ben’s full rehab.

“He would be forced on to the NHS or we will have to pay for it ourselves. Ben has only had a year and a half of the MoD’s rehab. For injuries of that severity he needs at least five years.”

Ben Parkinson was a member of the elite artillery regiment, he was blown out of his Land Rover on September 12, 2006 and was in a coma for 11 weeks following the accident.

A spokesperson for the MoD commented: “We do not comment on personal circumstances of personnel or their families. However we are committed to ensuring that those who have been wounded, injured or become sick while serving receive the care and support.”

Speak To Duncan Gibbins Regarding Head Injury Compensation

If you or a family member has sustained a head injury as a result of an accident then you may be able to claim personal injury compensation. Head injury compensation claims are different to the vast majority of personal injury claims and it is vital that they are dealt with by solicitors with the necessary experience.

At Duncan Gibbins we have experienced solicitors that can provide advice on all aspects of a claim including personal injury compensation, rehabilitation and a claim for any financial expenses incurred as a result of the accident.

Call one of our legally trained advisors who will be able to discuss any potential claim for head injury compensation in further detail.