MoD criticised over injury compensation scheme
The MoD is accused of treating soldiers like 'commodities'.
Thursday, 11, Oct 2007 12:00
Proposed changes to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme announced today by the MoD, will not be enough to pay for the care of seriously injured soldiers.
Defence secretary, Des Brown, proposed that military personnel suffering from multiple-injuries should receive a maximum £285,000 compensation payment.
The proposed changes will now be subject to period of consultation.
The announcement today follows mounting pressure from the armed forces and their families, as well as a highly public campaign from the Royal British Legion, criticising the compensation scheme.
Last month, it emerged Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson – who lost both legs and suffered multiple serious injuries after a landmine blew up under his vehicle in Afghanistan – had only been awarded a £152,000 sum; half the £285,000 maximum that could be paid.
Ben Parkinson will need 24-hour care from his parents and medical staff for the rest of his life, as well as mobility equipment and adaptive housing
The estimated cost of his future care has forced his parents to consider selling their house.
Ben’s mother, Diane Dernie, today expressed severe disappointment the maximum payout of £285,000 will not be raised, arguing it was simply not enough to pay for the continuous care Ben and other soldiers require.
In a press conference, Ms Dernie accused the MoD of treating soldiers as a “commodity” and said she felt her son was “simply a figure on a balance sheet” to them.
Ms Dernie described today’s announcement as a “foregone conclusion”, as she expected the MoD would dispense with the soldiers “as cheaply as possible”.
Describing scenes at Sellyoak hospital - where her son was treated – she said: "When you see dozens of walking wounded turning up…you think, ‘there’s another one whose life’s been ruined’".
“That’s when you truly realise what’s happening in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Ms Dernie said more compensation must be provided to ensure her son had a dignified and financially secure future.
Lawyers insist the current £285,000 maximum compensation must be raised to the £500,000 limit granted for the most serious civilian criminal-injury cases.