12th October 2007

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme to change following a review by the MOD

Following the paltry compensation recently awarded to a soldier seriously injured in Afghanistan, the MOD has announced it has reviewed its scheme for compensating injured service personnel. Under the old Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, only the first 3 serious injuries were taken into account. This has now been revised to include all injuries, which will mean the most seriously injured personnel will receive up to the maximum of £285,000.

In addition to this lump sum, the injured will also receive guaranteed income payments for their lifetime. These will be tax-free and index-linked. There may also be additional state benefits to which they are entitled.

Although this announcement will be welcome, the levels of compensation are still far below that which can be paid in civil personal injury cases. Andrew McDonald of Thompsons Solicitors, of whom Clear Answers forms part, stated, “this change is most welcome. This is a much fairer application of the scheme. It is reassuring that Government has listened to the concerns expressed by members of the Armed Forces, their families and those campaigning for change. It is also reassuring that the Government will continue to explore other measures to assist members of the Armed Forces.”

The MOD also announced that they would review all cases dating back to April 2005, to bring them up to the same level of compensation as they would have received under the new ruling.

MOD Useful Links

For more information on the MOD, go to their website on
http://www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/home

or information about the Army, go to their website at
http://www.army.mod.uk

Further details of this breaking news story can be found on the BBC News website.

Compensation Claim

Clear Answers’ lawyers have teams of experts waiting to help you, should you decide to instruct us to represent you in your claim against the MOD. We specialise in all types of personal injury claims, particularly those involving military personnel.

The person responsible for your accident will pay our legal fees, and our service will be cost-free for you. You will receive 100% of your compensation if you select Clear Answers to represent you in this matter.

If you or a family member has been injured in these circumstances, please ring us on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisers. They will be happy to provide you with expert legal advice, talk you through the claims process in plain English and answer any questions you may have regarding your claim. Alternatively, you may prefer to complete one of our online compensation claim forms and one of our representatives will contact you as quickly as possible.

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