31.10.2013

National Law Firm To Discuss Key Issues Discharged Soldiers Face After Serious Injury

Armed forces personnel are being given the chance to find out more about life after medical discharge, as a team of specialists organises a conference to examine the impact of injuries.

When serving armed forces personnel are wounded, these injuries can be very serious resulting in long recovery periods which can also affect their ability to return to civilian life.

The specialist armed forces team at law firm Irwin Mitchell represents many victims who have suffered injuries while serving their country and is able to provide those worrying about medical discharge with information and support about what happens next.

A total of 4,439 service personnel were medically discharged between 2007 and 2012 with over 2,600 of these being men and women under the age of 25. At that age, most individuals will have finished further education and be in the early stages of their career. For service personnel who have been medically discharged, it can be like starting adult life all over again.

The event is open to any individuals who are involved in supporting and helping injured members of the armed forces and veterans.

There will be several guest speakers, including Dr Nicholas Priestley, a leading neuropsychologist who will be focusing on issues associated with head and brain injuries. Also attending will be Lt Col Stewart Hill who suffered a severe injury whilst on duty and will be sharing his experiences on post medical discharge.

Andrew Buckham, a specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who has helped many armed forces personnel who have suffered injuries, said: “It is imperative that members of the armed forces who are discharged due to serious injury receive the best possible care and support.

“Suffering an injury during service can leave soldiers both physically and mentally wounded, leading to post traumatic stress and depression, all huge factors affecting life at home, in the community and for future employment.”

“Going back into civilian life for injured service personnel is literally life changing and an extremely emotive subject. Former serving personnel need access to the best and immediate health care, housing, education and other welfare support.”

“The one day session that we are hosting will focus on the key issues that soldiers are likely to face. It is a fantastic opportunity for former serving personnel along with their families to learn exactly what support is available to them and listen to other former soldiers sharing their experiences of life after being discharged.”

The conference will be held at the Concept Conference Centre, 58-72 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN on Wednesday 13 November and will run from 9.00am till 4.00pm.

To register your place at the one-day conference, call Aaron McFarlane on 0121 203 5304 or alternatively e-mail aaron.mcfarlane@irwinmitchell.com

For more information on claiming after a Military Injury visit our Military Claims page.