Compensation for injured armed forces personnel increased

Following a campaign fronted by Diane Dernie, the mother of Ben Parkinson, and supported by Irwin Mitchell the Government announced in June last year that a new package of welfare measures for British troops seriously injured in operations, which included a commitment to double compensation payments.

Compensation for seriously injured UK armed forces personnel was increased from £285,000 to £570,000, while servicemen and women who suffer less serious injuries during conflicts will receive an increase of up to 80%.

The measures formed part of the Service Personnel Command Paper, which will address serious long-standing concerns within the military.

Andrew Buckham from law firm Irwin Mitchell who is representing Lance-Bombardier Ben Parkinson of the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, who was seriously injured when a mine exploded whilst he was on patrol in Helmand Province in Afghanistan, said:

"We are delighted that the campaign, initiated by Mrs Dernie, Ben and Irwin Mitchell resulted in an increased lump sum being paid out to injured service personnel but remain disappointed that there continues to be a cap on the amount of compensation service personnel can claim.

"To cap this lump sum payment will inevitably mean that the most seriously injured, including Lance-Bombardier Ben Parkinson, will still not receive the full compensation they need to ensure their life-long care needs are met. We will therefore continue to campaign for improved compensation for severely injured members of the Armed Forces by asking the Government to consider a more appropriate way to assess the individual long term needs of severely injured service personnel, particularly those with brain and spinal injuries."