Personal injury compensation news
03/10/2007

Former Para officer wins claim

A former Army officer whose career was wrecked in a parachuting accident has won a personal injury compensation claim.

The 27-year-old launched his accident claim against the Ministry of Defence after suffering a broken back and extensive leg injuries during a 2003 training jump accident. A judge at Winchester Crown Court has now ruled in his favour, opening the door for a six-figure injury compensation sum to be awarded.

The soldier was a lieutenant in the world famous Parachute Regiment but was forced to give up his commission as a result of his personal injuries. He had previously intended to spend his entire career in the armed forces and military experts have insisted he would have eventually reached the high-ranking position of lieutenant colonel.

The ex-officer is now retraining to be a maths teacher but told the court of his distress at no longer being able to serve his country, saying, "The Paras are an elite unit. It is something I remain incredibly proud to have served in and I was devastated to have that dream taken away from me."

A decision concerning the exact amount of personal injury compensation to be awarded to the former soldier will be made in the next few weeks.

For more information about the Parachute Regiment, go to www.army.mod.uk/para.