£18,000 awarded for back injuries from training flight | Case Study

Compensation of £18,000 was awarded to a 33 year-old Lieutenant following an accident while serving in the Royal Navy. The serviceman sustained back injuries including a compression fracture suffered during a high speed training jet flight six years earlier.

See also:

HM Forces injury compensation claims

Back injury compensation claims

Injury details

The claimant was being trained to fly Navy jets by an instructor.

The instructor was piloting the plane, and carried out a manoeuvre without warning that generated high g-forces. The claimant had his head tilted forward looking down at a map as the manoeuvre began, and the force of the turn injured the claimant's neck.

He suffered an annular tear with discal bulging. There was a compression fracture to a vertebrae and muscle damage.

The claimant suffered chronic pain as a result in his neck and back. The pain varied in intensity, with regular flare ups of significant pain and discomfort.

Physical and psychological injuries

The claimant was unable to carry on with his career as a Navy pilot. He developed psychological issues as a result. He suffered frustration, anxiety, low mood and anger. These symptoms continued for three and a half years.

The claimant suffered physical pain for six years before the case was settled.

Medical evidence suggested that the claimant would likely experience significant, ongoing pain for the rest of his life.

Before the accident he was active and a keen sportsman. The claimant was not able to return to playing golf as a result of his injuries. Along with physical and psychiatric harm, and financial loss, this "loss of amenity" is recognised by the Court when calculating a suitable compensation award.

Conclusion and settlement

Liability was not admitted by the Ministry of Defence and the matter proceeded to a Court hearing in London.

£18,000 was awarded in compensation by way of a Court award.

The claimant had not suffered any loss of earnings as a result of the accident. He continued to serve in the Navy, albeit in a role that could accommodate his injuries.

The entirety of the compensation award was attributed to "pain, suffering and loss of amenity."

Making a claim

If you or a member of your family was injured while serving in the Navy, discuss your options with a personal injury solicitor in London.

Call Quittance on 0800 612 7456 or request a callback for a more convenient time.