Menu
15/04/2008
Wounded Iraqi Teen Receives £2 Million Payout
An Iraqi teenager who suffered severe spinal injuries when he was accidentally shot by a British solider is to receive a £2 million compensation payout, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was left paralysed by the incident, which occurred in September 2003 when he was 13.
The incident happened when a soldier, whom he had befriended, accidentally dropped his gun, which then discharged.
The Iraqi later moved to the UK where he launched a civil claim for negligence at the High Court.
However, the move looks set to spark controversy, because the payout is far more than the maximum level given to British servicemen and women wounded in the line of duty.
Under the Armed Forces Compensation scheme, the maximum amount that wounded personnel can receive is £285,000.
However, the Ministry of Defence said that the case was "exceptional". A spokesperson said: "It is not expected that there are any other cases of such severity."
The MoD also stressed that the most seriously injured troops also receive a guaranteed lifetime income payment under the compensation scheme and stressed that the payout announced today was a one-off.
(KMcA/JM)
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was left paralysed by the incident, which occurred in September 2003 when he was 13.
The incident happened when a soldier, whom he had befriended, accidentally dropped his gun, which then discharged.
The Iraqi later moved to the UK where he launched a civil claim for negligence at the High Court.
However, the move looks set to spark controversy, because the payout is far more than the maximum level given to British servicemen and women wounded in the line of duty.
Under the Armed Forces Compensation scheme, the maximum amount that wounded personnel can receive is £285,000.
However, the Ministry of Defence said that the case was "exceptional". A spokesperson said: "It is not expected that there are any other cases of such severity."
The MoD also stressed that the most seriously injured troops also receive a guaranteed lifetime income payment under the compensation scheme and stressed that the payout announced today was a one-off.
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 August 2008
Stagg Confirms Compensation Payout
The man wrongly accused of murdering Rachel Nickell has been awarded £706,000 in compensation, it has been confirmed. Colin Stagg, who was cleared of the murder in 1994, told BBC's Crimewatch programme about the payout. Mr Stagg spent a year in custody before being cleared.
Stagg Confirms Compensation Payout
The man wrongly accused of murdering Rachel Nickell has been awarded £706,000 in compensation, it has been confirmed. Colin Stagg, who was cleared of the murder in 1994, told BBC's Crimewatch programme about the payout. Mr Stagg spent a year in custody before being cleared.
02 July 2008
Disabled Boy Awarded Compensation Payout
A nine-year-old boy who was left disabled after being deprived of oxygen at birth has been awarded £8 million compensation. Owen Johnson has choreoathetoid cerebral palsy after sustaining brain damage during his birth at Dudley's Wordsley Hospital. He was awarded the sum at Birmingham's High Court, which will pay for his long-term care.
Disabled Boy Awarded Compensation Payout
A nine-year-old boy who was left disabled after being deprived of oxygen at birth has been awarded £8 million compensation. Owen Johnson has choreoathetoid cerebral palsy after sustaining brain damage during his birth at Dudley's Wordsley Hospital. He was awarded the sum at Birmingham's High Court, which will pay for his long-term care.
28 February 2011
Act F.A.S.T. Campaign Relaunched To Save More Lives
An award-winning NHS stroke awareness campaign will screen again in 2011, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has raised awareness of the importance of getting people who are having a stroke to hospital quickly through its graphic depiction of stroke spreading like fire in the brain.
Act F.A.S.T. Campaign Relaunched To Save More Lives
An award-winning NHS stroke awareness campaign will screen again in 2011, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has raised awareness of the importance of getting people who are having a stroke to hospital quickly through its graphic depiction of stroke spreading like fire in the brain.
02 December 2003
UK can play lead role in aiding Iraqi prosperity: O'Brien
London's role as a leading global financial centre means the UK can play a key role in helping the Iraqi people rebuild their country, Trade Minister Mike O'Brien has said.
UK can play lead role in aiding Iraqi prosperity: O'Brien
London's role as a leading global financial centre means the UK can play a key role in helping the Iraqi people rebuild their country, Trade Minister Mike O'Brien has said.
28 August 2003
British soldier killed and another wounded in Iraq firefight
A British soldier was killed and another wounded in an incident in Ali al-Sharqi in southern Iraq yesterday. The soldiers were part of a convoy which was stopped by a large group of Iraqi protesters. When the soldiers dismounted to disperse the crowd they were attacked with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.
British soldier killed and another wounded in Iraq firefight
A British soldier was killed and another wounded in an incident in Ali al-Sharqi in southern Iraq yesterday. The soldiers were part of a convoy which was stopped by a large group of Iraqi protesters. When the soldiers dismounted to disperse the crowd they were attacked with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
