Settlement For Soldier Who Had To Leave The Army After Leg Injury He Suffered On Duty

• Published date: 03 July 2020
• Subject Matter: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration, Trials & Appeals & Compensation, Personal Injury
• Law Firm: Leigh Day
• Author: David Preston

A former soldier who had to leave the Army after an accident at work badly damaged his leg has been secured a six-figure settlement which will help pay for necessary treatment.

Kyle was an engineer had been in the Army for less than two years when the life-changing incident happened in 2015. He had his whole army career ahead of him.

He was standing on the back of a wagon loading heavy Bergens (military rucksacks weighing around 65kg) on board when another soldier threw one of the bags towards Kyle. The Bergen struck Kyle's left leg and 'snapped' his femur.

Following the accident, Kyle had surgery to his left femur and had metalwork inserted.

He spent a few weeks at home with his family to recover, then went back to the Army and tried his best to get back to full fitness.

Despite extensive treatment, Kyle's left leg continued to cause him severe pain with activity. He was not able to run and could not return to full active duties in the Army.

Eventually Kyle was discharged from the Army on medical grounds at the age of 22.

He found work at an agricultural company but the work was very physical and Kyle continued to suffer pain in his left leg.

He also experienced psychological symptoms following his injury.

Kyle contacted Leigh Day's specialist personal injury team and our orthopaedic expert confirmed that Kyle needed further surgery to his leg, and his future recovery was uncertain. We fully investigated the future impact of Kyle's injuries on his ability to work and complete his daily activities.

The Defendant denied liability for the incident. We successfully applied for Pre-Action Disclosure of liability documents and the Ministry of...