Ex-Soldier Wins Big Payout for Frostbite-Like Injuries

An ex-soldier and Afghanistan veteran who suffered frostbite-like injuries to both his feet whilst lying in snow and camping in freezing holes during a cold weather training exercise has won more than £125,000 in compensation from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The former lance corporal in the Royal Logistics Corps suffered permanent damage due to the sub-zero conditions during the gruelling 2009 exercise in Aldershot. Particularly in cold weather, he suffers burning sensations, pins and needles, an inability to gauge temperatures, sweats and reduced sensation in his feet.

Despite his injuries, he had completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan during which he was praised for his bravery. However, he left the army in 2011 and has since worked as a lorry driver. The MoD accepted 75 per cent liability for his injuries and was ordered to pay him damages of £127,956. The award included £12,500 for his pain, suffering and loss of amenity, almost £5,000 for the extra cost of heating his home, more than £8,000 for warm clothing, and almost £100,000 for his reduced earning capacity.

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