Military Accidents Compensation Testimonials

“I sustained a serious injury from a flying accident caused by the negligence of others. In addition to the immediate effects of the injuries, my flying career and future aspirations came to an abrupt end and devastating end. Hilary Meredith was able to recover substantial compensation for my injuries and losses. I have no hesitation in endorsing her professional expertise that has enabled me to re-build a lifestyle and career.”

Sq Leader Ivor Walker – RAF

“Hilary Meredith represented me during my claim for compensation following my involvement in a horrific accident. During this time I found that I was able to concentrate on my rehabilitation, getting back to normal health and adapting to the changes in family life without the worries of my legal case taking priority. We were kept up-to-date of development in my case regularly and found that the service offered to us was friendly, relaxed and very professional. If I were to require legal representation in the future Hilary Meredith would be the first solicitor I would call.”

Cp Keith Harness – British Army

“I served a bright, fit and lively 11 years with paras. I went from being a Section Commander in the Airborne role, to being a Team Commander in Northern Ireland, as well as being a Search Team Commander. My life was turned upside down overnight after suffering a closed head injury which was sustained after completing a boxing bout. Once it was determined that I could no longer meet the physical standards it was decided that I should be discharged from service.

Hilary Meredith Solicitors fought my corner to get compensation as a result of receiving permanent and life changing injuries. The outstanding hard work and extensive research from Hilary Meredith Solicitors ensured a successful result and I was awarded the case and compensation. The case was completed in 1998 and I am still in contact with Hilary and feel very privileged to know her and her staff. After all the good they have done me, I wish Hilary Meredith Solicitors all the best for the future and thank them for fighting my corner.”

Pete Markie, Paratrooper – 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment

“The team from Hilary Meredith dealt with my case in a highly professional manner from start to finish. I was constantly kept updated regarding the latest situation of my case by which ever means of communication suited my circumstances. They treated me as a person and not just another case. I would not hesitate to use them again if the requirement ever arose.”

BM – Royal Navy

M v Ministry of Defence Police & Guarding Agency

A Police Officer, currently serving as a Sergeant (Sgt) in the Ministry of Defence’s Police & Guarding Agency, has recently recovered £8,000.00 in a claim against his employer for Noise Induced Hearing Loss.

Sgt M has served as a Police Officer in the MOD’s Police and Guarding Agency since 1985. The Agency is responsible for protecting sites that are a concern to National Security and he has been stationed at numerous military bases and energy plants across the country. As a Firearms Officer, Sgt M was required to undergo regular firearms training, usually every 3-6 months, where he would fire his issued weapons on firing ranges. In the course of his employment, the Sgt M used a Browning 9mm pistol, a Sig Sauer 229 pistol, an SA80 Rifle and Heckler & Koch MP5 and MP7 Rifles.

In November 2008, Sgt M attended his GP Surgery complaining of hearing loss. At this time, he felt that his hearing issues may have been due to ear wax but he was told that his ears were clear of wax. Sgt M discussed his noise exposure at work with his GP who then referred him to his local ENT department for further investigations. The Consultant ENT Surgeon performed an audiometric test which indicated a pattern of hearing loss that was suggestive of noise-related hearing loss. In particular, the hearing loss in Sgt M’s left ear was worse than his right ear. As Sgt M is right handed and due to the way weapons are handled by right handed people, it is commonly the case that the left ear endures more exposure to noise as it is closer to the rifle barrel.

Sgt M approached Hilary Meredith Solicitors in March 2009 and they commenced a claim against the Defendant. This was an interesting case because Sgt M had always worn hearing protection in the form of ear defenders during weapons training. The Defendant did not specifically accept or deny liability in the case, which made it difficult for the Claimant to assess the merits of his case. It disclosed extensive documentation relating to noise levels of the various weapons fired and the hearing protection provided which had to fully reviewed and considered.

A medical report of a Consultant ENT surgeon was produced in support of his claim which confirmed the diagnosis of noise induced hearing loss. After disclosing this report to the Defendant’s representatives, a settlement was agreed in the sum of £8,000.00 and the case was settled before formal Court proceedings were commenced.

Throughout the Claimant’s employment, the Defendant failed to ensure that Sgt M underwent regular hearing tests and therefore, Sgt M was not alerted to a decline in his hearing earlier. As Sgt M always wore the hearing protection issued by the Defendant, this case also raised interesting arguments as to whether the equipment was in fact adequate to protect him from the extreme levels of noise produced by the weapons he fired.

Sgt M commented that ” Hilary Meredith Solicitors provided an excellent service throughout my case.”

- Norfolk

In 2005, I, James Dick was involved in a serious parachuting accident in the USA whilst on a training exercise with my current employers the Royal Air Force. I suffered serious injuries to my neck which eventually led me to be medically downgraded and unable to parachute, moreover, I suffered a considerable loss of earnings and have been left with a permanent medical condition which still causes me some discomfort.

I decided to take legal action against the MoD and was recommended to use Hilary Meredith Solicitors so, instructed them to act on my behalf in June 2006.

I was extremely impressed with Gary Boyd and with the amount of background information he gathered about the case before contacting me. From the outset I found him thoroughly professional, easily approachable and was glad that he was representing me. His diligent and meticulous approach to gathering information in preparation for the trial was always evident and he kept me informed of progress at every juncture.

The case was settled out of court in December 2009 and it was due to the hard work of Hilary Meredith Solicitors that I feel the right outcome was achieved.

James Dick, Flt Sgt – RAF

Hilary Meredith Solicitors recently represented the families of Privates Foster, McClure and Thrumble who were tragically killed as a result of a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan on 23rd August 2007 whilst serving with the Royal Anglians.

At the end of the Inquest, David Masters, Deputy Coroner for Wiltshire & Swindon, made a number of recommendations to the Minister for Defence to try and prevent similar incidents occuring in the future.

Friendly Fire Inquest

To discuss your claim free of charge with our military accident team contact us on 0800 124 4444 or start your claim now.

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