Soldier seeks compensation after bridge jump
A former soldier who has been left partially disabled after jumping from a bridge to show his “bravery” looks set to begin a battle for compensation against the Ministry of Defence.
The officer described how his superior officer had told him it would be “bad form” to refuse the 65ft jump in front of his platoon while on training in Germany. The soldier said that he considered going through with the jump because it was expected of him to prove himself.
The accident caused him severe injuries, which left him in a wheelchair for six months and six years on he still needs crutches to walk.
Judges in his latest appeal said that the MOD held the majority of the blame for the injuries and that although he was not physically coerced the expectation put on him was sufficient for him to seek compensation. An army lawyer said that there was “huge pressure placed on him”.
Updated on 02/07/2009