Compensation has been awarded to an ex-Royal Marine who suffered brain injuries after being involved in a vehicle accident during a training exercise.
Steward Daglish, 39, was a passenger in a 4x4 vehicle taking part in exercises in Scotland when the accident happened. The vehicle overturned after the driver lost control and crashed into a cliff. Mr Daglish sustained a severe head trauma.
Since the accident, Mr Daglish has experienced psychotic episodes and has been acutely depressed to the point of wanting to end his life. He now requires around-the-clock care.
His family commenced a personal injury claim against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for compensation to help pay for his care costs. The MoD initially accepted liability for the crash but denied that there was any link between the accident and Mr Daglish’s condition. However, a court hearing in 2004 found that the injury to Mr Daglish's brain had resulted in a ‘chronic personality disorder’ that involved psychotic symptoms, behavioural disturbance, impaired judgment and problem-solving difficulties.
The High Court has now approved an undisclosed settlement consisting of a substantial lump sum in addition to annual index-linked payments. The settlement will help to pay for the cost of Mr Daglish’s lifetime care needs.
