Injured whilst playing representative sport...compensation claim(?)

[Scouser812]

Fellow Goaters,

A close friend of mine was injured a few months ago whilst playing representative sport. However in the Air Forces wisdom they decided to send the individual on 2 exercises in the space of 3 months before any medical assistance could be sought. Since then they have been posted, promoted, and have started receiving physio at their new unit. The physio has had a well educated guess that it is an MCL tear. The injured person has now put a claim in against the RAF, not just for injury, but also failing the duty of care (both exercises didnt have a Sqn medic/doctor assigned), and potential for loss of earnings through having to be downgraded and unable to partake in their relevant MLC.

From my summary does my friend have a leg to stand on (sarcasm and cynicism aside), and if so what battles should they pick to fight?

 

[FOMz]

potential Loss of earnings? how exactly?

 

[Scouser812]

Hazarding a guess, not being pushed through to their substansive rank until they pass the required courses?

I'm still an SAC so the promotion hoop hasnt crossed my path...

 

[mild mannered janitor]

unless things have changed you get paid on promotion from day 1, the loss of earning's is a non starter.

 

[dessp2]

Did the Exercise conducting officer sign Training area standing orders? Every training area has a medical action plan. In addition the EAM (Exercise Aide Memoire used to be called EASP) will have a first aid medical 'actions on' minor/major casualty. This in addition to having a first aid kit plus an appointed first aid trained member of staff means a doctor or medic may not be required on the exercise. Did the individual go on the exercise with a medical restrictions chit? Without declaring it to the ECO during the range area safety brief?

 

[ninjarabbi]

Can I ask what type of exercises he was sent on? Did he report to the medical centre after his injury? Standard policy in most medical centres is to downgrade personnel if they have been referred for care or investigation to ensure that no further injury is caused. Why did your mate not go directly to the medical centre once he'd found out that he was being sent on an exercise in order to have a doctor provide him with the appropriate chit?

Lots of questions but I think there is probably more to this tale.