Supreme Court Ruling Allows Soldiers and Their Families to Sue MoD; Blackwater Law Anticipates Increased Claims as a Result
(PRWEB UK) 2 July 2013 -- Though the far-reaching consequences of the Supreme Court’s ruling still continue to be debated, Blackwater Law predict that they will see the number of armed forces claims rise in the coming months and years. Announced last Wednesday (UKSC 41 [2013], 19/06/2013, http://www.supremecourt.gov.uk/decided-cases/docs/UKSC_2012_0249_Judgment.pdf), the judgement was passed in the cases of Smith, Ellis, Allbutt and others v The Ministry of Defence, setting a new precedent for negligence claims within the armed forces.
Previous cases had returned isolated rulings, but the latest verdict opens the gates for all claims made in the future, something the Ministry of Defence views as potentially hazardous and compromising to the integrity and actions of the armed forces in future operation. Debate surrounding the ruling has primarily concentrated on the role of human rights in the theatre of war, and whether soldiers forgo a number of rights by participating in combat, or are entitled to greater protection because of the inherent risks they face.
Speaking on the debate, Blackwater Law spokesperson Jason Brady stated, ‘The recent ruling by the Supreme Court is greatly welcomed by all here at Blackwater Law. We believe that any decision that gives our soldiers increased protection, either on or off the battlefield, is the right decision; the immense sacrifices made by our brave men and women deserve the utmost respect. We anticipate that the new ruling will result in a greater number of armed forces claims, as those previously affected, or those who had otherwise felt voiceless, can now speak out without fear of sanctions or reprisals. We believe that we can play a major part in helping to bring justice to those who have long suffered in silence, and to the lives of those devastated by events in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in combat zones around the world.’
Blackwater Law specialise in armed forces claims, particularly in areas of post-traumatic stress disorder, but also offer their services across a range of accident claims, head injury claims and clinical negligence claims. Their highly trained personal injury solicitors and lawyers have a wealth of expertise within the industry.
The impact of the ruling will be better analysed in future months and years as the armed forces adapt to the inevitable changes that this will bring to their conduct. Mr. Brady added that, ‘At Blackwater Law we do not see this a constraining of the armed forces’ operational abilities, rather that it extends basic human rights to those who face greater dangers on a daily basis than many of us will face in our lives.’
For more information, or to contact Blackwater Law about any of their services, visit them at their website, http://www.blackwaterlaw.co.uk/.
Jason Brady, Blackwater Law, http://www.blackwaterlaw.co.uk/, 0800 083 5500, [email protected]
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