In November 2016, we hosted a workshop titled ‘When AFCS is not enough’ showcasing our experience in the Scheme. The Victory Services Club in the heart of London, founded in 1907, provided the stunning venue for our interactive workshop aimed at non-solicitors who are involved in assisting injured service personnel.
In certain situations a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is the best option for example where no negligence can be established, or where the three-year statutory limitation period has expired. However, a claim through the civil courts is more likely to result in significantly higher awards of damages due to the courts taking account of financial losses and heads of damage that are not provided for under the Scheme.
“Very worthwhile indeed.”
Deciding upon the best option to achieve the optimum result for injured personnel can be a minefield and it was at this particular issue that the workshop was aimed. Our intention in planning the content of the workshop was to inform and educate those who assist injured service personnel in understanding the different options available and the considerations to take into account in terms of what is best for each individual injured person.
The day was specifically tailored toward welfare staff, military charities and those who may find themselves in a position to offer advice and assistance to injured personnel. We focused upon why the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is by no means as straight forward as it may at first appear and tried to highlight particular challenges in dealing with the Scheme, how to approach these and practical steps that can be taken to tackle and resolve issues. We also looked at the limitations of the scheme and the circumstances in which service personnel will gain from bringing a civil claim alongside an AFCS claim.
“Thank you and good luck with the campaign to change.”
In planning the day we found that it was helpful to divide the sessions into three sections, namely why AFCS is not enough in cases that attract Guaranteed Income Payments (GIP), why it is not enough in non GIP cases and then a separate presentation specifically on the intricacies of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme itself, its limitations and pitfalls and how these can be addressed.
I was absolutely delighted by the interest shown in the workshop and by both the number and diversity of the attendees. The workshop was very much a participation event and we all benefited from questions asked and information and experiences shared by those in the audience as it became more of a discussion than a presentation and allowed us to expand upon the subjects under consideration. I found it very enjoyable preparing and presenting the workshops and very much look forward to being involved in similar events in the future.
“Excellent organisation, presentation and identification of major factors.”
Published: 18 July 2017
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