Maimed marine in fight over payout

12 April 2012

A Royal Marine described by Prince Harry as a "real hero" is appealing against the compensation he received for losing an arm and a leg in Afghanistan.

Marine Ben McBean was awarded £281,150 and a pension by the Ministry of Defence after being badly wounded in an explosion in February last year.

The 22-year-old's family said he was going to an independent tribunal later this month to increase his compensation, arguing the Ministry of Defence did not take into account the full extent of his injuries.

Under the MoD's existing compensation scheme, lump sum payments for the most serious injuries are capped at £570,000, although the scheme is being reviewed by the Government.

Marine McBean's mother, Joyce McDonald, said her son - from Plymouth, Devon, and who is still in the Royal Marines - needed surgery to prevent his injuries from deteriorating.

She told the Daily Telegraph: "Ben has gone through a hell of a lot and he is still going through it. He has done so much for these people, he deserves a hell of a lot more."

His stepfather James Cockburn added: "We're going to a tribunal on August 19, but don't expect to get anywhere because it's the system that is at fault.

"We understand the country's going through hard times at the moment but these fit and strong young lads like Ben went to war on the understanding they would be looked after, and the payments they come back to when something happens to them are just a joke."

After being injured in February 2008, Marine McBean was transported home on the same plane as Prince Harry. Harry, who had completed his own tour of duty in Afghanistan, said he was "humbled" by his bravery and described him as the real hero.

News of Marine McBean's action comes as the Government is attempting to reduce the compensation for two servicemen.

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