A former squaddie who was left with hearing loss after being deafened by an explosion during a training exercise has received a £350,000 payout from the MoD.
Vance Bacon-Sharratt took legal action against Army bosses after he was forced to leave the Mercian Regiment as a result of his injury in October 2016.
The 33-year-old had been attending a firepower demonstration when an explosion took place leaving him with hearing loss, pain and tinnitus.
He instructed medical negligence lawyers to investigate his case and has now secured a six-figure payout after successfully suing the Ministry of Defence.
Dad-of-two Vance, of Mansfield, Notts., said he is now determined to carry on with his life and the funds will help him access the support and therapy he needs.
He said: “When the explosion happened at the FPD, I felt the effects instantly.
"I couldn’t hear properly, but at the same time there was a ringing in my ears.
“I ended up being diagnosed with hearing loss and tinnitus, which explained the discomfort I was experiencing.
"It was extremely difficult to adapt my life around my diagnosis, which is why I felt like I had no option but to leave The Army, even though it was a career I’d always dreamed of.
“Since then, I have gone through many ups and downs and to this day I still struggle to come to terms with what’s happened.
“Despite everything, I’m grateful for the support I’ve had and wanted to share my story to make others aware of the help available.
"I’m also determined to move on with my life and not let my hearing loss stop me from living it to the full.”
Vance enlisted in The Army in November 2008 but his career ended in March 2018, following his injury.
Vance is now a driving instructor and has a partner, Jemma, and two daughters.
Lawyers say the funds will allow Vance to access the ongoing specialist therapies and support he requires after the MoD denied liability.
Chelsea Towner, the specialist military injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Vance, said: “The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Vance.
"Firstly coming to terms with his diagnosis and then making the tough decision to leave behind a career he loved.
“All employers have a duty of care to protect their employees and through our work, we come across too many people who have sustained injury while serving in The Army.
"Hearing loss and tinnitus are serious health issues, the psychological and physical effects of which should never be downplayed.
“While nothing will make up for what Vance has suffered, we’re pleased to have been able to help secure him settlement which will hopefully allow him to move forward with his life as best he can.”
