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Military claims

Accident & Injury Claims

Russell Jones & Walker has considerable experience of claiming compensation against the MoD and other organisations for accidents suffered by military personnel. We have helped serving members of the RAF, Army, Navy and Reserve Forces, as well as retired personnel and family members. We also have an ongoing relationship with the British Armed Forces Federation.

Please contact our expert military claim lawyers on 0800 916 9015, email enquiries@rjw.co.uk or complete our short online accident enquiry form

Types of Military Claim

There are various circumstances in which military personnel can bring a claim for compensation as a result of a military accident or injury:

Claims under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Our solicitors have over 80 years of experience claiming compensation for accidents ranging from life-changing brain, head and spinal injuries, limb loss and fatal accidents to minor sprains and fractures. We are able to help with ensuring you will receive the necessary treatment and rehabilitation as well as claiming compensation for your injuries. The cost of any future assistance and care for those with severe injuries can also be claimed.

Many claims are started after someone has left the Forces, but strict time limits apply so ask for legal advice as soon as possible after an accident if you think you may have a claim.

If you think you may have a military claim please contact Richard Geraghty on 0207 657 1634

Recent compensation claims by military personnel

A British soldier stationed in Germany was a passenger in a terrible car crash where the driver was killed. The soldier was left with severe brain injuries which left him unable to conduct his own affairs, so the Court of Protection became involved in the case. The successful claim for £4.9 million was against the insurance company of the driver who was killed.

Read about more military claims that we have handled recently

The law concerning personal injury claims against the Ministry of Defence

Since 1987 the Crown Proceedings (Armed Force) Act 1987, has allowed military personnel to claim for personal injury sustained during service if the MoD failed in their legal ‘duty of care’ or health and safety duties.

Injuries sustained during an active operation or ongoing combat cannot be claimed for because they are covered by ‘combat immunity’. However these situations are not always clear cut and examination of the circumstances should always be considered.

Read more about compensation schemes available to you

Time Limits

A strict time limit of 3 years after an accident applies to most claims for compensation. You should ask for legal advice as soon as possible after an accident or becoming aware of health problems resulting from your military service.  Evidence from witnesses and documentary evidence is much easier to find sooner rather than later after an event. Anyone under 18 at the time of an accident has until their 21st birthday to make their claim.