Serving in the Armed Forces carries real risks — but when an injury or illness is caused by negligence or unsafe practices, service personnel and veterans have the right to seek compensation. This guide explains military injury claims for members of the British Armed Forces.
Two Routes to Compensation
There are two main ways to claim, and you may be able to use both:
- The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) — a government no-fault scheme for injuries and illness caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. You don’t need to prove negligence.
- A civil negligence claim — against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) where your injury was caused by negligence, such as faulty equipment, inadequate training or unsafe procedures. This can result in higher compensation that reflects your full losses.
Common Military Injury Claims
- Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus
- Non-freezing cold injury (NFCI)
- Training and exercise accidents
- Parachute and vehicle accidents
- Bullying, harassment and related psychological injury
Time Limits Matter
The time limits differ by route. A claim under the AFCS must usually be made within seven years of the injury or diagnosis, while a civil claim generally has a three-year limit. Because these limits are strict, it’s important to seek advice as early as possible — though exceptions can apply, particularly for conditions diagnosed years later.
Will Claiming Affect My Career?
You have a legal right to claim compensation, and pursuing a legitimate claim should not damage your career. A civil claim is brought against the MoD as an organisation, not your colleagues or chain of command.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can veterans make a military injury claim?
Yes. Both serving personnel and veterans can claim, provided they are within the relevant time limits for the AFCS or a civil claim.
Can I use both the AFCS and a civil claim?
In many cases, yes — though any AFCS award may be taken into account in a civil settlement. A solicitor can advise on the best combination for your situation.
How long do I have to claim?
Generally seven years for an AFCS claim and three years for a civil negligence claim, though exceptions exist for conditions diagnosed later.
Is a military injury claim No Win No Fee?
Yes — Din Solicitors handles military civil injury claims on a No Win, No Fee basis, with nothing to pay upfront and nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful.
Start Your Military Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured or made ill through service, Din Solicitors provides dedicated support for service personnel and veterans across England & Wales. Explore our military personnel claims, start your claim today, or call 01422 647175.