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Serving in the armed forces should never mean accepting avoidable injury, unsafe conditions, or lifelong harm without accountability. If you have suffered a physical or psychological injury due to negligence during military service, you may be entitled to military injury compensation. Claims 24 Hours connects service personnel and veterans with specialist solicitors who understand military law, MoD responsibilities, and compensation schemes—so you can focus on recovery while we protect your rights.
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Military Injury Compensation Explained
Military service carries inherent risks. However, injury caused by negligence, equipment failure, poor training, or breach of duty is not something you are expected to simply accept. Where the Ministry of Defence (MoD) or another responsible party failed in their legal duties, you may be entitled to compensation through a civil claim, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), or both.
Military injury compensation exists to acknowledge harm, provide financial stability, and support long-term recovery when service-related injuries affect health, career prospects, or family life.
Common Causes of Military Injuries
Military injury claims often arise from failures that could and should have been prevented. These include poorly maintained equipment, inadequate safety systems, and insufficient training or supervision.
Typical causes include:
- Faulty or poorly maintained military vehicles or equipment
- Lack of supervision during training exercises
- Inadequate or unsafe training procedures
- Road traffic accidents involving military vehicles
- Unsafe working environments on bases
- Exposure to excessive noise without proper protection
- Psychological trauma caused by service conditions
Where these issues result from negligence or breach of duty, you may have grounds to claim military injury compensation.
Most Common Military Injuries
Military training, operations, and service environments can lead to serious injuries with lasting consequences. Many are life-changing and may end a military career entirely.
Common injuries include:
Head, neck, spinal, and back injuries
Fractures, crush injuries, and joint damage
Cold-related injuries such as frostbite or hypothermia
Heat exhaustion and burns
Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus
Psychological injuries, including PTSD and anxiety disorders
Some injuries appear immediately. Others develop gradually, sometimes years after service ends. Both can still form the basis of a valid claim.
What Can Military Injury Compensation Cover?
If your injury resulted from MoD failings or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both the injury itself and its wider impact on your life.
Compensation may include general damages, covering pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, and special damages, which reflect financial losses.
These may include:
- Loss of military salary and specialist pay
- Missed promotions or forced discharge
- Loss of accommodation or service benefits
- Medical treatment and prescription costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Long-term care or support needs
Every claim is assessed individually. Specialist solicitors calculate current and future losses to ensure compensation reflects the full impact of the injury.
Mental Health and PTSD Military Claims
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions are among the most serious and misunderstood military injuries. PTSD can develop after exposure to traumatic events and may appear months or years later.
Symptoms can include flashbacks, anxiety, sleep disturbances, emotional detachment, anger, and difficulties with relationships. In severe cases, PTSD can lead to substance dependency or suicidal thoughts.
PTSD is a recognised service-related injury. Where it has developed due to military service and negligence, you may be entitled to military injury compensation. Psychological injuries are treated as seriously as physical injuries under the law.
Hearing Loss and Noise Exposure Claims
Many service personnel are exposed to extreme noise levels from firearms, explosives, aircraft, and heavy machinery. Where adequate hearing protection is not provided or enforced, permanent hearing damage can occur.
Conditions commonly linked to military noise exposure include:
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Hyperacusis
If hearing damage resulted from unsafe exposure during service, you may be entitled to compensation—even if symptoms appeared years later.
Time Limits for Military Injury Claims
Most military injury compensation claims must be started within three years of the incident or from the date you became aware that your injury was caused by military service.
This is particularly important for conditions such as PTSD or hearing loss, which may develop long after discharge. In these cases, the time limit often begins when a medical professional links the condition to service.
Separate rules apply under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, which allows seven years to submit a claim in most cases.
Claims Against the Ministry of Defence
The MoD has the same legal duties as any employer under UK health and safety law. This includes obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The MoD must:
- Maintain vehicles and equipment
- Provide proper training and supervision
- Supply appropriate protective equipment
- Carry out risk assessments
- Take reasonable steps to protect personnel
Where these duties are breached and injury occurs, a civil claim may be possible for incidents within Great Britain.
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
The AFCS provides compensation for injuries, illness, or death caused by service after 5 April 2005. Unlike civil claims, AFCS claims do not require proof of negligence.
Under the scheme, you may receive:
- A tax-free lump sum based on injury severity
- Guaranteed income payments for serious injuries
- Fast-track payments in urgent cases
AFCS claims can be made alongside a civil claim where appropriate.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours for Military Injury Compensation
Specialist Military Injury Expertise
Military injury claims are legally complex and require specialist knowledge of Ministry of Defence responsibilities, service conditions, and compensation schemes such as the AFCS. Claims 24 Hours works with solicitors who have direct experience handling military and veteran injury claims. This ensures your case is assessed correctly from the start, with no missed opportunities for compensation.
Clear, Honest Legal Advice
We believe in transparency. From your first contact, you receive clear and straightforward advice about your eligibility, time limits, and the strength of your claim. There is no legal jargon, no pressure, and no false promises—just honest guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
No Win, No Fee Protection
All military injury claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means there are no upfront legal costs and nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, any success fee is capped by law, ensuring there are no hidden charges or financial surprises.
Support for Serving Personnel and Veterans
Whether you are currently serving or have already left the armed forces, we understand the unique challenges you may face. Claims 24 Hours treats every case with discretion and respect, ensuring your service status, career concerns, and personal circumstances are fully considered throughout the process.
Full Case Management from Start to Finish
From the initial consultation to final settlement, we manage the entire claims process on your behalf. This includes gathering evidence, liaising with medical experts, dealing with insurers or the MoD, and keeping you informed at every stage—so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Fast Access to Specialist Solicitors
Time limits matter in military injury compensation claims. We act quickly to connect you with the right solicitor and begin protecting your claim without delay. Early action helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.
Military Injury Compensation FAQs
Can I claim while still serving in the military?
Yes. Making a claim does not automatically put your role at risk. Each situation is different, and specialist legal advice is essential.
Can veterans still claim compensation?
Yes. Former service personnel may still claim, provided time limits are met and medical evidence supports the claim.
Can I claim for injuries suffered during training rather than combat?
Yes. Many successful claims relate to training accidents caused by unsafe practices or poor supervision.
What if my injury developed years after service?
Delayed-onset conditions such as PTSD or hearing loss can still be claimed if linked to service.
Is compensation taxable?
AFCS payments are tax-free. Civil compensation may include elements that are not taxable, depending on circumstances.