Working abroad is often part and parcel of life in the Armed Forces, but the safety of yourself and your comrades is something you presume will be held with the upmost integrity as you serve your Queen and country.
Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for military personnel to be involved in incidents that result in life-changing injuries while they are off-duty abroad. As the world gets more accessible, it might seem that the country where an accident occurs isn't a huge factor when you're thinking about claiming compensation for injuries and the associated financial losses. You might assume that you would have the same protection legally if injured when overseas as you would if you were injured in the UK, especially where you have been stationed abroad by the MoD, but that isn't always the case.
Making a claim for compensation can be daunting enough, especially when you’re also facing treatment and rehabilitation, and having to make a claim for an incident which occurred in a foreign country carries additional complexity.
It may be that it’s possible to find a way to ensure that your claim is heard in Her Majesty’s Courts, which brings the benefits of a familiar legal system and of being able to recover costs from the other side, which isn’t always the case in foreign countries. Often the responsibility for an incident, as well as in respect of how much compensation you might be awarded, is governed by the country where you had the accident, even if the claim is pursued in your home country. Once you start taking foreign laws into account, legal claims can become very complex.
While it seems a daunting prospect to pursue a claim when you’re potentially facing the loss of your career, rehabilitation and life-changing injuries, seeking advice early from legal experts will give you and your family the emotional and practical support you need.
Our highly regarded International Serious Injury experts work closely with our specialist Military Injuries team. This means that as well as advising on complex personal injury claims and cross-border issues, we can also help with the practical problems you might face. Whether you need your home to be adjusted to suit your needs, assistance with rehabilitation, or advice on what happens if you’re going to be medically discharged, we’re here to help you.
For general enquiries
0808 291 3524
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year
