Military Training Injury Claims

Armed forces training exercises are tough. They are intended to prepare you for combat, so by their nature they are dangerous.

But, like any employer, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a duty of care to you as an employee and should make sure that precautions are taken to prevent unnecessary injury during training. If you think the MoD has failed in this respect, our solicitors may be able to help you seek compensation through a military training injury claim.

Our team of specialist armed forces lawyers, which includes a number of former service personnel, has over 25 years of experience dealing with compensation claims after military training accidents. We recently helped the loved ones of a soldier to claim compensation after he died in an SAS training exercise in the Brecon Beacons.

If you’ve been injured in a training accident while serving in the Army, Navy, RAF or Special Forces, you may be able to claim compensation. You could also claim if you were injured while serving in the Army Reserve (formerly the Territorial Army), Navy, RAF or Special Forces Reserves.

Making a military training injury compensation claim against the MoD may seem daunting but we have a proven track record in successful military claims. We'll bring our experience and expertise to your case, supporting you every step of the way with sensitivity and care.

If you have any questions about making a claim, contact us on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation or contact us online, and we'll discuss your accident and give our expert advice on your options.

Our Armed Forces Expertise

Since 1987, our specialist military injury team has helped hundreds of injured personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy to claim compensation. We are considered one of the top law firms in the country for military claims and several cases we were involved in featured in the Chilcot Inquiry.

We work closely with a number of Armed Forces welfare branches and organisations, and are the PAX appointed legal representatives under the PAX Personal Accident Insurance Scheme. We're also proud supporters of:

The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group
Help For Heroes
SSAFA Forces Help

Several of our solicitors were part of team that were awarded for their pro bono work within The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group (TRBLSG).

No Win No Fee*

Expert lawyers with a service background

Bringing claims against the MoD since 1987

Active members of The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group

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Military Training Injury Claims - More Information

To make a compensation claim for a military training accident or injury, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with us for a free initial consultation. We'll discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident or injury, advise you on whether or not we think you can claim, and whether you could benefit from a No Win No Fee* arrangement.

The claim will begin by sending a formal letter of claim to the Ministry of Defence. After this, the claim will usually follow the same four stages:

1. Investigation. We'll begin by determining the extent of your injuries, and the losses they may result in. This will involve obtaining copies of your military medical notes, and any civilian hospitals you've received treatment at. We'll also need a copy of your Armed Forces Compensation Scheme file, and your personnel file.

The MoD will undertake an investigation, which usually starts by contacting your unit to confirm details of your accident, and obtain any relevant paperwork. They may also speak to any of your colleagues who were present at the time of the accident, and can provide witness evidence.

2. Rehabilitation. If you have any medical care or support needs, we'll help you to access the necessary treatment and advice.

3. Compensation. We'll work out how much compensation you should get based on the severity of your injuries and your pain and suffering, any medical expenses you've had and your ability to get back to work. We'll put this amount to the MoD, and they can either accept liability or contest the claim.

4. Resolution. If the MoD accepts blame, you'll be awarded compensation. If not, court proceedings will begin.

We will try to settle your claim on the best terms, considering options in addition to bringing court proceedings. The MoD should also do the same, as they are obliged to as a branch of government.

Starting proceedings doesn't mean that your claim will definitely go to trial. Instead, it means that the court take over the management of you case, setting strict timetables for the exchange of documents, witness evidence and expert reports. If you do have to go to court, we'll be there to support you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about the claims process, please contact us today on 0800 022 3321 for your free initial consultation.

Getting the support from Irwin Mitchell with my adapted house has given me the encouragement and independence I needed to get out there and find other things I am interested in."

Ray Lowrie

Client Story – Parachute Regiment

"Our client had transitioned well into civilian life but lost the opportunity to pursue his dream of joining the Parachute Regiment. He received compensation for the handicap he had on the open labour market due to his injury." - Military injury specialist, Irwin Mitchell

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Claim Compensation For A Military Training Accident?

If you've been injured while training and you believe your accident was caused by negligence, then you may be able to make a claim for military training accident compensation. If you have a PAX insurance policy, you may be able to claim under that also.

The branch of service you're in doesn’t affect your right to make a legal claim – we’ve pursued compensation claims on behalf of regular Army, RAF and Royal Navy personnel, as well as:

Army, RAF and Royal Naval Reserve personnel
Specialist unit personnel

You generally have three years to make a claim, unless you were under 18 at the time of the accident. If this is the case, you have three years from the date of your 18th birthday to make a claim.

It's also possible to bring a claim after you've left the service, whether due to your injury or not, provided you bring your claim within these time limits.

Even if you are unable to make a legal claim for compensation, you may still be able to claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). This is because the AFCS does not require you to prove that anyone else was at fault, unlike a legal claim.

If you're not sure whether or not you'll be able to make a claim, it's important to seek legal advice, to ensure you don't miss out on compensation that you're entitled to. Contact us today on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation: we'll discuss your accident, and advise you on whether we think you have a case

Why Do Training Accidents Happen?

Armed forces training is intended to prepare you for dangerous situations and, as such, does come with risks attached. However, it's still a controlled situation, and all necessary steps should be taken to prevent unnecessary harm to those involved.

In many cases, accidents have occurred due to insufficient planning from senior NCOs and officers, or faulty equipment being issued. In cases where you've been required to operate in a realistic environment, we will examine the MoD's risk assessment for such conditions, and analyse if these should have been altered to better protect you.

Our team has recently helped service personnel claim for accidents that occurred in the following situations:

Assault courses
Adventure training
Combat training
Firing ranges
Mountaineering exercises
Diving accidents
Parachuting
Skiing

If you have any questions about the claims process, call us today on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation on your case. We'll discuss your accident, go through our processes with you, and offer our expert advice on your options.

Why Choose Irwin Mitchell For A Military Training Injury Claim?

When making a compensation claim against the Ministry of Defence, it helps to have the experts on your side. We handle every claim with care and sensitivity, supporting you every step of the way.

A number of our solicitors are former members of the armed forces themselves, so we completely understand the concerns that service personnel might have while making a claim. In particular, we understand that serious injuries may mean the loss of a service career, along with the support and benefits that go with it.

When we help you with a claim, we ensure that these losses are taken into account, and that any settlement considers:

Loss of your service earnings caused by delayed promotion or medical discharge
Loss of pension contributions or resettlement grant
Loss of a commitment bonus
Loss of specialist pay and allowances
Loss of service benefits including loss of subsidised quarters and Learning Credits

We’re committed to helping our clients access rehabilitation after an injury. We'll assess your current medical care and support needs, as well as any you might have in the future, and help you access services that can help your recovery, and assist you in living independently. This can include:

Surgery
Physiotherapy
Mental health support
Mobility aids
Modifications to your home

Our dedicated approach to rehabilitation has seen us win Post Magazine’s Rehabilitation Award for Claimant Solicitors on seven occasions.

If you have any questions about our services, or how we can help, don't hesitate to get in touch. Call today on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation on your case.

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