There is no maximum compensation limit to a negligence claim and negligence claims tend to result in much higher awards of compensation than under the AFCS. A military injury compensation claim takes into account past and future earnings (including promotions you would have received), loss of military benefits, loss of pension and the costs of any future medical treatment, care, support, aids, equipment and accommodation.

To make a personal injury claim as the result of an injury or illness in the armed forces, you must start your claim within 3 years of the injury occurring.

However, we would advise that you start your claim as soon as you’re able to after your injury. The sooner a claim is made, the sooner it allows our experts to secure evidence and talk to witnesses who can provide an account of memories that are fresh in their minds. Memories fade, and it can be harder to gather evidence if you leave your claim until later.

Yes you can. Making a claim against the MoD while still serving can be a daunting prospect, so it helps to have the experts on your side. But rest assured - there are strict rules preventing discrimination against service personnel and former service personnel who make compensation claims. In addition, any settlement will come out of a separate budget, and so it won’t affect your unit.

Yes, military reserves have the same legal rights as serving  personnel when it comes to claiming compensation following an injury. JMW's expert solicitors have a great deal of experience in handling cases involving the reserves.

In short, yes you can. At JMW, we can help you to make a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and a personal injury claim, if the incident you’ve been involved in wasn’t your fault and your injury came about as a result of that incident. When making a claim under AFCS, you generally have 7 years from the date of your injury to make a claim.

Making a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and a separate personal injury claim, also known as a civil claim, can be complex. That’s why our expert team is here; we will deal with the issues on your behalf and give you practical support and advice so that you can focus on getting better and putting your life back together after an injury. If you have any doubt about whether you’re eligible for a claim under either route, our experts can give you no-obligation advice.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury or death caused by service on or after April 6th 2005. All serving and former members of the armed forces, including reservists, can claim under AFCS for injuries . You are entitled to two sets of financial awards under AFCS:

• Lump sum - AFCS offers a tax free lump sum payment for your injuriesup to a maximum of £650,000.
• Guaranteed Income Payments - If you have suffered a serious injury, you may be awarded a Guaranteed Income Payment. This is an additional monthly, tax free, index-linked payment that will be paid after discharge from the armed forces.

At JMW, we can assist you with making the initial  claim under the scheme, and provide advice the award made, reconsideration and appeal to a tribunal.