Military Brain Injury Claims

Army Brain Injury Claim Solicitors

A brain injury can have a life-changing impact on you and your family. If you or someone you love has experienced a head or brain injury during military service, you may be dealing with uncertainty about health, work and family life. Pursuing a military injury claim is an important part of addressing the financial and practical consequences of such an injury, and the team at JMW will work diligently on your behalf to make sure you are given the resources you need to recover and adjust.

At JMW, our military brain injury solicitors understand service life and the pressures that follow an injury. We work alongside medical teams, charities and community services to support your long-term goals, whether that is returning to duties where appropriate, retraining or adapting at home.

To start an army brain injury claim for yourself or a loved one, pick up the phone and call us on 0345 872 6666, or use our online enquiry form and we will be in touch with you soon.

What Our Clients Say

How JMW Can Help

Recovering from a brain injury is a long process that often involves medical care, rehabilitation and adjustments to daily life. The military injury solicitors at JMW provide clear legal guidance to help you understand your rights and secure the compensation that supports your long-term recovery and stability.

We work alongside medical professionals, rehabilitation providers and charities such as Headway and Combat Stress to make sure that the legal steps we take complement your ongoing recovery.

A military brain injury can also affect those closest to you. Family members often take on caring responsibilities or experience financial and emotional strain. Our team provides guidance and access to resources that can help, including JMW’s Head and Brain Injury Hub, which offers information on rehabilitation, recovery and life after a head injury.

Our team is led by JMW Partner Clare Stevens, who has extensive experience in catastrophic injury cases involving military personnel.

Notably, Clare secured a £7.2 million settlement for a pilot who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, and has provided representation for high-profile inquests, including the Castlemartin and Brecon Beacons cases.

With a history of handling successful army brain injury cases, you can rely on JMW’s expertise to support the pursuit of the compensation you deserve, and to help you lay the foundation for your recovery.

Meet the Team

Living With a Brain Injury

Brain injury can cause lasting fatigue and changes in concentration, often resulting in challenging recoveries and placing strain on family life. They can affect both the person injured and also those around them. Families may face new routines, financial pressures and uncertainty about the future.

A successful claim can fund the rehabilitation, therapy and support needed to manage these challenges, and the team at JMW will be by your side to help you secure the compensation that you need to support your long-term recovery and financial wellbeing.

How Long Do I Have to Make an Army Brain Injury Claim?

When making a military brain injury claim, it is essential to act within the time limits set by law. Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury to begin a claim. However, if you were unaware of the severity of your head injury until later, the three-year period may begin from the date you became aware of the extent of your brain injury. Since each case is unique, it is highly recommended to consult with the JMW army claims team as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines.

For individuals still serving in the armed forces, the process of making a claim does not always need to wait until service ends. Many military injury claims can be pursued while the claimant remains an active service member, meaning you can begin the process without delay. Additionally, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides support for injuries sustained during military duties and operates under a separate time limit of seven years. While this scheme may offer some financial assistance, AFCS awards are often capped and may not cover the full extent of your losses. For those seeking more comprehensive compensation, pursuing a civil claim is often the better route.

JMW Solicitors are specialists in armed forces injury claims, including those involving military brain injuries. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by serving personnel and veterans and has extensive experience in navigating complex cases. We will work with you to determine the best course of action, whether through the AFCS, a civil claim or both.

Can I Make a Claim if the Brain Injury Occurred During Combat?

The MoD has certain protections under what is known as ‘combat immunity’, which limits the ability to make claims for injuries sustained in direct combat situations. However, there may be exceptions, and every case should be assessed individually.

This immunity is limited. It does not prevent you from bringing a claim if your injury was linked to issues such as:

• Defective or unsuitable equipment.
• Inadequate training or preparation before deployment.
• Negligent medical care or delayed treatment.
• Unsafe working practices during exercises or non-combat operations.

If there is evidence that the harm could have been prevented through better planning, instruction or support, a civil claim may still be possible.

These cases require detailed understanding of both military procedure and personal injury law. JMW’s experience in complex service-related claims means we can assess whether combat immunity applies to your situation and, if so, identify any exceptions that might allow your case to proceed.

We will approach your case with respect for your service and a firm focus on the evidence - working to secure recognition and compensation where negligence played a part in your injury.

What compensation can I receive for an army brain injury?

Compensation for a military brain injury claim is designed to support every aspect of life affected by the injury, including ongoing recovery, care and any home adjustments that may follow. The goal is to make sure you and your family have the financial security and resources needed to move forward.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim compensation for:

• Pain and suffering: recognising the physical and psychological effects of the injury, such as fatigue, memory issues, mood changes and post-traumatic stress.
• Medical and rehabilitation costs: covering treatment, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, neuropsychological support and any specialist equipment or aids that help you maintain independence.
• Home adaptations: funding for modifications that make your living environment safer and more manageable, such as ramps, stairlifts and specialist bathroom facilities.
• Loss of earnings and pension contributions: addressing the impact on your military or civilian career, including early retirement or reduced earning potential.
• Care and assistance: recognising the value of care provided by family members or professional carers, over the short or long term.
• Travel and ongoing expenses: for attending rehabilitation, medical appointments and therapy sessions.

While no amount of compensation can undo the impact of a brain injury, we will work hard on your behalf to secure the financial stability needed to rebuild your life and support your recovery.

How Long Does it Take to Settle an Army Brain Injury Claim?

The timeframe for settling a military brain injury claim varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the injury, the evidence required and the MoD’s response. Generally, claims involving serious injuries take longer due to the need for thorough medical evaluations and, in some cases, assessments of long-term impact.

For minor injuries, a claim may settle within 12 to 18 months, whereas more complex cases involving serious, life-changing injuries may take multiple years to resolve. Throughout the process, JMW’s team will keep you informed at each stage and work to minimise delays wherever possible. We understand that a swift resolution is often in the best interests of our clients, particularly where urgent medical or financial support is needed.

Will Making a Claim Affect My Military Career?

It is common for service members to have concerns about the potential impact of a military injury claim on their career, as the decision to pursue compensation for a brain injury often raises questions about future opportunities, roles and relationships within the armed forces. However, making a claim should not affect your career progression, day-to-day duties or how you are treated within your unit. The claim process is handled separately from your military service, and the MoD is legally prohibited from discriminating against personnel who pursue a claim.

In many cases, service members continue to work and advance in their roles without experiencing any negative effects. The MoD is required to maintain professionalism and respect throughout the claims process. In some cases, medical assessments following a brain injury may recommend adjustments to duties or environments. These changes will be made to protect your health and wellbeing, not because of the claim itself.

Our experience at JMW shows that individuals are often able to continue their careers without any adverse consequences as a result of making a claim. We will listen to any concerns in detail, provide clear guidance on your rights and work to reassure you that you can proceed without compromising your military future