Military Spinal Injury Compensation

Military Spinal Injury Compensation

Spinal injuries in the armed forces can be sudden, severe and life-changing. Whether sustained while on active duty or during military training exercises, these injuries can have a profound effect on mobility, independence and the ability to continue in service. When they are caused wholly or in part by negligence on the part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), UK armed forces personnel may be entitled to make a civil claim for compensation that can help them to move forward.

The Ministry of Defence has an obligation to maintain high standards of health and safety across the armed forces community, and you can usually claim for a spinal cord injury resulting from work in the British Army, Royal Air Force (RAF) or Royal Navy if the MoD has been negligent in upholding the required standards. Compensation through a civil claim will account for all of the ways your life was affected by a spinal cord injury, including financial losses if you were medically discharged, and the costs of any aids or adaptive devices you need to account for a permanent disability.

JMW Solicitors can help any injured service person to determine whether they are owed compensation and support them through the legal process of making a claim for a spinal injury. Our specialist military claims team has supported numerous service personnel in securing compensation after serious injuries through the civil claims process. We will discuss the full impact of your injuries and any psychological side effects to make sure you receive fair compensation for an injury that was not your fault.

To learn more about how we can help, call us on 0345 872 6666 or use our online enquiry form to request a call back at your convenience.

What Our Clients Say

How JMW Can Help With Military Spinal Injury Claims

JMW has an experienced team of military claims specialists who regularly support serving personnel with life-changing injuries. As legal experts in military spinal injury claims, we understand the pressures of making a claim while still serving, and we know how to handle complex cases involving spinal injuries that may result in career-ending outcomes.

Clare Stevens leads our armed forces compensation team. She is known for her tactical approach and comprehensive knowledge of the law regarding civil compensation claims for military service personnel. Under her leadership, the team has delivered life-changing results for injured service personnel and families affected by severe and sometimes permanent injuries.

We assist at all stages of a spinal injury claim, and offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your rights and options. If you decide to move ahead with your claim, we will offer comprehensive support in gathering strong evidence, building a case, and securing fair compensation for your injuries.

Meet Our Spinal Cord Injury Claims Team

At JMW, our specialist armed forces compensation team have many years of experience and a track record of success. We understand the careful approach needed for those still embarking on a service career after a spinal cord injury, and the life-changing impact on those whose careers are cut short by these injuries.

When Can You Make a Civil Claim for a Spinal Injury in the Armed Forces?

To enable you to make a civil compensation claim, we must prove that the Ministry of Defence was negligent in its duty to provide high levels of health and safety. There are several military scenarios that involve intense physical exertion, specialist equipment, or operational risks that should be accounted for, and if you are injured under these circumstances, you may be able to claim. For example:

• Slips and falls during exercises, especially falls from height or while carrying heavy loads during training.
• Parachute failures that result in hard landings, particularly when improperly packed parachutes are responsible.
• Military vehicle collisions during transport, training or deployment.
• Explosions or impacts resulting from close-range blast injuries, including those caused by munitions handling.
• Faulty personal protective equipment, malfunctioning lifting gear or other equipment failures.
• Inadequate training or supervision leading to an injury.
• Unsafe working conditions that do not meet the legal standards for health and safety.

These injuries may occur on base, during training, or while deployed, and do not need to have occurred in combat for you to be eligible for compensation. Many service members have suffered significant pain, disability, and disruption to their lives as a result of spinal injuries in the armed forces, even outside of combat. It is often possible to recover compensation that will support your recovery, cover the costs of medical treatment, and help you to adjust to life in the civilian world if your injury results in a medical discharge.

Types of Spinal Injuries in Military Claims

Spinal injuries range from moderate to catastrophic. Any damage to the spinal cord or vertebrae can interfere with movement, strength and coordination. In severe cases, it can result in permanent disability or paralysis.

Common types of spinal injuries we deal with include:

• Spinal fractures
• Dislocations and nerve damage.
• Spinal cord compression due to swelling, haemorrhage or slipped discs.
• Complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries
• Chronic pain resulting from spinal trauma or nerve damage.

A spinal injury can end a military career overnight, particularly in roles requiring physical readiness or deployment. Many individuals also face permanent restrictions on movement, employment options and daily living, but compensation can cover support like specialist rehabilitation, adaptations to your home or vehicle, and other things that injured military personnel might need to regain independence and quality of life after a spinal injury.

What Is the Military Spinal Injury Claims Process?

There are two main routes to claiming compensation for a spinal injury in the military: a civil claim or an application under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). Many people are able to make both types of claims, and claiming under the AFCS does not preclude you from making a civil claim to secure further financial support.

The process begins when you contact a solicitor. The team at JMW offers a free initial consultation where we can talk through your options, and if you decide to go ahead, we will help you to secure evidence and build the strongest possible case for compensation. Most claims are settled out of court and handled entirely by your solicitor, but if the claim goes to court, we are fully prepared to represent you through any legal proceedings to secure the maximum possible compensation for you.

If you are unsure about whether or not you are entitled to claim, speak to the team at JMW today.

Q

What is the time limit for making a spinal injury claim?

A

Strict time limits apply to making a claim, so it is crucial to act promptly to protect your eligibility for compensation. In most cases, you will have three years from the date of your accident to start the claims process. However, exceptions are made in some cases, so speak to our team if you have questions about your eligibility.

Q

Can I claim if I’m still serving in the armed forces?

A

Continuing to serve in the armed forces does not stop you from making a claim, and claiming compensation should not affect your employment. In fact, acting early can strengthen your case, especially if your injury could lead to medical discharge. JMW specialises in helping serving personnel, and we can also draw on the expertise of our employment law team to manage the process without affecting your career.