Military Injury Claims 

Military Illness Claims 

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Our expert military claims lawyers will handle your claim at no cost to you* and in the vast majority of cases you will receive 100% of your compensation**.

Expertise And Understanding From Irwin Mitchell

Members of the armed forces operate in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments in the world.

But while danger is a necessary part of many roles, military personnel still have a right to expect the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to protect them from illness wherever possible. When that protection is missing or flawed, serious illness can be the result. In these circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Irwin Mitchell we fight fearlessly to achieve the best outcome for your claim. We’re renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family due to illness sustained as a result of your service, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference. 

Our lawyers offer the highest level of professionalism and expertise when handling military illness claims, combined with dedication and sensitivity.

Above all, we put you first.

Handling Military Illness Cases With Expertise And Sensitivity

If, in the course of military duties, you’ve developed an illness or disease, our specialist armed forces team may be able to help you make a Ministry of Defence claim.

Irwin Mitchell has successfully pursued military illness claims for members of the Army, Royal Navy, or RAF following a range of illnesses, including:

  • asbestos-related diseases
  • asthma
  • dermatitis
  • hearing loss
  • repetitive strain injuries

A military illness claim allows you to receive compensation for illnesses you have sustained whilst serving for the military.

We’ll assign our best legal team with the expertise to handle your military illness claim.

We’ll keep things as clear, simple and as straightforward as possible, so there's no need for you to worry about legal complexities or technicalities. Irwin Mitchell is dedicated to making the process of your military illness compensation claim as smooth as possible.

We know that you’ll be worried about your long-term wellbeing and financial security. We’ll make sure you get all the support you need - from us, and from the numerous military welfare organisations we liaise with, including:

  • SSAFA
  • Combat Stress
  • BLESMA
  • Defence Medical Welfare Services
  • Regimental Associations.
  • Proven expertise in military personnel claims

Our specialist Military Injury Team deals with claims on behalf of injured service personnel from all three services. We have a significant amount of experience in dealing with the MoD, their insurers and solicitors as well as having a unique understanding of the military community and culture.

Irwin Mitchell is also one of the largest and most experienced personal injury law firms in the country.

Our team includes many of the country’s finest personal injury lawyers. They operate in highly specialised teams, offering the highest level of legal expertise in military personnel claims.

Irwin Mitchell’s Commitment To Making A Difference

Irwin Mitchell’s first commitment is to you, and to achieving the best outcome for your claim.

We work closely with a number of the Armed Forces welfare branches and organisations and Irwin Mitchell are the PAX appointed legal representatives under the PAX Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for personal injury claims.

The Irwin Mitchell Armed Forces Accident Claims Team is also a proud supporter of SSAFA Forces Help and part of their Corporate Friends Scheme.

We also have a long history of campaigning with leading organisations on behalf of military personnel. Together with those organisations we seek improvements in health and safety, prevent accident and injury where possible, and improve the quality of life and levels of compensation for those who have suffered injury and illness.

We have also pursued many leading legal cases in order to improve the prospects of success of claims, and to obtain fairer compensation.


The above information relates to the law and procedures in England and Wales.

* Subject to entering a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement with us and complying with its terms.

** Does not apply to group actions, criminal injuries or accidents and illnesses outside England and Wales and is subject to compliance with the terms of your funding arrangements. 

All Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.



RAF Serviceman Successful In Civil Claim Following Injuries Suffered In A Helicopter Crash In Iraq

Irwin Mitchell’s Armed Forces Compensation Claim Team successfully secured an out of Court settlement for £100,000 for a member of the RAF. Our client sustained significant burns following a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2007, in which two members of the UK’s Special Forces were killed.

The RAF Sergeant was acting as aircrew when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed as it came into land at a military airfield in Iraq. As a result of the burns, our client had to have his left index finger amputated and joints replaced in his left middle finger. Our client also suffered numerous fractures and endured a number of surgical procedures from 2007 until 2010.

The Ministry of Defence denied liability on the grounds of Combat Immunity and a Coroner’s inquest held in Hereford found errors made by the pilot to have been one of the causes of the crash which were covered by combat immunity. However, the Coroner also found the MoD to be in breach of Article 2 of the Human Rights Act, following systematic failures, which included the failure to maintain an anti-spill valve which would have stopped the fire on the crashed aircraft spreading. Despite this verdict the MoD insisted that they were not liable for our client’s injuries.

Six months after the inquest, the MoD informed Irwin Mitchell’s Armed Forces Team that whilst they were still denying liability, they were willing to consider negotiating a settlement in respect of our client’s claim and in 2012 our client was awarded £100,000. The award was in addition to £128,000 our client had already received under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

Our client made a remarkable recovery and was able to return to work as an air loader on Puma helicopters, although his injuries have reduced his chances of serving in the RAF for a full 31 year career.

We have lawyers with the expertise and experience needed to help you with your claim. Choose from the list below to learn more about our experts in this area.

Name Location Job Title Telephone
Sion Kingston Leeds Partner 0113 220 6210
Andrew Tucker Sheffield Partner 0870 1500 100
Sarah Brumpton Leeds Associate 0113 394 6777
Andrew Buckham Sheffield Associate +44 (0)870 1500 100
David Johnston-Keay Sheffield Associate 0870 1500 300
Zoe Sutton Sheffield Associate 0870 1500 100
David Bell Glasgow Solicitor 0870 1500 100

Guidance With Strength And Sensitivity

We understand that contacting a lawyer might seem like a big step - especially if you have not done so before and we have therefore made it easy for you to contact us for free initial advice about your claim.

At Irwin Mitchell we understand the real impact of personal injury. Our team of specialists have the skills and experience to give you clear advice about the chances of pursuing a successful claim and to guide you through the claims process. You can then decide if you want us to pursue your claim on your behalf.

We are renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference.

At Irwin Mitchell we will fight fearlessly to give you the greatest chance of winning your case, with the best possible outcome, and we will support you every step of the way.

Your Questions Answered

Latest News

Legal 500

“committed to getting the best outcome for its clients”

Legal 500 2011

Legal 500

“The highly talented team effectively handles the full range of personal injury claims and has recently settled a significant number of multimillion-pound claims.”

Chambers & Partners 2012

Awards, Accreditations and Certifications

Investors In People     Action Against Medical Accidents - Clinical Negligence SpecialistsYorkshire Lawyer Awards Winner 2009Stonewall 2012Stonewall Star Performer 2012   Rehabilitation First Awards 2011 The Law Society Personal Injury Accreditation The Law Society Clinical Negligence Accreditation ISO SGS 27001 AccreditationISO 9001:2008 AccreditationChild Brain Injury TrustA conformance icon, W3C-WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0

Headway 2011