The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is a government scheme that provides compensation for injury, illness and death caused by military service on or after 6 April 2005. Unlike a legal claim, the AFCS does not require you to establish that anybody else was at fault. This means that you could be able to claim under the AFCS in circumstances where there is no legal claim. If you've been injured, fallen ill, or had an injury become worse because of service on or after 6 April 2005, then our solicitors could help you claim compensation through the scheme, in addition to any civil compensation claim you make. If you receive compensation through the AFCS, this would be taken into account in any compensation paid under the civil claim (due to there being a legal principle that compensation can’t be paid twice for the same injury). Our solicitors could help you to: Make a claim through the AFCS Challenge a settlement decision from the AFCS that is too low Challenge the AFCS, if they have previously told you that you’re not eligible to claim We have a proven track record in making claims through the scheme, and on many occasions have successfully challenged a settlement that we felt was too low for our client's injuries. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme doesn’t distinguish between injuries suffered on operations, training, service-approved sports or while exercising to maintain military fitness. This is because, as a member of the armed forces, you have no choice over where you are deployed or the activities you’re asked to do. As well as compensating serving members of the armed forces, the AFCS provides help and support for veterans. You could also claim compensation through the scheme if you've lost a loved one who was serving in the armed forces. For more information, or to begin making a claim, call us today on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation on your case. You can also contact us online, and we'll get back to you. Proven track record in ACFS claims Expert lawyers with a service background Links with support agencies to assist with rehabilitation support In depth understanding of the AFCS Call our experts FREE on: 0800 022 3321 Or we can call you back at a time of your choice Request a call back Mon to Fri: 8:00am - 8:00pm Sat to Sun: 9:00am - 5:00pm Contact us today For a free initial consultation Freephone 0800 022 3321 Prefer not to call Use our form Your name* Your email address* Your phone number* Your enquiry* Enquiry type Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims Military Injury Compensation Claims Non-Freezing Cold Injury Compensation Claims Defective Equipment Claims Lariam (Mefloquine) Compensation Claims Armed Forces Medical Negligence Claims Military Air Accidents Military Inquests And Fatal Claims Military Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claims Military Road Traffic Accident Claims Military Off Duty Accident Claims Specialist Unit Personnel Injury Claims Military Training Injury Claims Amanda Marsh Associate Meet the Team
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims - More Information How Long Do I Have To Make A Claim? When making a civil claim, you usually have three years from the date of injury to claim compensation through the courts. However, the timeframe for claims through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is considerably longer. Claims to the AFCS must be made within seven years from the date you suffered your injury or it was made worse by service. In the case of PTSD and mental health issues, this seven year time limit begins on the day you first sought medical help. How Much Compensation Can I Expect From The AFCS? The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) pays settlements as a lump sum, on a tariff based system determined by the severity of your injury. The minimum amount awarded is £1,200, with a maximum lump sum award of £570,000 available. Settlements can be paid for multiple injuries suffered in the same incident, provided that the total settlement doesn't exceed the maximum of £570,000. If you receive £15,500 or more, you’ll be eligible for a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP). This is a percentage of your final salary paid tax free and for life. The GIP percentage ranges from 30% to 100% depending on the injury. You may also qualify for a supplementary award, which can be payable when an injury doesn't necessarily affect employment prospects, but has affected your self-esteem or confidence. Will Claiming Impact My Career? No. The MoD understands that they ask service personnel to do a difficult job in dangerous situations – and unfortunately accidents do happen. They recognise and respect the individual's right to bring a legal claim for injuries. Claiming won't affect your entitlement to a pension, either. The Ministry of Defence should not discriminate against personnel who bring compensation claims after an injury. If you're planning on continuing your service career after your claim, then there are very strict rules about discriminating against someone on this basis. Can I Make A No Win No Fee Claim? We may be able to handle your claim to the Armed Force Compensation Scheme on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that if we are unsuccessful in your claim, there is nothing for you to pay. If your claim is successful, then you would pay us a fixed percentage of your compensation award, which we’ll agree with you at the start of your case. Meet The Experts Our military injury team have been helping service men and women claim against the MoD since 1987. The team includes several former military personnel, and includes: Geraldine McCool, who was described as the “Military Master” by The Lawyer. Geraldine is secretary of The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group and heads our specialist military injury team. Paul Harrington, who completed an operational tour in Northern Ireland as a Bomb Disposal Operator. Paul brings his expertise as a former Ammunition Technical Officer and specialises in claims involving equipment, weapons, munitions and training accidents. Simon Harrington, who has over 15 years of experience bringing claims against the MoD. Simon specialises in cold injury claims, having helped hundreds of service personnel to claim over £10 million in compensation for their injuries. Andrew Buckham, who served in the Army for seven years before joining Irwin Mitchell. Andrew specialises in claims relating to serious and fatal injuries. He is also a trustee for the Defence Medical Welfare Service Meet our military injury team. 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