Being a member of the armed forces comes with a unique set of risks, but it's perfectly reasonable to expect that you're provided with the equipment to protect you and to do your job properly.

If you've suffered an injury because of defective military equipment, then our solicitors could help you claim compensation through a civil case, in addition to anything you may have received through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

Our lawyers have previously secured compensation for military personnel who were issued with the following pieces of defective equipment:

Weapons and ammunition
Transport - including land vehicles
Aircraft - including component parts
Combat body armour
Personal protective equipment (PPE) - including facemasks or ear defenders
Diving equipment
Parachutes
Heavy machinery
Ladders.

The consequences of defective equipment in a combat situation can be tragic. We have experience helping service personnel or their loved ones claim, if faulty equipment (or a lack of equipment) has caused or contributed to their injuries.

If you’ve been injured by defective military equipment while serving in any capacity in the Army, Navy, RAF or Special Forces, you may be able to claim compensation. You could also claim if you were injured while serving in the Army Reserve (formerly the Territorial Army), Navy, RAF or Special Forces Reserves.

A number of our solicitors who handle defective military equipment claims are former armed forces personnel themselves. Among our experts is Paul Harrington – a former Ammunition Technical Officer who brings specialist knowledge to cases involving defective ammunition. We have a proven track record in establishing that faulty equipment or a lack of training has caused an injury.

If you have any questions about claiming compensation, call us today on 0800 056 4110 for a free initial consultation about your case, or contact us online and we'll get back to you.

No Win No Fee*

Our defective military equipment cases featured in the Chilcot Inquiry

Bringing claims against the MoD and defence manufacturers since 1987

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Geraldine McCool Consultant Meet the Team

Defective Equipment Claims - More Information

- Can I Make A No Win No Fee* Claim?
- Many of our cases are funded with a No Win No Fee agreement. This means that there's no financial risk* to you when making a compensation claim.
  
  At the start of your case, we'll discuss funding options with you, advising you which we think is most suitable. If you have legal expenses insurance (LEI), this may be best for you. Legal expenses insurance is included in many household or car insurance policies, so it’s always worth checking whether you're already covered.
  
  If we think you're best supported by a No Win No Fee* agreement, we'll explain the process clearly. You'll only have to pay anything if your claim is successful – your opponent will pay most of our fees, with the remaining costs coming out of your compensation settlement.
  
  Please visit our No Win No Fee page for more information on how it works.
- What's The Claims Process?
- To make a compensation claim for a military injury or illness, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with us for a free initial consultation. We'll discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident or illness, advise you on whether or not we think you can claim, and whether you could benefit from a No Win No Fee* arrangement.
  
  The claim will begin by sending a formal letter of claim to the Ministry of Defence. After this, the claim will usually follow the same four stages:
  
  1.Investigation. We'll begin by determining the extent of your injuries, and the losses they may result in. This will involve obtaining copies of your military medical notes, and any civilian hospitals you've received treatment at. We'll also need a copy of your Armed Forces Compensation Scheme file, and your personnel file.
  
  The MoD will undertake an investigation, which usually starts by contacting your unit to confirm details of your accident, and obtain any relevant paperwork. They may also speak to any of your colleagues who were present at the time of the accident, and can provide witness evidence.
  
  2.Rehabilitation. If you have any medical care or support needs, we'll help you to access the necessary treatment and advice.
  
  3.Compensation. We'll work out how much compensation you should get based on the severity of your injuries and your pain and suffering, any medical expenses you've had and your ability to get back to work. We'll put this amount to the MoD, and they can either accept liability or contest the claim.
  
  4.Resolution. If the MoD accepts blame, you'll be awarded compensation. If not, court proceedings will begin.
  
  We will try to settle your claim on the best terms, considering options in addition to bringing court proceedings. The MoD should also do the same, as they are obliged to as a branch of government.
  
  Starting proceedings doesn't mean that your claim will definitely go to trial. Instead, it means that the court take over the management of you case, setting strict timetables for the exchange of documents, witness evidence and expert reports. If you do have to go to court, we'll be there to support you every step of the way.
  
  If you have any questions about the claims process, please contact us today on 0800 022 3321 for your free initial consultation.
- How Long Do I Have To Make A Claim?
- You generally need to make a compensation claim within three years of the date of your injury or illness.
  
  If you were under 18 at the time, then you'll have three years from the date of your 18th birthday to make a claim.
  
  There's no limit when the individual can't manage their legal affairs because of mental incapacity; this often applies to brain injury claims.
  
  In fatal cases, the family of the deceased has three years to make a claim, starting from the date your loved one died.
  
  If you have any questions or concerns, contact us today on 0800 022 3321 for a free consultation on your case, and we'll be happy to help.
- 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.
- 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.
  - 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.

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