Armed forces training exercises are tough. They are intended to prepare you for combat, so by their nature they are dangerous.

But, like any employer, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a duty of care to you as an employee and should make sure that precautions are taken to prevent unnecessary injury during training. If you think the MoD has failed in this respect, our solicitors may be able to help you seek compensation through a military training injury claim.

Our team of specialist armed forces lawyers, which includes a number of former service personnel, has over 25 years of experience dealing with compensation claims after military training accidents. We recently helped the loved ones of a soldier to claim compensation after he died in an SAS training exercise in the Brecon Beacons.

If you’ve been injured in a training accident while serving 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.

Making a military training injury compensation claim against the MoD may seem daunting but we have a proven track record in successful military claims. We'll bring our experience and expertise to your case, supporting you every step of the way with sensitivity and care.

If you have any questions about making a claim, contact us on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation or contact us online, and we'll discuss your accident and give our expert advice on your options.

Our Armed Forces Expertise

Since 1987, our specialist military injury team has helped hundreds of injured personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy to claim compensation. We are considered one of the top law firms in the country for military claims and several cases we were involved in featured in the Chilcot Inquiry.

We work closely with a number of Armed Forces welfare branches and organisations, and are the PAX appointed legal representatives under the PAX Personal Accident Insurance Scheme. We're also proud supporters of:

  • The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group
  • Help For Heroes
  • SSAFA Forces Help

Several of our solicitors were part of team that were awarded for their pro bono work within The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group (TRBLSG).

No Win No Fee*
Expert lawyers with a service background
Bringing claims against the MoD since 1987
Active members of The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Claim Compensation For A Military Training Accident?

If you've been injured while training and you believe your accident was caused by negligence, then you may be able to make a claim for military training accident compensation. If you have a PAX insurance policy, you may be able to claim under that also.

The branch of service you're in doesn’t affect your right to make a legal claim – we’ve pursued compensation claims on behalf of regular Army, RAF and Royal Navy personnel, as well as:

You generally have three years to make a claim, unless you were under 18 at the time of the accident. If this is the case, you have three years from the date of your 18th birthday to make a claim.

It's also possible to bring a claim after you've left the service, whether due to your injury or not, provided you bring your claim within these time limits.

Even if you are unable to make a legal claim for compensation, you may still be able to claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). This is because the AFCS does not require you to prove that anyone else was at fault, unlike a legal claim.

If you're not sure whether or not you'll be able to make a claim, it's important to seek legal advice, to ensure you don't miss out on compensation that you're entitled to. Contact us today on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation: we'll discuss your accident, and advise you on whether we think you have a case



Why Do Training Accidents Happen?

Armed forces training is intended to prepare you for dangerous situations and, as such, does come with risks attached. However, it's still a controlled situation, and all necessary steps should be taken to prevent unnecessary harm to those involved.

In many cases, accidents have occurred due to insufficient planning from senior NCOs and officers, or faulty equipment being issued. In cases where you've been required to operate in a realistic environment, we will examine the MoD's risk assessment for such conditions, and analyse if these should have been altered to better protect you.

Our team has recently helped service personnel claim for accidents that occurred in the following situations:

  • Assault courses
  • Adventure training
  • Combat training
  • Firing ranges
  • Mountaineering exercises
  • Diving accidents
  • Parachuting
  • Skiing

If you have any questions about the claims process, call us today on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation on your case. We'll discuss your accident, go through our processes with you, and offer our expert advice on your options.


Why Choose Irwin Mitchell For A Military Training Injury Claim?

When making a compensation claim against the Ministry of Defence, it helps to have the experts on your side. We handle every claim with care and sensitivity, supporting you every step of the way.

A number of our solicitors are former members of the armed forces themselves, so we completely understand the concerns that service personnel might have while making a claim. In particular, we understand that serious injuries may mean the loss of a service career, along with the support and benefits that go with it.

When we help you with a claim, we ensure that these losses are taken into account, and that any settlement considers:

  • Loss of your service earnings caused by delayed promotion or medical discharge
  • Loss of pension contributions or resettlement grant
  • Loss of a commitment bonus
  • Loss of specialist pay and allowances
  • Loss of service benefits including loss of subsidised quarters and Learning Credits

We’re committed to helping our clients access rehabilitation after an injury. We'll assess your current medical care and support needs, as well as any you might have in the future, and help you access services that can help your recovery, and assist you in living independently. This can include:

  • Surgery
  • Physiotherapy
  • Mental health support
  • Mobility aids
  • Modifications to your home

Our dedicated approach to rehabilitation has seen us win Post Magazine’s Rehabilitation Award for Claimant Solicitors on seven occasions.

If you have any questions about our services, or how we can help, don't hesitate to get in touch. Call today on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation on your case.


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