As we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe, it is important to remember and honour the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of all those who served.
Celebrating the spirit of unity and hope that emerged from those challenging times.
Serving in the military involves honourable and challenging roles with risks, but understanding legal matters can simplify the transition back to civilian life.
A specialized Military Claims solicitor can assist in pursuing compensation for injuries or illnesses, family matters, property transactions, and Wills.
Navigating complex military legal claims is crucial for recovery and moving forward with life, as understanding one’s rights and the process is essential.
Types of Military Legal Claims
At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we can pursue various types of Military compensation claims, including the following:
Personal Injury Claims
If you have sustained an injury due to negligence or unsafe conditions while on duty, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim.
This could include injuries sustained during training exercises, accidents involving military vehicles, or injuries caused by defective equipment.
Psychiatric Injury/ Stress at Work
Service members who have suffered from stress at work which has amounted to them suffering from a psychiatric injury or mental health condition, may be entitled to compensation.
Whether the stress has been caused by bullying, harassment, excessive workloads, or a lack of training, you may be entitled to claim that employers have a duty to protect workers from physical and mental harm.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claims
Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as gunfire, explosions, and aircraft engines, can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus. If the military did not provide sufficient hearing protection, you might have grounds for a claim.
Non-Freezing Cold Injury
Non-freezing cold injuries (NCFI) occur when exposure to cold, damp conditions does not lead to freezing of the tissues but instead causes damage over time. This type of injury is common among service personnel who find themselves in cold and wet environments. Unlike freezing cold injuries, which are immediate and often visibly apparent, NFCIs develop gradually and can be deceptive in their initial stages.
Property
Whether you are still in service or have left the military, we can assist with all of your property needs.
Whether you are looking to buy a property for the first time, or are in the process of selling, we strive to make the legal side of things as simple and stress-free as possible. We also offer our Armed Forces clients a 10% discount on conveyancing fees.
Wills
We know that writing a Will can be a daunting and emotional task, but it is vital to ensure that your assets and belongings are distributed how you wish when you are no longer here. We can assist with most aspects of Will-writing, as well as other services such as Grant of Probate and Lasting Power of Attorneys. We also offer a 50% Armed Forces Discount on single and Mirror Wills.
Family Law
We can assist servicemen and women with family matters, such as Divorce, Disputes involving Children and Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.
Whether you are still serving or have left the military, we are here to help and support you when tough times arise.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we can assist you in pursuing a claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), which compensates those who have suffered injury, illness, or death during the UK Armed Forces service.
You can claim for any injury or illness which has been caused by service in the armed forces, during training or in active duty, from hearing loss, and arthritis to amputations or mental health issues.
Claims made through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme should be made within 7 years of the date the injury was sustained, made worse or in the case of illness, the date of first seeking medical advice for that illness. However, if claimants were under the age of 18 when the injury occurred, they will have 9 years to make a claim.
What are the different ways we can claim compensation for you?
As well as claiming through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, if your injury was caused due to your employer’s negligence, you may also be entitled to make a civil claim.
Although military service involves facing dangerous situations, your employer is required to ensure your safety by providing:
· Safe Systems of Work: Implementing procedures and practices that reduce risks and ensure tasks are performed safely.
· Appropriate Work Equipment: Supplying and maintaining safe equipment for use.
· Sufficient Training: Offering adequate training so personnel can perform their duties safely and handle hazardous situations effectively.
If these responsibilities are not fulfilled, leading to an injury, you may have a valid compensation claim. This can cover various damages, including physical injuries, psychological effects, and financial losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Armed Services does the scheme cover?
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme covers all regular service personnel, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, and members of the reserves for all three services. You can claim whether you still serve or have left HM Armed Forces.
Types of Military Injuries the scheme covers.
You may be entitled to claim compensation if you have an injury, illness or medical disorder caused or worsened by working in the UK Armed Forces Service. This includes accidents sustained in training exercises or active duty, resulting in physical or mental health conditions.
We have rounded up some common injuries that may be claimed for, however this list is not exhaustive:
· Accidents involving road traffic.
· Injuries during military training exercises
· Parachuting-related injuries
· Injuries from fires and explosions
· The harm caused by inadequate or faulty equipment and machinery.
· Injuries sustained during mountaineering activities.
· Non-freezing cold injuries
Time limits explained.
Claims for these types of injuries or illnesses must be made within 7 years of the earliest of the following dates:
· The date of the incident leading to the injury or illness
· The date on which an injury or illness not caused by service was made worse by service.
· In the case of illness, the date of first seeking medical advice for that illness.
· The date of discharge
However, there are certain circumstances when a claim will be accepted outside the time limits above, such as being prevented from claiming due to ill health or your illness occurring later.
How can Oakwood Solicitors help you?
Oakwood Solicitors is dedicated to supporting and pursuing justice for military personnel who have served the country.
With a proven track record and commitment to protecting their rights, they are the trusted choice for military compensation claims. They offer specialized legal support for injuries, illnesses, family matters, property transactions, and estate planning.
Their team of experienced military claims experts can advise on the best route to seek justice for injuries, including complex cases like hearing loss, PTSD, and medical negligence. They can also assist with other matters like writing a Will, property, and family law.
Oakwood Solicitors is committed to supporting Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and reservists, whether they are still serving or have entered civilian life. Proudly partnered with veterans’ charity, Front Foot, we aim to support veterans in all aspects of life.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Natasha Hardy is a Solicitor and Head of the Industrial Disease Department, specialising in Industrial Disease matters and has experience in handling a wide range of cases including claims for Noise-I…
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