We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is the special compensatory body for members of the UK armed forces. The scheme was set up to replace aspects of the War Pensions Scheme and the Armed Forces Pensions Scheme and provides monetary damages, regardless of fault, to members of the armed forces who have suffered injury on or after April 6 2005.
As well as covering full-time members of the armed forces, the scheme also covers reservists and Ghurkhas. It awards sums that are calculated based on a tariff system, with Tariff 1 being the maximum amount of compensation and tariff 12 being the lowest.
In 2010 the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme was reviewed by the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral the Lord Boyce.
As such, soon afterwards changes were made to the scheme, in accordance with Boyce's findings. Some changes came into effect almost immediately (3 August 2010), while others were arranged to be implemented later (February 2011).
Foremost among these changes was a decision to extend the time limit for the making of a claim. Whereas this time limit had previously been five years, it was extended to seven years from the point of diagnosis.
In keeping with this greater flexibility, the time limit for the making of bereavement claims was extended from one year to three years. Furthermore, the maximum amount of bereavement benefit payable was increased from £20,000 to £25,000, reflecting a rise in armed forces wages.
At the time, Andrew Robathan, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, explained the changes, "Making these changes and implementing the recommendations of the Boyce Review demonstrates the Government's commitment to injured service personnel, both those serving and veterans. We are working to get all of the recommendations from the Review into practice as soon as possible," he said.
"Crucially, nobody will lose out as a result of these changes indeed, all will receive an uplift to the amount they received. I am determined to continue to ensure the care for our personnel is the best possible."
No win, no fee claims for armed forces members involved in non-combat accidents
A no win, no fee solicitor can help an armed forces claim compensation for injury sustained in a non-fault accident provided the incident did not take place as a direct result of conflict; such incidents are dealt with by the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
So, if you are a member of the armed forces and have been involved in a car accident here in the UK or abroad, but with another UK national, your claim for compensation will be processed along the normal channels.
Furthermore, if you have suffered personal injury in any other type of incident, whether a holiday accident or product liability accident, you are entitled to pursue a claim for damages in the usual way.
To find out more about our solicitors and their completely fee-free 100% compensation service, echat, complete an online claim form or call us, on 0800 10 757 95.
