Working in the military is often dangerous and challenging, so it is imperative you get the best care possible. Where this hasn’t happened, and you’ve suffered as a result, you could be entitled to compensation to support your recovery, even if your care was provided by the military.
Working in the Armed Forces is an incredibly dangerous job and the chances that you could suffer an injury are high. It is therefore critical that when things go wrong, and you become injured, that you receive the best possible medical attention.
Having the best possible chance at making a full recovery from injury can be the difference between continuing in your career or being discharged on medical grounds. Where this doesn’t happen, you could unfortunately suffer further harm or injury due to medical negligence.
Medical professionals in the military have the same obligation to their patients as any other medical professionals, and mistakes can happen. It is important that you speak to us to determine whether you may be eligible for compensation.
Making a successful claim can be critical to providing the resources you need to access private healthcare and rehabilitation that can make all the difference in your recovery. Compensation can also pay for any lifestyle, mobility or home adaptations you may need to help you continue living a full life. What’s more, it can also help to highlight any mistakes that have been made in your medical care so that none of your colleagues or other members of the Armed Forces suffer in the same way.
If you have suffered due to medical negligence in the Armed Forces, get in touch with our team today to learn more about making a military medical negligence claim.
Military medical negligence is a term used to describe any circumstance in which a medical professional working for the military has failed in their duty of care to a patient who has subsequently suffered harm as a result. Any injury or illness caused as a result of medical negligence can lead to a military negligence claim, however some of the most common causes of injury include:
Delays in diagnosing an illness or injury
Incorrectly diagnosing an illness or injury
Surgical errors
Head or brain injuries
Wrongful death
Delayed treatment leading to loss of limb
The impact of medical negligence can be wide ranging, from changes to your career and financial stress, to your ability to life your life to the full. Making a claim for compensation can help you access the support and rehabilitation you and your loved ones need. We understand that it can be daunting to challenge decisions made by medical professionals in the military, but our specialist team can assure you of your rights, along with the myths, rumours, and misconceptions regarding military healthcare.
How can a breach of duty lead to a military medical negligence claim?
All medical and healthcare professionals owe their patients a duty of care. This means that, at all times, the standard of care delivered should be a high-quality and the patient should never be put at risk of harm due to lack of action or negligent treatment. Where this duty of care is breached, the medical practitioner delivering your care is guilty of medical negligence. Examples of behaviour that could constitute medical negligence includes:
Incorrect or delays in diagnosis
Misinterpretation of test results, leading to a delay in treatment
Errors in the administration of medical care
Prescription of incorrect or unsuitable medications
Errors in surgery
Why choose our military injury lawyers?
We understand that it can be difficult to consider legal action against the Ministry of Defence (MoD), but when it comes to healthcare, it should not matter whether you are treated in the military or as a civilian – you are entitled to high-quality medical care. At Slater and Gordon, we have a long-standing connection with military personnel, and all of our cases are handled by specialists with a great deal of experience in dealing with military injury cases. Our dedicated military injury solicitors are headed up by Natasha Orr, Senior Associate and an APIL (Association of Personal Injury Solicitors) accredited Senior Litigator, as well as a former member of the Armed Forces. Her first-hand experience gives her an extensive understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel and fuels her passion for assisting the military community.
Our military law team have received numerous accolades and recognition across the legal industry, such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. We work closely with several charities, such as HASAG and Mesothelioma UK, who provide a specific service for military personnel diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Frequently asked questions about Armed Forces medical negligence claims
What is the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)?
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is a government funded scheme managed by Veterans UK. Its purpose is to provide compensation for military personnel and veterans who have suffered injury or illness due to military service.
Importantly, it is a ‘no fault’ scheme which means that, unlike a civil claim, there is no need to prove that negligence on the part of the MoD caused your injuries. All that is required is proof that your injury was caused by your time in the military.
Can I make a No Win No Fee for military medical negligence?
We understand how daunting it can be to pursue legal action, whether through the AFCS or submitting a claim against the MoD through the civil courts, and no one should have to then deal with the stress of funding a claim.
That is why all the claims we pursue on behalf of military personnel are done so by way of a No Win No Fee agreement. It means that there is no upfront costs to starting legal action, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay a penny in fees.
Is there a time limit for making a claim for military medical negligence?
The general rule is that a claim should be made within three years from the date the incident occurred or the date you were first aware you had suffered an injury or illness.
Claims to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority must normally be made within two years of the assault and claims under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme must be made within seven years of the injury.
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David