FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Compensation claims
Q: Am I entitled to claim compensation from the MOD for my cold injuries?
If your injuries were diagnosed in the last three years then you are probably entitled to claim compensation from the MOD. Cold injuries are almost always avoidable and tend to occur as a result of poor planning, supervision, kit and risk assessment.
Q: Can I claim compensation if I am still in service?
Yes. It is a popular myth that service personnel are prevented from suing the MOD whilst they are still in service. There is a three year time limit, running from the date you sustained your injury, in which a claim must be brought. Therefore if you wait until you are discharged you may in fact be out of time.
Q: How long do compensation claims take?
It is impossible to say how long your claim would take to settle. The length of any claim varies according to the complexity of the issues and the amount of compensation claimed. Most cases however tend to take between two and three years.
Q: Would I have to wait until the end of my case to get my money?
Once liability has been admitted by the Defendant it may be possible to obtain “a reasonable percentage” of your compensation upfront as an interim payment. Such payments are commonly used to help meet the immediate short term costs such as re-housing yourself and your family upon discharge.
Q: How do I go about brining a claim for compensation?
You should contact the CIAG who in turn will put you in touch with their
recommended solcitors who will then arrange to come and see you and talk through the whole process with you.
Q: How much will it cost for me to employ a Solicitor?
Our recommended solicitors work on a no win no fee basis. If your claim is successful their fees will be paid by the Defendant. If your claim is lost then you will not be charged at all.
Q: How much will I get?
The amount of compensation you may reasonably expect will be dictated entirely by the extent of your injuries and whether or not they have necessitated your medical discharge. However in cases were injuries are significant and symptoms persist and affect the work you are able to do in Civvi Street awards can exceed £250,000.00.
