Armed Forces compensation claims Scotland
We can help guide you through any claim to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme having specialist solicitors who can provide you with full advice throughout the claim process.
Overview
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
We are specialist experts and have one of the largest personal injury teams in Scotland with over 25 personal injury specialists covering the whole of Scotland with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Elgin, Thurso and Lerwick.
As one of the leading Scottish law firms Harper Macleod also demonstrated its support for the country’s Armed Forces community by committing to honour the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018.
Through the Covenant, Harper Macleod confirmed it is an armed forces-friendly organisation and seeks to support the employment of veterans young and old and working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), in order to establish a tailored employment pathway for Service Leavers. The firm also offers a discount on its services to members of the Armed Forces Community.
You can find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant here.
THE TEAM
FAQs
Common questions about making a claim
How long do I have to make a claim for an injury sustained during service?
Am I eligible to make a claim to the armed forces compensation scheme?
How is the compensation amount determined?
What medical evidence is required for Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) claim in Scotland?
How long do I have to make a claim for an injury sustained during service?
Answer
A claim for compensation through the scheme will only be considered if that claim is made within 7 years of the date of the injury or illness occurring. If you had an existing injury or illness and you feel this was made worse through your service, then your claim must be made within 7 years of the date on which it was made worse. There may not have been any specific incident that lead to your injury or illness and if so, your claim must be made within 7 years of the date you first sought medical advice. Alternatively, a claim can be made within 7 years of the date of your discharge from service.
There are exceptions to the seven year time limit in cases involving a late onset illness. This applies to illnesses which involve a malignancy or physical disorder which may have been caused by something you were exposed to during your service. The exposure may have been more than 7 years before you became aware of the illness. In these cases, the claim must be made within 3 years of the date medical advice was sought.
Am I eligible to make a claim to the armed forces compensation scheme?
Answer
You may have suffered injury or illness whilst serving with the armed forces. You may have even lost a partner during their service. If so, then you will be entitled to make a claim to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
The AFCS is available to all members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army, the Royal Air Force and also the Reserves.
How is the compensation amount determined?
Answer
Determining compensation under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) in Scotland involves a thorough process. The evaluation considers medical evidence, military service details, and the severity of injuries or illnesses based on a tariff system. There are strict time limits on making a claim therefore it is important that you obtain advice as soon as possible.
What medical evidence is required for Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) claim in Scotland?
Answer
For an AFCS claim in Scotland you are required to provide detailed medical evidence showing the nature and severity of your military service-related injuries. The AFCS operates on a tariff system, categorising injuries for compensation.
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“Great service with Harper Macleod, would highly recommend them. Laura Gallacher did a fantastic job helping me and made the whole situation a lot easier”
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“Amy Dickson is strong, clear, determined and an impressive litigator.”
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“Heather Calderwood is a very experienced and able partner who is also a solicitor-advocate. Strong relationships with their clients who value the advice given to them.”
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