05. Can I claim compensation if I have been injured in service?

You can claim compensation from the Ministry of Defence if you have been injured and it was the fault (or partly the fault) of the Ministry of Defence. If you are a dependant (a child, partner or husband or wife, for example) of a serviceman or woman who has died in such circumstances, you may be able to claim compensation.

If you want to make a claim for compensation, you need to give the Ministry of Defence certain information. Before making a claim, you should consider seeking legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in personal injury or medical negligence claims. First of all, you could contact the Royal British Legion, who can give you general advice about claiming compensation. See 'Further help' below for details on how to contact the Royal British Legion.

When you make your claim, you need to tell the Ministry of Defence:

• the arm of the forces you served in;
• your service number;
• when you enlisted in the forces and, if you were discharged, the date of your discharge;
• details of your injury or medical treatment;
• details, including the date, of the incident that led to your injury; and
• why you believe the Ministry of Defence was negligent (that is, why it was the Ministry of Defence's fault).