Compensation claims for Special Forces and Specialist Military Unit personnel

Members of the UK's Special Forces and Specialist Military Units (SMUs) can face challenges when pursuing compensation claims. The nature of their service means that information about operations, colleagues and deployments cannot always be disclosed, even when it is relevant to a legal case.

That does not mean they are prevented from making a claim. There are established procedures for dealing with sensitive information, although additional authorisation may be required before proceedings begin or evidence can be shared.

Hilary Meredith Solicitors has extensive experience in military compensation claims and understands the additional requirements of cases concerning sensitive military service. Our team can guide serving personnel and veterans through the claims process while taking account of strict confidentiality and security requirements.

Protecting classified information

One of the main challenges for Special Forces/SMU personnel is the handling of classified information.

A compensation claim may require details of training exercises, operational activities, equipment and the circumstances in which an injury occurred. Disclosing such information without permission could potentially compromise national security or put other serving personnel at risk.

These concerns can also extend to witnesses who may be asked to provide evidence in support of a claim.

Security restrictions do not automatically prevent a case from progressing. Hilary Meredith Solicitors can help identify what information may be needed to support a claim, establish the relevant disclosure requirements and advise on any permissions needed before sensitive information can be shared.

Express Prior Authority in Writing (EPAW)

For personnel who have served in certain sensitive military roles, Express Prior Authority in Writing (EPAW) from the Ministry of Defence may be required before pursuing a compensation claim or disclosing information connected with their service.

EPAW provides a means of managing the disclosure of sensitive information while protecting national security.

The requirements can apply to civil compensation claims and applications under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

Hilary Meredith Solicitors can help clients establish whether EPAW is required, explain the authorisation process and advise on how it affects their claim

Confidentiality and legal advice

Solicitors have strict professional duties of confidentiality, and communications between clients and their legal advisers are protected by legal professional privilege. These confidentiality obligations remain in place unless disclosure is required by law or a client consents.

These protections are particularly important for personnel whose service has involved sensitive or classified operations and who may need to discuss sensitive matters.

Can a claim be made anonymously?

Protecting an individual's identity can be another important consideration, particularly where disclosure could create security risks for the claimant or others.

In certain circumstances, the courts can impose restrictions on the publication of identifying information or the disclosure of sensitive evidence.

Anonymity is not automatic, but our team can advise whether anonymity or restrictions on the disclosure of sensitive information can be sought.

Specialist military claims advice

Serving and former Special Forces and SMU personnel have legal rights, just like other members of the Armed Forces.

Injuries sustained during training, accidents, hearing loss and service-related medical conditions can have serious, long-term consequences. The sensitive nature of an

individual's military career should not prevent them from exploring whether compensation is available.

Hilary Meredith Solicitors has a long-established reputation for representing serving personnel and veterans in military compensation claims.

Our specialist team can explain the options available, identify any authorisations required and guide clients through the claims process while protecting sensitive information.

If you have served in a Special Forces or Specialist Military Unit role and believe you may have grounds for a compensation claim, contact Hilary Meredith Solicitors for an initial discussion.

Please do not include classified or operationally sensitive information in your initial enquiry.