Reporting inappropriate or threatening behaviour such as harassment and bullying in the military can be incredibly difficult. Our specialist military solicitors are here to listen without judgement, and to help you set things right.
Everyone deserves to be treated properly at work, no matter how stressful or dangerous their working environment might be. While military culture is most certainly unique, driven by high pressure and intense situations, there can be times when personnel are made to feel intimidated or uncomfortable, and may not feel they are able to challenge these situations when they arise.
UK law includes protections for employees from bullying or harassment in the workplace, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a responsibility to ensure that those serving in the Armed Forces are able to do so without worrying about unfair or inappropriate treatment. Such treatment may include:
Humiliating or demeaning initiation rites or ‘beastings’
Physical or sexual harassment
Bullying
Assault
A history or “accepted” environment of inappropriate conduct is not a defence for the Ministry of Defence, and they are expected to maintain a culture of professionalism across every single branch of the military. This applies to all individuals and their families throughout the command structure, not just as a unit.
We know that it can be a difficult decision to take legal action, and you may be worried about the impact making a claim can have on your military career or proving your case. We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping to gather the evidence needed to settle your case successful and get the support and treatment you need to deal with any injuries.
What is the difference between bullying and harassment?
The definition of bullying can sometimes seem blurred, particularly when the perpetrators claim it was “only banter” or that a victim “can’t take a joke”.
Whatever a bully may call their actions, if a person has been made to feel humiliated, demeaned or afraid, they have been a victim of bullying. Forms of bullying include insults, physical assault, or humiliating or aggressive initiation rites.
Harassment is defined as any behaviour occurring on more than one occasion that is designed to cause a person alarm or distress. This could be persistent and unwanted communications, inappropriate or oppressive behaviour, or making threats.
What is the process of making a bullying or harassment claim in the military?
The process for making a military bullying claim can be quite complex, so it is advisable to get the support of an expert military solicitor to ensure your case is managed smoothly and successfully.
To start a claim, the first step is speaking to a member of our dedicated military team. We’ll ask a few questions to determine the details of your case and be able to advise you on the best way forward. This could be bringing a civil claim against the MoD, which will involve proving the MoD’s negligence was at least in part to blame from your injuries or submitting a claim through the AFCS.
In either case, it is best to gather all relevant documentation and from there, we can help guide and assist you through the entire legal process, working hard to ensure you receive the compensation, rehabilitation and support you need.
Military Injury Claims with Natasha Orr
Slater and Gordon are specialists in military injury claims and have a long-standing connection with the armed forces community. We're uniquely placed to understand the challenges of military life.
Military team leader, Natasha Orr explains military injury claims and how Slater and Gordon can help navigate these claims.
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Why choose our military injury lawyers?
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. She also has first-hand experience being the spouse of a service person, and the unique demands and difficulties this carries. Her first-hand experience gives her an extensive understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel, and their families and this 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 military bullying and harassment claims
Can I make a No Win No Fee claim?
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 are no upfront costs to starting legal action, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay a penny in fees.
How much compensation could I be owed for a military bullying or harassment claim?
Every military accident compensation claim is different, with the final figure dependent on the seriousness of the injury as well as the extent of recovery that may be possible. Our expertise is not just in winning significant compensation, it's also in understanding the need for rehabilitation and the support you and your family will need right away, and perhaps for the rest of your lives.
Will making a claim for bullying in the army affect my career?
Making a claim should not affect your military service in any way. There are strict rules in the MoD to ensure a person is not discriminated against following a personal injury claim, which are designed to protect every individual’s right to bring legal action where unnecessary harm has been caused.
It is also important to note that making a claim will not affect your entitlement to a pension.
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.
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