If your question isn't answered here, call us on 033 3016 2222 or request a free review — we're always happy to talk it through.
Is this a new claim against the MOD?
No. Your original claim against the Ministry of Defence has ended. An undersettlement claim is a separate professional negligence claim against the former solicitor or firm whose handling caused you to receive too little.
Will I lose the compensation I already received?
No. Your previous settlement remains yours. This claim seeks the additional compensation — the shortfall — that you should have received on top of it.
How do I know if my claim was undersettled?
Common signs include being rushed to settle, never receiving a clear written valuation, and no advice on pension or future loss of earnings. Our 60-second checker and a free review will give you a clearer answer.
How long do I have to make a claim?
Usually six years from the negligence, with a possible three-year extension from your date of knowledge under section 14A of the Limitation Act 1980, subject to a fifteen-year longstop. Deadlines are strict, so early advice is important.
How much could I recover?
It depends on the gap between what you received and what a properly run claim was worth, and on the strength of that original claim. For service leavers, missed pension and earnings losses can be the largest element. We assess this for free.
Do I have to go to court?
Often not. Many professional negligence claims settle through negotiation under the pre-action protocol. We only issue court proceedings where a fair settlement can't be reached, and we'll guide you throughout.
What will it cost me?
Most claims are funded on a no win, no fee basis. You pay nothing up front, nothing if the claim fails, and any success fee is capped at 25% of the damages recovered. Your initial review is free.
Won't this get my old solicitor into trouble?
A successful claim is met by the firm's professional indemnity insurers, which exist precisely for this purpose. You are recovering compensation you were entitled to, not pursuing an individual personally.
I used a claims company, not a solicitor — can I still claim?
Possibly. The duty of care can extend to claims management companies and other advisers. The starting point is a free review of how your claim was handled.
Can I claim on behalf of a family member?
Yes, in appropriate cases — for example where a veteran has lost capacity, or on behalf of an estate. Get in touch and we'll explain the position.
The honest answer to "do I have a claim?" almost always needs a look at your old file. That review is free and there's no obligation — request yours here.