Military claims are unlike most other personal injury cases. They require an understanding of military life, specialist legislation, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and the unique challenges faced by serving personnel, veterans and their families.
As more members of the Armed Forces community seek legal advice following service-related injuries and illnesses, building a team with the right expertise has never been more important. That is why our Military Claims department at Ison Harrison Solicitors has continued to grow, bringing together lawyers and support staff with decades of combined experience representing military clients.
Experience That Covers Every Stage of a Military Claim
From the first conversation through to the conclusion of a claim, clients benefit from a team with specialist knowledge across military injury litigation, civil claims against the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) applications.
Leading the department is Diane Askwith, Chartered Legal Executive Litigator and Partner, who has spent more than twenty years acting for serving personnel and veterans. Her experience includes claims arising from military training exercises, cold weather injuries and highly sensitive cases involving allegations of sexual assault during service, both at sea and on land. She works with various charities including SaluteHerUk who provide specialist support to victims of military sexual assault.
Working alongside Diane is Solicitor, Patrick Nelly, whose practice focuses on civil litigation and personal injury. Since qualifying in 2007, Patrick has developed significant experience representing military personnel pursuing compensation claims against the Ministry of Defence. His work with veterans’ organisations and fundraising support for charities such as Walking With The Wounded reflects a commitment that extends beyond the legal profession.
Supporting clients throughout their claim is Paralegal, Marli Innes, who herself is a Reservist, assists with AFCS applications, civil military claims and the day-to-day management of cases. With an academic background in Sociology, she brings an appreciation of the wider impact that injury can have on individuals and families, ensuring every client receives practical support alongside legal advice.
More Than Individual Specialists
One of the greatest strengths of the department is that military clients are also supported by an established personal injury team with expertise across numerous specialist disciplines.
Partner Simon Helliwell has spent over 26 years advising clients in complex litigation, including military injury claims, clinical negligence, Human Rights Act cases linked to inquests and professional negligence matters.
Tracey Stringer, whose legal career began in 1983, has built an outstanding reputation handling workplace accidents, industrial disease and serious personal injury claims. Her commitment to client care has made her particularly well regarded by vulnerable clients requiring additional support.
The department also benefits from the expertise of Jordanna Gee, who has developed a specialist practice in Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) claims for current and former members of the Armed Forces, together with Charlotte Cooper, a trainee solicitor who assists on traumatic injury cases, PTSD claims and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme matters.
This breadth of experience means clients can access a wide range of specialist knowledge while still receiving the personalised service of a dedicated military claims team.
Supporting the Armed Forces Beyond Legal Advice
Providing legal representation is only one aspect of our commitment to the military community.
We are proud to have achieved Silver Status under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising organisations that actively support serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families through the Armed Forces Covenant.
For Diane Askwith, the recognition represents far more than an award.
“This is an immensely proud moment for myself, being able to raise awareness of the Armed Forces and the very special community who serve within it and those with close links. I am very much looking forward to continuing the great work we do, supporting the Armed Forces Community, Reservists and Cadets and to stand out as a Forces Friendly employer. #ERSSilver26”
The award reflects the values that underpin our approach: understanding military life, supporting those who serve and providing specialist legal expertise when it is needed most.
Looking Ahead
As demand for specialist military legal services continues to increase, we remain committed to investing in our people and expanding the expertise available to our clients.
Whether someone needs advice following a training accident, a service-related illness, a hearing loss claim, an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme application or another type of military injury claim, they can be confident they are being supported by a team with extensive experience and a genuine understanding of the Armed Forces community.
By continuing to strengthen our Military Claims department, we are ensuring that serving personnel, veterans and their families have access to the specialist legal support they deserve whenever they need it.
For expert military claims advice, please contact our team or visit our dedicated Military Injury Claims website.
