Alma Law

Alma Law is a bespoke veteran owned personal injury law firm.

Our Mission is You

We are a niche personal injury law firm managed by Grant Evatt, a former British Army Commando. Grant is accredited as a specialist by the Law Society of England and Wales and as a Senior Litigator by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

03/09/2026

An opportunity at Alma Law in Plymouth.

My young assistant Alex has left to begin his law degree at the University of Surrey. I wish him every success.

That leaves a chair vacant at our Royal William Yard office.

I’m looking for a paralegal or a recent graduate or qualified lawyer who would like to develop a career in military claims and learn the ropes in a busy specialist practice.

The work is interesting, challenging and, most importantly, worthwhile. Alma represents serving personnel and veterans across the country, predominantly in claims against the MOD.

I’m a solicitor and veteran myself and will invest time in someone who wants to learn, work hard and become good in this important field of law.

The role is based in Plymouth. The office and its surroundings are fabulous!

If that sounds like you — or someone you know — please drop me a message.

Grant Evatt
Alma Law

28/08/2026

AFCS mental health claims – the diagnosis is only part of the story.

I received an enquiry this week from a senior serving soldier diagnosed with a significant mental health condition who wanted some advice about making an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) claim.

My first advice was simple: get the claim in.

You don’t ordinarily need a solicitor to make the initial application. I’ve helped many serving personnel and veterans with AFCS claims over the years, but I have to charge for my time and, where somebody can reasonably make the application themselves, I’d rather they kept their money.

But there are important things to get right.

Don’t simply tell Veterans UK your diagnosis. Explain how the condition actually affects you — at work, at home, in relationships, socially and in everyday life.

And don’t minimise it because you’re still serving, still working, coping, or simply having a better time when you complete the form.

Be honest. Don’t exaggerate. But tell the whole story.

I’ve posted more detailed guidance for anyone making, or considering making, an AFCS mental health claim on the Alma Law website.

Link in the comments👇🏽

In the article I’ve also explained why an interim award isn’t necessarily a bad outcome, when specialist advice may become important, and why you should never leave an adverse Veterans UK decision sitting in a drawer.

For those needing free assistance, I am very happy to recommend the Royal British Legion’s War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation team.

For some serving personnel and veterans, asking for help is itself a significant step.

Compensation is important. Your health is more important.

Please feel free to share this post. If it helps serving men and women or veterans understand the process and get the right advice at the right time, then I have done my job.

Have a top Bank Holiday folks 👊🏽

Grant Evatt
Solicitor and former 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery

21/08/2026

Injured During Military Sport or Adventurous Training – Can You Make an AFCS Claim?

The answer may well be yes.

We’ve published a new article looking at injuries sustained during authorised military sport and training, how Veterans UK assesses those injuries under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, and an important distinction that is sometimes misunderstood: an AFCS award is not calculated in the same way as damages in a civil personal injury claim.

We also look at career impact, medical discharge and when a Guaranteed Income Payment may become relevant.

If you’re serving or have left the Armed Forces and are unsure whether an injury falls within the AFCS — or whether an award you have already received is correct — the article is worth a read. Link in the comments below 👇🏽

13/08/2026

Geddon!

One of the great things about living and working in Plymouth is that occasionally you get evenings like this.

Last night’s British Firework Championships over Plymouth Sound were spectacular — coming just after the eclipse, I have to say the fireworks rather eclipsed the eclipse!

But what struck me just as much was seeing so many people out together: families, friends, young and old, enjoying a summer evening and one of the finest natural settings any city in Britain could wish for.

These are difficult times for many people across the country, and perhaps that makes simple occasions like this all the more important. Thousands of people coming together, enjoying themselves and taking a little pride in the place they call home.

I moved my business, and my life, to Plymouth this year. Evenings like this remind me what a good decision that was.

And they’re doing it all again tonight.

Plymouth at its very best.

GE
Alma Law

04/08/2026

A great testimonial for solicitor Grant Evatt from a modest but gifted young Army Corporal whose military career ended abruptly through negligence.

KELLY

Outstanding support and expertise during a life-changing transition from military service

"I first contacted Grant at Alma Law in 2023 after my Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) case was struck out. From the outset, Grant provided clear, expert advice, reassuring me that he could fix the AFCS error (he did) and that I should pursue a Civil (negligence) Claim simultaneously. Over the course of three years, and even after needing to promptly start court proceedings, Grant supported me through every step of a very challenging process. He was extraordinarily patient, always taking the time to answer my endless questions and ease my stress whenever the process felt overwhelming. Following medical discharge, my personal circumstances changed dramatically. Grant and the team at Alma Law showed deep understanding and genuine empathy, not just regarding the legalities of my case, but throughout my entire transition into civilian life. Grant worked tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome, resulting in a significant out of court settlement. I am incredibly grateful for his hard work, patience, and dedication. I can't recommend Grant and Alma Law highly enough!"

♾️Our Mission is You - Always♾️

01/08/2026

New article: Abbott v Ministry of Defence – Why Some Military Hearing Loss Claims May No Longer Succeed

The High Court’s decision in Abbott v Ministry of Defence has changed the way military hearing loss claims are assessed.

Many veterans have understandably asked what this means for their own claim.

We’ve published a short article explaining the judgment, why medical causation remains an essential part of every claim, and why some claims that may once have succeeded may no longer do so.

Every claim turns on its own facts and medical evidence, but we hope this article provides some helpful guidance.

Read the full article posted in the comments 👇🏽

30/07/2026

Veterans: Think Carefully Before Instructing a Claims Farmer

Almost every day, I find myself reading the comments beneath Facebook adverts posted by commercial claims farmers. I rarely get involved, but I often come away thinking the same thing: someone should have given that veteran honest advice years ago.

Time and again, I see veterans asking why they’ve been waiting so long for an update, or why nobody seems able to tell them what’s happening with their claim.

The truth is that military hearing loss litigation is a highly specialised area of law. It’s not simply a case of filling in a form and waiting for the MOD to send you a cheque. This is not ‘dieselgate’. Issues such as Crown Immunity, the Abbott judgment, the Matrix Agreement, causation and quantum will have a dramatic impact on whether a claim is worth pursuing in the first place and, if it is, what it is realistically worth.

In my own practice, I sometimes advise veterans not to proceed. That isn’t because I doubt they’ve suffered hearing loss. It’s because, once I apply the law to their service history, the likely outcome simply doesn’t justify years of litigation.

A commercial claims farmer cannot give you that advice. Their business is generating enquiries and passing them on. They cannot provide independent legal advice based on the individual facts of your case.

So before you sign anything or hand over your personal information, ask yourself one simple question:

Has anyone actually explained whether my claim is worth pursuing?

Sometimes the most valuable advice a solicitor can give is also the hardest to hear:

“Please don’t spend the next five years pursuing a claim that was never likely to produce a worthwhile outcome.”

Veterans deserve clear, honest advice from the outset—not false hope.

GE
30.07.26

P.S. I report commercial claims businesses to the relevant regulator where I have had genuine concerns about the way they present themselves online. My concern is always the same: veterans should know exactly who they are dealing with, who regulates them, and who will ultimately be responsible for handling their claim.

24/07/2026

Important clarification for UK veterans about the 3M litigation.

Over the past few days we have seen an increasing number of comments on Facebook and other social media from veterans who appear to believe that the advertised 3M earplug litigation is connected to the UK military hearing loss litigation.

It isn’t.

The 3M litigation concerns allegations against 3M, the American manufacturer of Combat Arms earplugs. It is not a claim against the Ministry of Defence, and it is not part of the UK military hearing loss litigation that many veterans will already be familiar with.

The comments we have seen on social media suggest that many veterans are confusing these two entirely separate legal processes. Some contributors even believe their claim has already settled after waiting several years, when they are in fact referring to a completely different process. That only reinforces the importance of ensuring everyone understands exactly which claim they are pursuing.

We have also seen veterans asking whether the 31 January 2027 deadline applies to the 3M litigation. The answer is no. That date relates solely to the UK military hearing loss litigation and has no connection whatsoever with any claim against 3M. The Matrix agreement relates to claims against the MOD and sets out the framework under which participating claims are resolved.

Before signing any retainer or pursuing any legal claim, we would encourage every veteran to ask a few simple questions:

• Who is actually being sued?
• Which country’s legal system governs the claim?
• Is this a claim against the MOD or 3M?

They are entirely separate legal matters, and it is important not to confuse them.

10/07/2026

Could much of the military hearing loss litigation have been avoided?

After more than 25 years representing serving personnel and veterans, I’ve been reflecting on a question that goes beyond individual compensation claims.

Did the growth of military hearing loss litigation expose weaknesses in the way we compensate injured service personnel?

As the Government attempts to convince us of their commitment to the future of our Armed Forces, I believe it’s worth asking whether our compensation schemes should evolve alongside defence policy. Fair compensation isn’t just about litigation; it’s about recruitment, retention, morale and honouring the Armed Forces Covenant.

I’ve shared some personal thoughts in a new article on the Alma Law website. 🔗 is in the comments.

I’d be interested to hear the views of serving personnel, veterans and others with an interest in defence policy.

—-

Grant J. Evatt
Veteran of 29 Commando Regiment RA
Solicitor and founder of Alma Law

09/07/2026

Investing in people and professional development is never time wasted.

A thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile day in a balmy London yesterday.

The morning was spent showing Alex around some of the landmarks of the legal profession, including the Royal Courts of Justice, The Temple and its church and the Law Society. As someone at the very beginning of his legal career, it was a valuable opportunity for him to experience first-hand the history, traditions and institutions that underpin our profession.

In the afternoon, we attended the excellent 12 King’s Bench Walk Annual Conference at Lincoln’s Inn. The programme featured a series of outstanding training sessions delivered by members of chambers across a broad range of topics, including personal injury, clinical negligence, costs, inquests and group litigation. In specialist practice, continuing professional development is essential, and the quality of the speakers and presentations was first class.

The day concluded with the 12 King's Bench Walk Summer Party, where it was a pleasure to catch up with friends, former colleagues and counsel. I was particularly delighted to meet Steven Snowden KC, Head of Chambers, together with many members of one of the country’s leading personal injury sets. My thanks to everyone at 12 for their warm hospitality and for delivering such a well-organised and informative event.

Days like these are a reminder that the law never stands still. Investing in knowledge, professional relationships and the next generation of lawyers ultimately benefits the people who matter most—our clients.

Address

Residence 2, Royal William Yard
Plymouth
PL13RP

Website

https://www.almalaw.co.uk/

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