Iraq War lawsuit: Were you injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan?

You may be able to seek compensation for injuries suffered while serving overseas.

If you or a family member was injured or killed while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, you may qualify to take legal action as part of an Iraq War lawsuit.

What to know about the Iraq War lawsuit

• Core Issue: Attorneys are filing lawsuits against the government of Iran, alleging that Iran supported terrorist groups that carried out attacks on U.S. service members and government contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan. The lawsuits seek to hold Iran financially responsible for injuries caused by these attacks.

• Who it Affects: U.S. military veterans and government contractors injured in certain enemy attacks while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as certain family members of those who were severely injured or killed.

• Harm/Impact: Qualifying harm may include loss of a limb, loss of eyesight, burns, scarring, gunshot or shrapnel wounds, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), injuries requiring surgery after a combat blast and loss of life.

• Legal Status: Iran lawsuits are ongoing, and attorneys are currently investigating and filing new claims on behalf of veterans, government contractors and qualifying family members.

• Take Action: Fill out the form on this page to find out if you or your family member may qualify to pursue compensation as part of an Iraq War lawsuit.

What is the Iraq War lawsuit about?

U.S. veterans, government contractors and their families are pursuing legal action against the government of Iran for allegedly supporting terrorist groups responsible for attacks on American service members during the War on Terror. The Iran lawsuits seek to hold the Iranian government financially responsible for the harm caused by these attacks.

These lawsuits allege that:

• Iran provided funding, training and other support to terrorist groups that carried out attacks on U.S. service members and government contractors.
• Iran knew its support would be used to carry out attacks against Americans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Iran’s support contributed to attacks that killed or severely injured U.S. service members and government contractors.
• Iran should be held financially responsible for the Iraq War injuries, deaths and other harm caused by these attacks.

Many veterans and their families may not realize they could have legal rights related to attacks that occurred years ago or that veterans compensation may be available through legal actions. Those who were injured or whose family members were killed may be able to pursue compensation through an Iraq War lawsuit.

Case updates

Legal status as of September 2026

• September 2026: Attorneys continue to investigate and file new claims on behalf of veterans and qualifying family members.
• June 2026: A federal court issued a judgment worth nearly $2 billion in Swinney v. Islamic Republic of Iran. The judgment covered 45 terrorist attacks and awarded damages to 55 veterans and their family members.
• May 2025: The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued the first judgment in the Swinney lawsuit, worth approximately $573.4 million. The judgment involved 12 service members who were injured during Iran-backed attacks.
• August 2020: Swinney, et al. v. Islamic Republic of Iran, et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-02316, was filed to hold Iran financially responsible for its alleged role in supporting terrorist attacks that injured or killed U.S. service members.
• October 2016: Iran was ordered to pay $1.8 billion to families who lost loved ones in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks after a federal court found that Iran provided support to al-Qaeda.

This page was last reviewed and updated in September 2026 to reflect the latest case developments.

How Iran-backed attacks have caused lasting harm to U.S. veterans

Veterans injured in attacks while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan may continue to experience the effects years after returning home. Serious Iraq War injuries can affect their health, independence, ability to work and families.

• Ongoing Medical Care: Serious combat injuries may require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications and other medical care that can continue for years.
• Long-Term or Permanent Disabilities: Loss of a limb or eyesight, burns, scarring, shrapnel injuries and other physical harm can permanently affect a veteran’s mobility, independence and ability to complete everyday activities.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: TBI can cause lasting problems with memory, concentration, judgment, communication, mood and behavior. Depending on the severity of the injury, some veterans may also need help with everyday activities or ongoing care.
• Career Impacts: Combat injuries can cut a military career short and prevent a service member from continuing along the career path they had planned. It may also limit civilian employment opportunities. 
• Emotional and Psychological Harm: Surviving a violent attack and living with serious injuries can have lasting emotional effects, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Impact on Families: Serious injuries can affect the entire family, particularly when a veteran needs ongoing care or can no longer work or participate in family life in the same way.
• Loss of a Loved One: When a service member is killed, their family loses far more than financial support. Spouses, children, parents and siblings may live with the emotional impact and loss for the rest of their lives.

Veterans and families living with these effects may not realize that compensation could be available. Those affected by certain Iran-backed attacks may have the right to pursue compensation through an Iraq War lawsuit.

What is the Swinney lawsuit?

The Swinney lawsuit (Swinney, et al. v. Islamic Republic of Iran, et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-02316) was filed against the government of Iran on behalf of U.S. service members, government contractors and their families. It seeks to hold Iran financially responsible for supporting terrorist groups that injured or killed Americans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Foreign governments usually cannot be sued in U.S. courts. However, U.S. law makes an exception for certain cases involving countries that support terrorism. Because of this exception, veterans and families affected by certain Iran-backed attacks may be able to take legal action and seek military injury compensation from Iran.

Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.