Heat Injury Claims
If you have suffered an injury due to being exposed to excessive heat while serving in the military, our Armed Forces solicitors are here to help you. We are experienced in helping service personnel who have been diagnosed with a heat injury and will provide practical legal advice to guide you throughout the claims process.
Our award-winning Armed Forces solicitors are widely regarded for a practical and pragmatic approach to legal advice. We understand the wide-reaching impact that a military injury can have on those affected, and will use our experience to give you the best chance of securing compensation.
Speak to our solicitors today about making a heat injury claim by calling 0345 872 6666, or complete our online contact form and we will call you back at a time that is suitable for you.
How JMW Can Help
We know heat injuries can be extremely distressing, and have handled cases on the most severe level; including helping families whose loved ones have sadly passed away as a result of exposure to extreme heat conditions.
Our experience, therefore, has given us a very in-depth understanding of the impact these injuries can have, and the steps to take when dealing with a related claim.
We strive to do the very best for our clients, providing clear advice through all stages of a claim, and being as transparent as possible to ensure you know what is going on at all times.
Our Armed Forces department is led by respected solicitor and Partner Clare Stevens, who has significant experience in representing injured servicemen and women in a wide range of military claims.
Clare was involved in a case in the Brecon Beacons, which you can read about here.
Does the Ministry of Defence Have a Duty of Care?
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a legal responsibility to prevent heat injuries for service personnel. According to its own guidance: “Each year, there are significant impacts on health and sometimes death as a result of heat and cold injuries among service personnel. These are nearly all preventable, provided the risk factors are assessed properly and appropriately managed.”
If you or a loved one have been affected by a heat injury that was caused by someone’s negligence while serving in the Armed Forces, the solicitors at JMW can help you to claim compensation.
FAQs About Heat Injuries
When do heat injuries usually occur?
Heat injuries usually arise in hot conditions, particularly during tough physical exercise that takes place outdoors. This type of injury can occur anywhere in the world, and we have acted on a number of serious heat injury cases where injury has occurred as a result of overexposure to extreme conditions in the UK, as well as overseas.
What are the symptoms of a heat injury?
The symptoms of a heat injury include:
- Muscular weakness and cramps
- A headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Dizziness and nausea
- Confusion
The situation can escalate quickly if it is not managed correctly, and the most serious cases can lead to coma, organ failure and death.
What steps can I take if someone has suffered a heat injury?
If someone is displaying the symptoms of a heat injury, the following steps can help:
- Take their temperature
- Move them into the shade
- Remove their clothing
- Provide them with water
- Call the emergency services
How can heat injuries be prevented?
Heat injuries are preventable with the right management, and the MoD has a duty of care to protect personnel by assessing risks properly and ensuring they are appropriately managed. This includes ensuring that training and other exercises are carried out safely by:
- Giving personnel the training and tools to recognise and protect themselves against injury
- Ensuring duties are carried out in reasonable temperatures and conditions
- Providing water and sufficient breaks
- Reducing the amount of physical labour undertaken in hot and dry conditions
- Providing the right personal protective equipment (PPE), clothing and shelter
- Monitoring for the signs of heat injury and providing proper treatment
When the MoD fails to carry out these duties, it can result in unnecessary suffering for you and your colleagues.
Talk to Us
To start a military claim for compensation, speak to a specialist here today by calling 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, complete our online contact form and we will call back at a time that suits you.
