Non-Freezing Cold Injury Claims
If you have sustained an injury after being negligently exposed to extremely low temperatures or wet conditions while serving in the military, our armed forces solicitors can help you. Our specialist team has helped hundreds of service personnel to claim compensation because of negligence on the part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
We are an award-winning team of solicitors who are widely recognised for our practical and pragmatic approach to legal advice. We understand the devastating impact that a non-freezing cold injury can have on those affected, which is why we will work tirelessly to put you in the best position to claim compensation.
Speak to us today about making a non-freezing cold injury (NFCI) claim by calling 0345 872 6666, or complete our online enquiry form and we will call back at a time that suits you.
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How JMW Can Help
When it comes to non-freezing cold injury claims, the team at JMW is second to none. We offer a great deal of expertise when it comes to this type of injury.
We regularly deal with NFCI claims that are caused by:
- Poor risk assessment
- Lack of suitable kit
- Lack of training, which means an NFCI is not properly diagnosed
- Failure to remove the affected individual from cold and wet conditions
- Re-exposing individuals to a cold environment
- Prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions
We fight to do what is best for our clients, providing straightforward advice and assistance throughout the claims process, so you know where your non-freezing cold injury claim is up to at all times.
Whether you have sustained an NFCI or any other form of injury during your time in the armed forces, we can help you to make a compensation claim. Our armed forces claims team is a specialist in military claims and is on hand to give you the advice you need to make a successful claim.
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.
Meet Our Team
Clare Stevens
Clare Stevens is a Partner at JMW Solicitors in Manchester, specialising in catastrophic injury cases, particularly those involving military personnel. She has extensive experience handling serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, blast injuries, and amputations. Clare is also well-versed in Non-Freezing Cold Injuries, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claims, Criminal Injuries Compensation (Overseas) Scheme claims, and cases involving combat immunity and inquest representation.
Notably, she secured a £7.2 million settlement for a pilot who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and has represented clients in high-profile inquests, including the Castlemartin and Brecon Beacons cases.
To speak to Clare today, call us on 0345 872 6666.
Case Study
What Are Non-Freezing Cold Injuries?
Non-freezing cold injuries occur due to cold exposure, where those affected can experience a complete loss of sensation. Immersion in cold water, or wearing wet socks or boots for prolonged periods, can also lead to NFCIs. This type of local cold injury became commonly known as trench foot during World War I, and can lead to debilitating consequences, including significant discomfort and potential health complications for those affected.
To learn more about non-freezing cold injuries and how they typically affect military personnel, take a look at our SlideShare gallery below:
What Are the Long-Term Effects of NFCIs?
Non-freezing cold injury can have significant long-term effects, especially if not treated promptly. These effects can impact an individual’s quality of life and overall health.
- Chronic pain: one of the most debilitating long-term effects of NFCI is chronic pain. This persistent pain can severely affect daily activities and overall wellbeing.
- Numbness and paraesthesia: NFCI can lead to permanent numbness and paraesthesia, which are tingling or burning sensations in the affected areas. These symptoms can be particularly distressing and persistent.
Hypersensitivity to cold: individuals who have suffered from NFCI may develop an increased sensitivity to cold temperatures. This hypersensitivity can make it challenging to engage in day-to-day activities,including work.
Does the Ministry of Defence Have a Duty of Care?
The MoD has a legal responsibility to prevent NFCI for individuals serving in the armed forces. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Mistakes or negligence made by senior personnel can result in incidents where risk factors for NFCIs are not properly accounted for, leading to avoidable and potentially severe injuries, and the onset of debilitating symptoms such as intense pain and swelling.
The MoD has provided clear advice on reducing the risk of injury in the JSP 375 guidance: Cold injury: prevention and management. However, Commanders are often unaware of the guidance or fail to follow it. NFCI can be prevented by:
- Providing suitable kit
- Keeping hands and feet as dry as possible
- Regular foot inspections
- Limiting exposure to cold and wet climates
- Regular hot food and drink
- Assessing, reviewing and monitoring weather conditions
- Listening to complaints - one person suffering an NFCI means others are likely to have the injury or be at risk
If you or a loved one have been affected by an NFCI that was caused by the negligence of another party while serving in the armed forces, our solicitors can help you to make a compensation claim.
FAQs About Non-Freezing Cold Injuries
- What are the symptoms of a non-freezing cold injury?
Service personnel should be trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of an NFCI to allow them to act fast when seeking treatment, and prevent the damage from becoming irreversible.
Symptoms of NFCI can include:
- Numbness
- Pain
- Pins and needles
- How is a non-freezing cold injury treated?
To treat an NFCI, there are a number of steps that can be taken:
- Remove wet boots and socks and/or gloves
- Dry wet hands/feet
- Replace wet socks or gloves
- Change into dry kit as soon as possible
- Use foot powder
- Wiggle the toes and/or fingers to keep them warm
- Gently re-warm the feet and/or hands
Failure to provide the proper treatment for those affected by cold injuries can lead to more severe long-term damage, which is why it is vital for armed forces personnel to be properly trained on how to identify and treat these conditions when they arise.
- How do I make an NFCI claim?
If you have sustained an NFCI during your service, you can bring a claim against the Ministry of Defence if it has failed to meet its duty of care by providing adequate training, equipment or a safe working environment. The process begins with an initial consultation, where we will discuss the circumstances of your injury, how it happened, and how it has affected your life and career.
Our team will then gather the specialist evidence needed for a military claim, which may include your service records, medical reports, technical documentation and witness accounts. We will arrange for you to be examined by an independent medical expert who can assess the extent of your injury and its link to your service.
Once the evidence is in place, we will prepare and send a formal letter of claim to the Ministry of Defence, setting out the failings that led to your injury and the compensation you are seeking. This will take into account not only the injury itself, but also lost earnings, missed promotions, loss of military benefits, and any impact on your pension, accommodation or future career prospects.
From there, we will manage negotiations with the Ministry of Defence on your behalf, working to secure an award that reflects every aspect of the loss you have suffered.
Visit our military claims page for more specific details of how we will assist your claim.
- What are the time limits for making a non-freezing cold injury claim?
The usual time limit for making an NFCI claim is three years from the time the injury occurred. We would advise seeking legal advice from a solicitor as early as possible, giving you the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve.
Talk to Us
To start a military claim for compensation, speak to a specialist today by calling 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, complete our online contact form and we will call back at a time that suits you.