Non-Freezing Cold Injury Claims - Oakwood Solicitors Ltd

The Experts in Non-Freezing Cold Injury Claims

At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we can assist and support Military Personnel who have suffered from a Non-Freezing Cold Injury during their time in service. Our team of dedicated team of Military Claims solicitors strive to retrieve any compensation you may be entitled to, for injuries obtained whilst protecting our country.

During your time in service, you should be protected by the MoD, to ensure that safe working practices are followed to minimise the risk of injury. However, we often see NFCI’s caused by negligence or a lack of safety procedures – for example, failure to provide suitable equipment (such as boots and gloves), inadequate training, and failure to identify and treat the signs of NCFI.

If the MOD has failed in its duty of care you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

Claiming compensation for Military Injuries can help towards any future living costs or financial hardships you have faced as a result of your time in service.

Below we look at what Non-Freezing Cold Injuries are, and when you can make a claim.

What is a Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI)?

Non-Freezing Cold Injuries (NFCI) are serious medical conditions caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet, and unsanitary conditions, often without proper protection. Commonly affecting military personnel, these injuries can result in long-term damage to the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, particularly in the hands and feet.

Symptoms can include chronic pain, numbness, sensitivity to cold, and in some cases, irreversible damage, leading to limited functionality or early retirement from military service.

NFCIs are particularly common in the armed forces due to the extreme environments military personnel may operate in, whether during training exercises or on active deployment.

These injuries can occur even without exposure to freezing temperatures, hence the name “non-freezing,” making them a hidden but serious risk for those serving in colder climates or damp environments.

When Can I Make a NFCI Claim?

If you’ve suffered from a Non-Freezing Cold Injury during your military service, you may be entitled to compensation. At Oakwood Solicitors, we specialise in military injury claims, helping personnel like you receive the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

Many NFCI cases arise because of improper training, inadequate equipment, or lack of appropriate risk assessments by commanding officers. These failures may leave soldiers vulnerable to the cold and damp, even when conditions could have been avoided or mitigated.

Our experienced team of military injury solicitors understands the complexity of these cases and will guide you through every step of the claims process.

Common Causes of NFCI in Military Service

The Ministry of Defence has strict health and safety protocols to protect soldiers from environmental hazards – however these are not always followed, and injuries still arise due to the following issues:

Inadequate Cold-Weather Gear: Soldiers often receive insufficient protective clothing or equipment to guard against extreme cold.
Poor Training: Lack of proper training on recognising early signs of NFCI or understanding how to protect against cold-related injuries can lead to severe consequences.
Failure to Rotate Personnel: Prolonged exposure without opportunities for warming up or drying off increases the risk of developing NFCIs.
Neglect of Duty of Care: Commanding officers may fail to carry out risk assessments or act upon warning signs, increasing exposure risks.

If you believe your NFCI resulted from any of these factors, you may have grounds for a claim.

Who Can Claim for NFCI?

Any current or former member of the armed forces who has suffered from NFCI may be eligible to make a claim. This includes:

British Army
Royal Navy
Royal Marines
Royal Air Force (RAF)
Territorial Army and Reserve Forces

Even if you are no longer serving, it is still possible to claim compensation, provided that your injury occurred during your time in service and within the legal time limits.

How to Make an NFCI Claim

Making a Non-Freezing Cold Injury claim with Oakwood Solicitors is straightforward. Our team will handle your case from start to finish, ensuring the best possible outcome for your claim. Here’s how it works:

Initial Consultation: Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation where we’ll discuss your case, review the circumstances of your injury, and assess whether you have a valid claim.

Evidence Gathering: Our expert solicitors will collect necessary medical records, military service documents, and statements from witnesses or medical professionals to strengthen your claim.
Claim Submission: We will submit the claim on your behalf to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) or relevant authority, outlining the evidence and your entitlement to compensation.
Negotiation and Resolution: Our goal is to secure a fair settlement for you. In some cases, this may involve negotiating with the MoD or going through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
Payout: Once your claim is successful, you’ll receive compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, and the physical and emotional impact of the injury.

Time Limit to make a claim

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd can assist you in making a claim for NFCI through the Armed Forced Compensation Scheme. Through this scheme, claims for injuries or illness must be made within seven years of the date of the incident leading to injury, or in the case of illness, seven years from the date of first seeking medical advice for that illness.

If you were discharged due to issues relating to your injury, before you were diagnosed, you may also claim within seven years of being discharged.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive?

The compensation amount for NFCI claims varies depending on the severity of your injury, the long-term impact on your life, and whether you’ve experienced loss of earnings or required medical treatment. Claims may include:

Pain and suffering caused by the injury
Loss of earnings (both current and future if you can no longer serve)
Medical expenses, including rehabilitation or specialist care
Costs for retraining if you are unable to continue in your military role

Oakwood Solicitors works on a No-Win, No-Fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. If your claim is successful, we will deduct our agreed fee from the final compensation amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

At Oakwood Solicitors, we have extensive experience helping military personnel with claims for NFCIs and other injuries sustained during service. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by service members and is dedicated to securing the best possible result for each client.

Oakwood Solicitors is committed to supporting Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists, whether they are still serving or have entered civilian life.

Proudly partnered with veterans charity, Front Foot, we aim to support veterans in all manners of life.

Having signed the Armed Forces Covenant, Oakwood Solicitors is passionate about supporting and seeking justice for those who have served our country.

With a proven track record of success and a commitment to protecting your rights, Oakwood Solicitors is the trusted choice for military personnel seeking justice.

Contact Oakwood Solicitors today to discuss your Military compensation claim and how we can assist you.

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Natasha Hardy - Solicitor and Head of Industrial Disease

Natasha Hardy is a Solicitor specialising in Industrial Disease matters and has experience in handling a wide range of cases including claims for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss & Tinnitus, Hand/Arm Vibration Syndrome & Vibration White Finger, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, Occupational Dermatitis, Asbestosis, Respiratory & Chest Conditions and Lung Disease.

Non-Freezing Cold Injury for Military Personnel

Have you been injured by prolonged exposure to cold?