Understanding NFCI’s in the Armed Forces
For Armed Forces personnel, enduring harsh conditions is part of the mission. But when exposure to cold, harsh environments leads to lasting pain, numbness, or reduced mobility, it may signal a serious condition known as a non-freezing cold injury (NFCI).
What Are NFCI’s?
Often affecting the hands or feet, NFCIs develop when tissue is damaged from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures — conditions common in training exercises or operational deployments. Symptoms can include:
- Persistent cold sensitivity
- Numbness or tingling
- Burning or shooting pain
- Colour changes in the skin
- Weakened grip or reduced dexterity
Everyone who suffers from a NFCI has a unique experience, though there are common themes which point toward increased risk of injury. Often sufferers of a NFCI will have a history of being deployed on operations or training exercises in cold environments with either no issued winter kit or inadequate kit. It may be that a person’s symptoms were reported to their chain of command, but no allowance was given to warm up or withdraw from the cold environment. Moreover, it is sadly common for those who have received a diagnosis of a NFCI within service to have been forced to endure further exposure to cold environments despite being placed on limited operational duties or other medical restrictions, only to find that their symptoms worsen.
Why Make a Claim?
Getting the diagnosis, recognition and compensation deserved is why it is important to seek specialist help. Our legal team works discreetly, compassionately, and with determination to support those whose service has come at a hidden personal cost.
Legal Expertise You Can Trust
Having recently joined the Personal Injury team at Wolferstans, Ryan Moss brings years of experience successfully handling NFCI claims on behalf of service personnel. Ryan has seen, first-hand how these injuries can disrupt careers, limit post-service opportunities, and affect mental wellbeing. Ryan’s aim is to make the legal process straightforward, informative, and focused on results.
Lance Corporal R’ Story
Past clients, such as Lance Corporal [R], were successful in bringing a claim for compensation against the Ministry of Defence with Ryan’s guidance and advice throughout. LCpl. [R] was an engineer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Military Background and Exposure
Throughout his service in the British Army, he was exposed to cold environments while repairing and operating military vehicles in the field. Issued with only basic kit and equipment, LCpl [R] started suffering pain and tingling in his hands and feet while working on vehicles in the field, impacting his ability to perform his job role. Moreover, his symptoms persisted even after returning to a warmer environment. Over time, LCpl [R]’s symptoms worsened still. LCpl [R] was unable to progress his military career due to physical limitations, which had an impact on his mental wellbeing. LCpl [R] ultimately was medical discharged, and he returned to civilian life.
Impact on Career and Life
The ordeal did not end there, however. Impacted by his physical limitations, LCpl [R] found that his civilian career options were also limited by his incapacity to work in cold environments. LCpl [R] successfully brought a claim for damages, due to the effect the NFCI had on his physical wellbeing, military career and civilian future.
Successful Legal Claim
With Ryan’s guidance, LCpl [R] was able to successfully argue that the Defendant negligently failed to provide appropriate kit to enable LCpl [R] to work in cold environments without undue risk of suffering a NFCI in addition to succeeding in the argument that, once diagnosed with NFCI, the Defendant failed to take reasonable steps to prevent LCpl [R]’s further exposure to cold in the workplace. Ultimately, LCpl [R] managed to undertake civilian vocational training to enable him to pursue an alternative career without risk of further injury.
LCpl [R]’s story is one which is common amongst military veterans and those still serving.
Get the Help You Deserve
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms qualify, we offer confidential initial consultations to help you decide what steps to take with no pressure and at no cost to you. Just clear advice from people who understand the unique demands of military service.
Contact us today on 01752 292212 or email personalinjury@wolferstans.com to start your free, no obligation consultation.