Cold Injury Claims

Our specialist solicitors have a proven track record in managing cold injury claims, helping employees and service personnel secure the compensation they deserve.

We offer a free consultation and claim assessment, so speak to our cold injury solicitors today.
No win no fee policy
Regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Working in extreme cold without the right protection isn’t just uncomfortable; it is dangerous. If you have suffered a freezing or non-freezing injury due to inadequate protection, you may be eligible to make a cold injury claim to cover your pain, recovery costs, and future loss of earnings.

The consequences of cold exposure can be permanent. In the military alone, the Ministry of Defence received 183 new common law claims for Non Freezing Cold injuries (NFCI) from service personnel in 2023/24. In the civilian sector, thousands more suffer from cold stress, frostbite, and nerve damage due to inadequate heating or poor Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

A cold injury can end a career. Conditions like Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI) or severe frostbite can leave you with chronic pain and a permanent sensitivity to cold, making it impossible to work outdoors again.

You have a right to be protected. If your employer failed to provide warm clothing, regular breaks, or a safe environment, our personal injury solicitors can help you claim the compensation you need to secure your financial future.

What is a cold injury claim?

A cold injury claim is a legal action taken against an employer for injuries caused by prolonged or severe exposure to cold conditions.

Your employer is bound by strict regulations, including the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which mandate reasonable working temperatures, and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, which require them to provide suitable thermal clothing.

If they breach these duties, for example, by forcing you to work in wet, freezing boots or failing to repair heating systems, and you suffer an injury, they are liable.

If you suspect your employer ignored these rules, you can contact us today for a confidential discussion.

Understanding your injury: freezing vs. non-freezing

Medical experts and courts distinguish between two main types of cold injury. Identifying which one you have is the first step in your claim.

1. Non-freezing cold injury (NFCI)

Also known as “Trench Foot” or “Immersion Foot”. This is the most common cold injury we handle, particularly in military injury claims and outdoor construction.

The cause: It occurs when feet (or hands) are wet and cold for prolonged periods, even at temperatures above freezing (up to 15°C). It is caused by cooling, not ice.
The damage: It damages the nerves and blood vessels, not the skin tissue itself.
The symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling during exposure.
- Severe, burning pain when re-warming the limb.
- Long-term sensitivity to cold (making it painful to walk outside in winter).
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) or changing skin colour.

2. Freezing cold injury (FCI)

This category includes frostnip and frostbite. This is less common in the UK but frequently affects workers in cold storage or those deployed to sub-zero environments.

The cause: It occurs when the air temperature is below freezing (sub-zero), causing ice crystals to form inside the skin and underlying tissues.
The damage: It kills the tissue cells and can damage muscle and bone.
The symptoms:
- Skin turns white, waxy, or grey/blue.
- The area feels hard or frozen to the touch.
- Blistering or blackening of the skin (necrosis) after rewarming.
- In severe cases, it requires amputation of fingers or toes.

Am I eligible to make a claim?

You may be eligible to make a claim if you can answer “yes” to these questions:

Have you been diagnosed with a cold injury (like NFCI or Frostbite) within the last three years?
Was the injury caused by working conditions, such as a lack of warm kit, wet conditions, or enforced exposure?

A note for military personnel: You can claim against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for cold injuries. While training is tough, the MOD has a duty of care to prevent avoidable injuries. If they failed to spot the signs of cold injury or didn’t evacuate you in time, you have a valid claim.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, verify it instantly with our free online claim checker.

High-risk industries

While any worker can suffer from cold stress, we frequently handle claims from:

Armed forces: Soldiers on exercise or deployment are at the highest risk of NFCI.
Construction & utilities: Outdoor workers exposed to winter elements often need to make construction accident claims for thermal injuries.
Food processing: Staff working in refrigerated units or blast freezers are at high risk of FCI (Frostbite).
Agriculture: Farmers and labourers working in wet, cold fields.
Offshore & maritime: Workers exposed to cold water and high winds.

How much compensation can I claim?

Cold injuries often have long-term consequences that attract higher compensation awards. We calculate your claim based on:

General Damages: For the pain, suffering, and “Loss of Amenity”. For NFCI, this includes the chronic pain that prevents you from enjoying hobbies or even walking in cold weather.
Special Damages: To cover financial losses. This is critical in cold injury cases and includes:
- Loss of career: If you are medically discharged from the Army or can no longer work as a builder because you cannot tolerate the cold, we claim for your future lost income.
- Heating costs: Many sufferers need to keep their homes warmer than average; we can claim for these extra energy bills.
- Specialist clothing: The cost of heated gloves, socks, and thermal wear required to manage your condition.

Our team calculates the full lifetime value of your claim to ensure you are not left out of pocket.

No Win No Fee cold injury claims

We handle all cold injury claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there is zero financial risk to you. You will not pay any upfront fees, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay us a penny. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about legal bills.

Why choose Claim Time Solicitors?

Medical expertise: Cold injury claims require specific medical understanding. We know the difference between NFCI and Raynaud’s phenomenon, and we work with vascular experts who can prove your injury was caused by your work environment, not a natural condition.

Protecting your future: For many of our clients, a cold injury means the end of their chosen career. We don’t just secure a quick payout; we fight for a settlement that replaces your lost pension and future earnings, ensuring your financial security.

Regulated experts: You are represented by a fully regulated law firm, accredited by the Law Society. We provide clear, jargon-free advice and keep you informed at every stage of the process.

Start your cold injury claim today

If you are suffering from the painful effects of a cold injury caused by your work, you have every right to ask for fair compensation. We’re here to make that happen.

Cold injury claims are just one area our specialist solicitors handle. You can learn more about our full Accidents at Work Claim service here.

Speak to one of our expert solicitors for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim.

Other Services

Road Traffic Accidents

Accident at Work

Slips and Trips

Medical Negligence

Sports-Related Injuries

Product Liability

Public Liability

Industrial Disease

FAQs

What is the legal minimum temperature for working?

The Approved Code of Practice suggests a minimum of 16°C for indoor workplaces, or 13°C if the work involves rigorous physical effort. While there is no strict legal minimum for outdoor work, employers must still assess the risk and provide PPE (warm clothing) and breaks to keep you safe.

I was told to "toughen up" by my sergeant/manager. Can I still claim?

Yes. A “macho” culture is no excuse for negligence. If you reported symptoms (like numbness or white toes) and were told to carry on, this is strong evidence of negligence. Employers have a duty to listen to health concerns and act on them.

My injury happened years ago, but I still have pain. Is it too late?

Not necessarily. The 3-year time limit usually starts from the date of the accident, or the date you learned your condition was significant and work-related (Date of Knowledge). If you were only recently diagnosed with NFCI, you may still be able to claim. Contact us to check.

How much does it cost to make a new claim?

We handle all cold injury claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there is no financial risk to you. There are no upfront fees. If we win your claim, we are paid a pre-agreed percentage of the compensation you receive. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay us nothing.

Challenges faced by claimants?

Our professional team of solicitors will help you overcome the challenges you face in claiming compensation.

Making workplace accidents compensation claim could be a gruelling task. It demands a lot of patience and is time consuming.

Some key challenges faced by claimants are:

Lack of proper tangible evidence

Denial from employer’s side

Authentic medical evidence, complex medical assessments

Time limit as the claimant can only make a compensation claim within 3 years of the accident

Exhausting long legal procedures

Mental and physical stress

How we can help

The consequences of accidents at work can be drastic. You could be dealing with multiple parties at once. There is an essential need for guidance in such situations so that you can get what you deserve. Claim Solicitors specialises in accident at work claims. Get in touch today and get a free consultation now.

By providing expert guidance

Our team of solicitors make sure you are fully aware of your rights and are well informed at every step... of the legal process. We at Claim Time Solicitors deal with all the critical paperwork on your behalf, meeting all the deadlines and assisting you throughout with a positive approach.

In depth investigation

We conduct a complete examination of the case and dig deep into the case to get the insights... of it and understand the circumstances that led to the accident at work. Our aim is to hold the responsible party accountable for the mishap and create a strong, compelling case on your behalf.

Negotiation and settlement

Our qualified negotiators will play a major role in the settlement process. Our injury at work solici...tors will engage with the insurance company of the employer and make sure you receive your rightful compensation which would cover all your monetary loses that you have incurred.

Client-centered approach

Our priority is our client's well-being, and we work seamlessly to attain success and get you the... justice you deserve. We acknowledge the mental, physical and financial stress our clients go through during the complex legal process. We are here to provide you with assistance and help you claim maximum compensation. Our team of solicitors try their best to contribute to the success of your case in the best possible manner.

Cold Injury Claims

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