Cold Injury Claims

If your employer has failed to protect you from the risk of cold injuries, you may be eligible to make a cold injury claim for compensation.

Cold injuries are a significant concern for certain employees, including military personnel, farmers, fishermen and construction workers. These can have a long-term impact, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility and permanent scarring.

We understand how distressing a cold injury can be and are here to help you claim the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced solicitors will offer you a free case assessment and guide you through all the steps of the claims process with a no win no fee service.

To start your claim, call 0800 470 0474 today for a free initial consultation or request a call back.

Find out if you can claim

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Am I eligible to make a cold injury claim?
• How do I start a cold injury compensation claim?
• What types of cold injuries can I claim for?
  • Freezing cold injuries
  • Non-freezing cold injuries (NFCIs)
• What are the symptoms of cold injuries?
• What are the long-term consequences of cold injuries?
• Who is most at risk of cold injuries, and how do they happen at work?
• What are my employer's responsibilities for preventing cold injuries?
• Can I make a cold injury claim against the Ministry of Defence?
• Could my employer sack me if I claim for a cold injury?
• What evidence do I need to make a cold injury compensation claim?
• How much compensation could I get for cold injuries?
• What is the time limit for making a cold injury claim?
• Can I make a cold injury claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

Am I eligible to make a cold injury claim?

To find out if you can claim compensation for cold injuries, contact our team of experienced legal advisers. During a free case assessment, they will verify whether:

• Your employer owed you a legal duty of care.
• They breached this duty by failing to protect your health and safety.
• You suffered a cold injury as a result.
• You are within the legal time limit to make a claim.

If these can be proven, your solicitor will help you secure the compensation you deserve on a no win no fee basis.

How do I start a cold injury compensation claim?

There are several steps that you should take after suffering a cold injury if you want to make a compensation claim:

• Seek prompt medical care, even if your injuries seem minor, as these could worsen over time and cause permanent damage.
• Report the injury to your employer immediately and make sure they document it in writing.
• Gather relevant evidence, such as photos, witness contacts and work records.
• Keep a diary of the impact on your life and any related financial losses, such as prescription costs or lost wages.
• Contact a solicitor, ideally one with experience in cold injury cases.

Your solicitor will handle all communication with your employer and their insurer. They will also help you gather all the evidence you need to prove your case and maximise your compensation.

What types of cold injuries can I claim for?

There are two main types of cold injuries for which you may be entitled to compensation if your employer failed to keep you safe:

Freezing cold injuries

A freezing cold injury occurs when you are exposed to temperatures low enough to cause ice crystals to form within the cells. This freezes and damages the tissues, restricting blood flow and oxygen supply. Examples include:

• Frostbite: A severe freezing injury that causes tissue death and nerve damage and may lead to amputations.
• Frostnip: A milder form of frostbite that causes no permanent damage.

Non-freezing cold injuries (NFCIs)

An non-freezing cold injury happens when a body part is exposed to cold and wet conditions for long periods, but without actual freezing. This causes poor blood flow, which can lead to tissue breakdown, nerve damage and swelling. NFCIs include:

• Trench foot: An injury that damages the skin, nerves and tissue of the feet.
• Chilblains: It causes blistering and inflamed, swollen patches on the hands and feet.

Other cold-related conditions include hypothermia, a dangerous drop in the body’s core temperature and Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes the blood flow to the extremities to decrease.

What are the symptoms of cold injuries?

If you have been exposed to cold conditions for a prolonged period, the signs that you may have suffered a cold injury include:

• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation.
• A burning or stinging sensation.
• Pale, cold or hard skin.
• Swelling and blisters on hands and feet.
• Itching in the affected area.
• Clumsiness and lack of coordination.
• Pain and sensitivity to touch or warmth.
• Excessive sweating.

If you experience such symptoms, you should seek medical care for a diagnosis and prompt treatment to improve your prognosis. This may involve pain management, wound care, antibiotics and amputation in severe cases. Physical therapy may be necessary to help restore mobility.

What are the long-term consequences of cold injuries?

The long-term complications of a cold injury will depend on the extent of the tissue damage and how quickly it is identified and treated. These include:

• Chronic pain or paraesthesia in the affected area.
• Increased sensitivity to cold.
• Altered sensation or a loss of sensation in the extremities.
• Permanent discolouration, scarring or cracking of the skin.
• An increased risk of skin cancer.
• Joint stiffness, arthritis and reduced range of motion.
• Muscle weakness and atrophy.
• Impaired ability to perform fine motor skills.
• Tissue death and amputation of the affected body part.
• A psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These long-term effects can impact your ability to work as before or carry out your daily activities, leading to lost wages and financial strain. If you were injured due to negligence, you could claim compensation for your pain, suffering and related financial losses.

Who is most at risk of cold injuries, and how do they happen at work?

Freezing and non-freezing cold injuries can affect anyone who is exposed to extreme cold, low temperatures or wet conditions for long periods. Some jobs carry a higher risk of suffering a cold injury, such as:

• Armed Forces personnel are particularly vulnerable to NFCIs, both during training and deployment.
• Outdoor workers, such as construction workers, road maintenance crews, delivery drivers and farmers.
• Those who work in cold storage warehouses and food processing facilities.
• Fishermen and maritime workers, including those who work on offshore oil rigs.
• Emergency service workers such as police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

Cold injuries in the workplace can happen due to:

• A lack of adequate clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Prolonged exposure without adequate breaks in warm rest areas.
• Lack of training and instructions regarding the risk of cold injuries and how to prevent them.

What are my employer’s responsibilities for preventing cold injuries?

All employers owe their employees a legal duty to keep them safe from workplace hazards and injuries, including the risk posed by cold temperatures. This duty is set by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other workplace legislation, and includes obligations to:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify the risk of exposure to cold.
• Provide suitable protective clothing and equipment, such as insulated gloves and thermal clothing.
• Make sure the PPE is used correctly and fits each worker properly.
• Supply warm shelters and rest areas.
• Make sure employees receive regular and sufficient breaks to warm up.
• Provide training and instructions on safe working practices and how to recognise and report the early signs of cold injuries.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust work schedules when possible.

Can I make a cold injury claim against the Ministry of Defence?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD), like all other employers, has a duty of care towards its employees and must take all reasonable measures to keep them safe from cold injuries. If this duty is breached and you are harmed, there are two ways you can get compensation:

• You can make a military injury claim for negligence against the MoD under civil law.
• You can claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). This is a no-fault scheme that provides a lump sum payment based on a set tariff for injuries or illnesses caused by military service.

Between 2016/17 and 2022/23, 784 NFCI claims were settled by the MoD, totalling over £100 million. During the same period, the AFCS awarded damages of £3,369,600 to military personnel affected by NFCIs.

Could my employer sack me if I claim for a cold injury?

Many people worry about suffering repercussions for claiming against their employers. However, the law offers protection for workers in such situations.

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, your employer cannot sack you simply for making a lawful personal injury claim. If they do so, you could start another claim at an employment tribunal for unfair or constructive dismissal.

Furthermore, your employer’s insurer will deal with your claim, and the compensation you receive will not come out of their pocket. That’s because all employers must hold liability insurance to cover the cost of workplace injuries.

What evidence do I need to make a cold injury compensation claim?

Strong evidence is essential to secure compensation for your injuries, whether you are making a claim against the MoD or another employer. This could include:

• Medical records documenting your injury, diagnosis and symptoms.
• A specialist report assessing the extent of the damage and its long-term impact.
• Photographs of the affected area showing swelling, blisters or other visible symptoms.
• Photos or videos showing the cold or wet conditions in which you worked, your PPE and other relevant hazards.
• Employment or service records showing your training, work tasks and the steps your employer took to keep you safe.
• Statements from colleagues, supervisors or others who are aware of your working conditions and injury.
• Your statement about how the injury occurred and how it has affected you.
• Financial evidence, such as wage slips and receipts for medical expenses.

How much compensation could I get for cold injuries?

The compensation awarded for a cold injury claim is based on two types of damages:

• General damages cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury.
• Special damages cover any related financial losses and expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages.

The amount awarded for general damages depends on the type and extent of the injury and is based on the Judicial College Guidelines. You can use our free online compensation calculator to get an estimate of your potential settlement within minutes.

What is the time limit for making a cold injury claim?

The general time limit to make an accident at work claim is three years, starting from the date you suffered your injuries or from when they were diagnosed. The limitation period is set out under the Limitation Act 1980. Exceptions include:

• Employees under 18: The three-year time limit does not begin until their 18th birthday.
• Mental capacity: If the injured person cannot handle a claim, the limitation date is put on hold.
• AFCS claims: You have seven years to claim compensation for your injury from the AFCS.

Can I make a cold injury claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you suffered a cold injury due to someone else’s negligence and you are entitled to compensation, one of our partner solicitors would be happy to represent you on a no win no fee basis. This means that:

• You won’t have to pay them anything upfront, or if your claim is unsuccessful.
• If you win compensation, your solicitor will deduct a success fee capped at 25% of damages for pain, suffering and past financial losses.

To find out if you are eligible to claim cold injury compensation, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back, and you will receive a free, no-obligation case assessment.

Last edited on 21st Oct 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.