Serving in the Armed Forces demands resilience, discipline, and courage. But for many military personnel, these qualities are put to the test not just on deployment but long after service ends — particularly for those suffering from Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI) following deep-sea diving operations in the Royal Navy and other operations.
At Ison Harrison, we are able to support current and former military divers who have developed NFCI after cold-water exposure during training, operational deployment, or underwater operations. This type of injury can be debilitating, career-ending, and often goes under-reported until permanent damage has occurred.
What is Non-Freezing Cold Injury?
NFCI is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions without actual freezing of the tissue. It is distinct from frostbite but can cause nerve damage, pain, numbness, and long-term cold sensitivity, especially in the hands and feet.
Military divers are at particular risk due to:
- Extended operations in cold water
- Inadequate or outdated thermal protection
- Poor recovery protocols between dives
- Pressure to continue despite symptoms
Often, the effects are not fully understood until personnel are discharged or transitioned to less physically demanding roles — at which point they discover their symptoms are long-term, and their earning capacity and quality of life are significantly reduced.
Common Symptoms of NFCI in Divers
- Burning or tingling in extremities
- Chronic numbness or hypersensitivity
- Loss of dexterity or coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Severe cold intolerance
These symptoms may worsen over time, particularly with repeated exposure. Sadly, many service personnel report being ignored or misdiagnosed until the injury becomes irreversible.
Can You Claim for NFCI?
Yes. If you served in the Armed Forces and developed NFCI as a result of deep-sea diving duties, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims can be brought against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if they failed in their duty of care — for example, by:
- Issuing inadequate diving suits or gloves
- Failing to follow safety standards or cold exposure protocols
- Ignoring early signs or symptoms
- Pressuring injured divers to return to work too soon
At Ison Harrison, we have extensive experience in military injury claims, particularly those involving NFCI. We work with top medical experts and understand the complex chain of command and documentation involved in MOD cases.
What Can You Claim For?
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earnings or pension reductions
- Cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Loss of career opportunities
- Psychological impact and emotional distress
Why Ison Harrison?
✔ Proven track record in military NFCI claims
✔ Specialist lawyers with MOD claim experience
✔ No Win, No Fee funding available
✔ Sensitive, confidential legal support
✔ National reach with in-depth local knowledge
Get the Support You Deserve
You served your country — now let us serve you. If you’re a former or current military diver living with NFCI, we’re here to help. Strict time limits apply, so don’t delay.
Contact Ison Harrison today for a free consultation with one of our military injury specialists.
Military Injury Claims
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Diane Askwith heads up the military injury claims team at Ison Harrison Solicitors. Meet The Team
