A former soldier received significant damages following the development of non-freezing cold injuries whilst on exercise in 2012 when the temperatures got down to minus 12 degrees c at the Brecon Beacons. Conditions were freezing and there was snow underfoot.

Our client remained in wet clothing for long periods of time. He had to lay directly on the ground without a raised bed. He attended the medical centre as his toes burned in the shower. Despite obvious injury, he was not downgraded and had to continue on exercise. He was advised to “man up” by his Corporals. He had further attendances at the medical centre due to ongoing symptoms. He was referred to the Institute of Naval Medicine in 2016 and was diagnosed with a non-freezing cold injury. He was advised not to complain about the injury as it would end his career. He continued to be exposed to freezing and wet conditions on exercise which aggravated his injury. He opted to leave himself as he could no longer continue due to his injuries. He is no longer able to work in cold environments. He will need to wear protective gloves and appropriate footwear for the remainder of his life.