Two former military personnel have received settlements totalling over £1.7 million (gross) after sustaining non-freezing cold injuries during military service.
The outcomes, secured by our expert military team, include a £1,000,000 gross (£900,000 net) settlement for a former Royal Navy chef – which is believed to be the highest award for this type of injury – and a £735,000 gross (£551,250 net) settlement for a former British Army soldier.
Nia-Wyn Evans, Partner in our military department, whose team represents around 900 clients with NFCI claims, said:
“These preventable injuries cut short two promising careers, and our clients have lived with the life-changing consequences. We’re pleased to have secured substantial settlements that end long-running litigation and help them move forward. It has been a privilege to represent them, and we’re proud to represent those injured in service.”
Case summaries:
Latifah Price grew up in the Caribbean and enlisted into the Royal Navy in January 2014, training as a chef and quickly establishing herself as a rising star. She was recommended for transfer to the Submarine Service, with ambitions to become the first black female Commonwealth submariner chef.
However, Latifah suffered a non-freezing cold injury (NFCI) and frostbite to her hands and feet while deployed to Norway in 2019. Despite initially recovering, the condition left her permanently sensitive to the cold and ultimately led to her medical discharge in February 2021, ending her promising career.
A claim was issued in 2020 and, on 5 September 2025, the parties agreed a settlement in the sum of £1,000,000 gross (£900,000 net). This settlement is understood to be one of the highest ever achieved for this type of injury. The agreement compensates Latifah for her injury, loss of career, and financial losses arising from her discharge.
Latifah said: “I was proud to serve in the Royal Navy and had always hoped to progress my career, including becoming the first black female Commonwealth submariner chef. Sustaining my injury was devastating – it ended my military career and changed the course of my life. I am relieved that this case has now concluded, and I can start to move forward.”
British Army infantry soldier, Philip Hopla, sustained a NFCI to his feet participating in his Phase II Basic Training in the Yorkshire Moors in October 2002. As a result of the NFCI, Philip suffered from pain and numbness in his feet when exposed to cold and wet conditions, followed by a burning sensation when re-warming his feet. He is now cold sensitised and must avoid involuntary cold exposure to avoid further injury. Due to the NFCI, Philip’s military career was cut short.
A claim was issued by our firm in July 2021 and, on 23 October 2025, the parties agreed settlement in the sum of £735,000 gross (£551,250 net) reflecting the 25% discount agreed in respect of liability, contributory negligence and limitation.
Philip said: “Life in civilian street was difficult to adapt to, the injury making life much harder as I was struggling to keep a job during winter months. The settlement provides security for me and my family and opens up opportunities for the future. It puts me in a position financially where I would be if I had completed my full term in the military. I couldn’t have wished for a better outcome.”
