Heat injury claims are legal actions brought by military personnel who have suffered from heat-related illnesses or injuries during their service. These injuries often result from prolonged exposure to extreme heat and inadequate precautions being taken by senior officers. Our experienced team aim to ensure that those who have suffered from heat-related illnesses or injuries during their military service receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
If a heat injury does occur, that could have been avoided, then the Ministry of Defence has failed in their duty of care and you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. It is the Ministry of Defence’s responsibility to protect service personnel against heat injuries. If they fail in their duty and you sustain a heat injury, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. Heat injuries occur when the body core temperature rises above normal levels for a significant length of time. The average temperature of the core is 36.1 C (97 F) to 37.2 C (99 F). During strenuous exercise, the temperature can rise temporarily to as high as 40 C (104 F).
Heat injury arises in hot conditions, particularly when service personnel undertake tough physical exercise outdoors. However, they don’t just happen in hot climates: heat injury has affected service personnel in the UK who were exercising without sufficient drinking water, or when wearing inappropriate clothing.
Training, exercises or service conducted in hot conditions for long periods can result in injury. Military regulations are clear that heat injuries should not happen where proper training, facilities and equipment has been provided. Instructors and senior staff should evacuate personnel who may be in the early stages of heat injury. These regulations are not always followed correctly.
The Ministry of Defence has a duty to protect service personnel from unnecessary heat injuries. This includes making sure that training and other exercises are carried out safely.
Heat injuries can become serious very rapidly. They need to be identified and treated quickly to avoid long-lasting damage to the body and, in serious cases, can be fatal.
Heat injury can, at its most serious, lead to coma, organ failure and, eventually, death. However, the treatment can be relatively straightforward: the person at risk should stop exercise, take their temperature, remove clothing, find shade, be cooled down with a fan or water and rehydrated.
Heat Stroke: A severe and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's core temperature rises to dangerous levels due to prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Symptoms can include confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Heat Exhaustion: A milder form of heat injury, but still serious, characterized by symptoms like excessive sweating, weakness, nausea, and dizziness. If left untreated, it can progress to heat stroke.
Negligence Cases: In some instances, inadequate training or supervision may have contributed to your injury.
It is possible to prevent heat injuries. The Ministry of Defence has a duty of care to protect personnel by assessing risks properly and ensuring that training and other exercises are carried out safely. Some examples of this are:
If you have sustained a heat injury whilst serving in the military, you might be entitled to make a compensation claim. Our team take a civil claim on your behalf for compensation. There are time scales and you should contact us as soon as possible to investigate an action for you.
If your injury was caused wholly or partly by your service, you should also make a claim to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme as soon as possible. There are strict time limits and we would encourage a claim be submitted as soon as possible.
Our team is here to help military personnel and veterans navigate the compensation. We will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and their consequences.
If you or a loved one has experienced an accident while serving in the military, reach out to Speir Buchan today. We are here to provide not only expert legal guidance but also an understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face. Together, we will work towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
