Coke oven workers compensation claims

Coke oven workers compensation
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Coke Oven Workers Compensation

The production of coke fuel was once a major part of UK industry, with many works operating across the country. Coke fuel workers were exposed to numerous toxic by-products which included dust, tar, oils and gases during production. Exposure to these toxic substances can cause a range of serious, and life threatening respiratory and skin illnesses.

Following a landmark case fought by our specialist team of industrial disease solicitors, former coke oven workers and their families are now claiming compensation for respiratory disease and lung cancer caused by working with the toxic by-products of coke fuel production. Hugh James was appointed as lead solicitor in a group action brought by hundreds of former workers and their families who worked at the Phurnacite plant in South Wales. The successful outcome of this case has had implications for former British Coal and British Steel coke oven workers who are now claiming coke oven worker compensation.

The High Court has appointed Hugh James as one of the lead solicitors in two separate group actions for conditions associated with employment at coke works operated by British Coal and British Steel.

Group litigation enables a group of cases to be considered on the basis of a selection of test cases. The judgments in these test cases then act as a guide in the resolution of other cases within the group.

The deadline for British Steel and British Coal coke oven workers to register claims has now passed. Please contact our coke oven team should have any queries.

Bruce and Eddie's story

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Key contact

Kathryn Singh

Partner

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Kathryn Singh is a partner in the Workplace Disease and Illness department and manages a department of over 50 lawyers. Kathryn has over 15 years experience acting for clients in personal injury claims and acts for clients in volume, complex and high profile group litigation work.

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Successful claim brought as part of the British Coal Coke Oven Workers Litigation (BCCOWL)

MJP is the widow of Mr R P, who worked for the national coal board and associated companies as a fitter and chief foreman fitter at the defendants' Cwm Coking Works between 1960 and 1985. Mr P developed chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a consequence of his employment. Mr P's COPD forced him to retire early in the late 1990s and it subsequently caused his death on 23 August 2005.

MJP brought a claim as part of the British Coal Coke Oven Workers Litigation (BCCOWL) in her capacity as the personal representatives of her late husband's estate. She subsequently developed dementia, so her claim was continued by her son and attorney for property and financial affairs.

On 4 March 2021, the managing judge in the BCCOWL, Mr Justice Turner, approved settlement in MJP's claim in the sum of £110,000.00.

Related services

Coke oven worker benefits Personal Injury Claims Phurnacite Work related illness compensation

If you are suffering from lung cancer as a result of your work as a coke oven worker, you may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

IIDB is an award that is paid to those who suffer an accident or disease due to their employment.

In order to apply for IIDB you would need to complete the required DWP paperwork. You can obtain this paperwork on the DWP website (www.dwp.gov.uk). Alternatively, Hugh James would be happy to guide you through this process in conjunction with your claim for compensation.

In order to qualify for IIDB we will need to prove that your employment on the coke ovens is the cause of your lung cancer. It is likely you will be assessed by a doctor appointed by DWP who will provide advice to DWP on the cause of your respiratory illness.

To discuss the process of making a claim and to discuss the possible amount of benefit that may be available to you, please fill in the form or contact us on the number at the top of this page.

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The service I received from Hugh James was outstanding from start to finish. I could not have managed without them. Every person I dealt with were so easy to talk to, and nothing was too much bother. I would recommend them to anybody who needed help. Once again I must say thanks for everything you've done to help me.

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I have been very grateful for all Hugh James have done for us and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

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I have been very pleased with the lovely service I have received from them. I would contact them again if I should want advice or help.

Client

I would have no hesitation in recommending Hugh James. Their service was so professional on every level, but without losing the human touch. I cannot thank them enough.

Client

I am very pleased with everything that the team from Hugh James did for me. They led me through to claim compensation for my husbands COPD & CB without any trouble for me. Thank you very much.

Client

I found their service to be excellent and kept me well informed all through the process, and can't thank them enough for all their hard work in processing my claim. And would recommend their service to anyone considering making a claim of any sort. Thanks once again.

James Turner

The high level of professionalism shown by Bailey Davies of Hugh James was outstanding in settling my compensation claim. The preparation of my case was meticulous following a long and detailed period of research. Mr Davies respected me as a client but treated me as a “friend” as he guided me through the legal processes. I would recommend Bailey and Hugh James without reservation.

Colin Lewis

I cannot recommend Bailey Davies enough. Bailey was so very supportive as well as informative, kind, sensitive, and downright amazing throughout the entire claim process. At times it was extremely difficult to relive a difficult period in my father’s life. Bailey was more than a solicitor; he was our support and we will not forget all he has done for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Mrs Louise Harris

I cannot thank Hugh James enough for the way my claim was handled. My praise goes especially to my solicitor, Bailey Davies. The claim was difficult at times as it involved a range of emotions but Bailey was always there to help me through. He is an exceptional solicitor with a very big heart. My family and I do not know what we would have done without him.

Mrs Julia Pritchard

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