Overview
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T_4cJAv490&feature=youtu.be