Hugh James has successfully claimed over £250,000 in compensation for former workers and the families of deceased Homefire plant workers. Other ex-workers and their families are now urged to come forward as soon as possible.
Up to the 1990s, Coventry Homefire plant produced smokeless briquettes from char at its Keresley works. The plant also produced large quantities of dust and smoke to which workers were exposed. Exposure to these emissions may cause a range of serious, and sometimes life threatening, respiratory and skin diseases.
Following the landmark Phurnacite smokeless fuel plant case fought by our specialist team of industrial disease solicitors, the defendants have made a number of admissions and former Homefire plant workers and the families of deceased workers may now claim compensation for:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
- Chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD);
- Emphysema;
- Chronic bronchitis;
- Asthma; and
- Skin cancer.
How we have helped our clients
Our recent Homefires settlements:
- Mr Richardson was employed at the Homefire plant between 1977 and 1985 as a press operator in the press hall. Mr Richardson was an ex-smoker but the defendants made an offer of compensation on the basis that Mr Richardson’s exposure at the plant contributed to him suffering from chronic bronchitis. The claim settled for £7,500.
- The late Mr G was employed at the Homefire plant between 1970 and 1980 as a general labourer and press operator. Mr G had previously worked underground and was an ex-smoker. Mr G developed emphysema and passed away in 1987 from an unrelated condition. Mr G’s daughter instructed Hugh James to bring a claim on behalf of Mr G’s estate. It was alleged that Mr G’s emphysema was, in part, caused by his employment at the Homefire plant. The claim was settled for £4,550.
- Mr W was employed at the Homefire plant between 1969 and 1990 as a press hall worker, conveyor attendant, drum filter operator and effluent plant attendant. Mr W suffered from chronic bronchitis during his employment at the plant. Mr W subsequently developed mild obstructive lung disease, sometimes known as COPD, as a result of his employment. Mr W received £12,650 in compensation.
- Mr Armstrong was employed at the Homefire plant between 1975 and 1990 as a press hall Worker, effluent plant attendant, reject effluent plant attendant and drum filter operator. Mr Armstrong suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema as a result of his employment. Mr Armstrong received £20,200 in compensation.
- Mr C was employed at the Homefire Plant between 1969 and 1977 as an apprentice fitter and fitter. Mr C suffered from chronic bronchitis during his employment at the plant and subsequently developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin on one of his fingers. Mr C received £21,400 in compensation.
Robin Richardson, client of Hugh James said:
From start to finish Hugh James have been upfront about costs. They have kept me informed of progress all the way through and above all every member of staff I have spoken to from the first day to the last, have been courteous, well mannered, informative and patient, everybody involved with my case is a credit to Hugh James. Thank you everyone.
What to do if you want to claim compensation
Our specialist industrial disease solicitors represent victims and their families from all over the UK. We have over 10 years of experience in investigating respiratory disease and cancer claims relating to exposure to dust and fume at British Coal briquetting and carbonisation plants.
We have been contacted by over 100 former Homefire plant workers and their families. It is quick and easy to find out whether you may also be able to bring a claim. Simply call or complete our online enquiry form and you will be put in touch with our specialist solicitors. We offer advice and guidance over the telephone while we investigate your claim without obligation to proceed. We offer no win, no fee agreements and an initial no obligation telephone consultation to discuss your case
