At the Coventry Homefire Plant, hundreds of former employees were exposed to harmful dust, fumes, and carcinogenic material during their employment. Decades later, many ex-workers are still suffering with debilitating lung conditions, and in some cases this has severely impacted their quality of life and caused them to need care and assistance.
The Coventry Homefire plant in Keresley produced smokeless fuel in the form of briquettes until its closure in 2000. The production process was not as ‘smokeless’ as the resulting fuel however, with workers at the plant being exposed to large quantities of dust and smoke every day. Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace. If better ventilation and protective equipment had been provided, this may have prevented such great exposure to these emissions.
Former workers and the families of those who worked at the Homefire plant have already claimed more than £650,000 in compensation. If you or a family member were part of this workforce, you may be eligible to claim for a range of health conditions including:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
- Skin cancer
Drawing Parallels with Landmark Cases
The operation at the Homefire plant resembled that of British Coal’s Phurnacite plant in South Wales. Hugh James, a team of specialised solicitors, played a pivotal role in representing hundreds of ex Phurnacite workers and their families in a landmark litigation in 2012. This case established a link between exposure to plant emissions and respiratory diseases, as well as certain types of cancer.
More recently, Hugh James has successfully pursued litigation for respiratory disease and skin cancer on behalf of over 150 ex British Coal coke oven workers and their families.
Empowerment through Legal Action
Based on the precedent set by the Phurnacite and coke oven cases, former Homefire plant workers and their families now have an avenue to pursue compensation for similar conditions. Employers are legally obligated to ensure a safe workplace, and the lack of proper ventilation and protective gear at the Homefire plant calls for accountability.
Seek Expert Guidance
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Hugh James’ team of industrial disease solicitors, armed with over a decade of experience, stands ready to represent you. With more than 100 former
Homefire plant workers already reaching out, we’re here to assess your situation, answer your questions, and guide you through the process.
Recent Settlements
Mr W was employed at the Homefire plant as an electrician between 1988 and 2000. Mr W subsequently developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sometimes known as emphysema. Mr W received £31,000.00 in compensation.
Mr X was employed at the Homefire plant between 1979 and 2000 and worked as a general labourer, in the bagging plant and in the press hall. Mr X suffered with chronic bronchitis during his employment at the plant and settled his claim for £20,000.
Mr Y was employed at the Homefire plant between 1977 and 1986 as a maintenance fitter. Mr Y’s son brought a claim against the defendant. It was alleged that Mr Y was negligently exposed to dust and fume during his employment. Following successful negotiations, the claim settled for £17,500. The compensation included an award for Mr Y’s pain and suffering and financial losses.
Mr Z was employed at the Homefire plant between 1965 and 1973 as a fitter. Mr Z subsequently developed obstructive lung disease, sometimes known as COPD, as a result of his employment. Mr Z received £10,000 in compensation.
Your Voice Matters
James Gibson, Partner in the Hugh James Industrial Disease team, emphasises the importance of taking action. The Homefire plant’s failure in its duty of care to protect its employees has led to severe and life-limiting diseases. By seeking the compensation you deserve, you can hold the plant accountable and pave the way for justice.
Join us in the pursuit of justice and rightful compensation. Contact Hugh James today on or visit the website hughjames.com/coventryhomefire, to explore your options and secure the future you deserve.
You can also attend one of our drop-in community clinics to speak to one of our specialist solicitors (no appointment needed). The clinics will be held at Bedworth Heath Community Centre, 181 Smorrall Lane, CV12 0JP during Tuesday 12 September 2023, 2pm to 6pm and Wednesday 13 September 2023, 10am to 2pm.
