Tar distillation was once a fundamental and major part of the UK industry, with many works operating nationally.
Crude tar from local industrial sites would be processed to create tar-based products, releasing numerous toxic byproducts during the production. Exposure to substances such as dust, tar carcinogenic fumes and gases can cause serious respiratory illness and cancer and were often present at these plants.
Multiple plants were owned and operated by British Coal, with two prominent plants being Norwood Tar Plant and St Anthony’s Tar Plant which each employed more than one hundred former employees, who were central to a significant production of tar crude-based products over many decades.
Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace, and that was also the position many decades ago. Former workers may have suffered illness and injury which has been caused, or been contributed to by the working conditions and exposure to dust, fumes and tar.
Hugh James, a UK Top 100 Law Firm, already represents former workers, and family of deceased workers, who were employed at the Caerphilly Tar Plant in South Wales, which was owned and operated by British Coal. If you or a family member were part of the workforce at either Norwood Tar Plant or St Anthony’s Tar Plant, you may be eligible to claim for a range of health conditions, including chronic bronchitis (CB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, temporary exacerbation of asthma (TEA), lung cancer and squamous cell skin cancer (SCC).
Kathryn Singh, a partner at Hugh James, who is leading the claims said: “We are representing people who have worked at tar plants, and we consider there is a case to answer.
"We also consider that individuals who worked either Norwood Tar Plant or St Anthony’s Tar Plant and suffer, or have suffered from a compensable condition may also have a potential claim against British Coal.
"Whilst the work conditions people experienced occurred some time ago, the illnesses that can be caused by the exposures have a long latency period."
Hugh James, a team of specialist solicitors, have decades of experience in being appointed lead solicitors by the court in group litigation in occupational illness claims. The team has represented hundreds of former British Coal and steel workers in claims for cancer and respiratory illness.
Hugh James represents clients on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you only pay if your case is won. This approach ensures that you can pursue your claim without worrying about upfront costs.
If you believe you have a case, or you have a case for a deceased family member who worked at one of the plants, or if you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Hugh James.
Time limits apply in pursuing injury claims so it is very important that you seek legal advice to discuss any potential claim you think you may have. You can contact Hugh James’ Industrial Disease Team via phone or email, and they offer a free consultation to assess your situation and discuss your options. To find out more, call 029 2267 5839, email info@hughjames.com or visit the website.
