Former British Coal workers suffering from lung and skin cancer and respiratory diseases which are likely to have developed after exposure to harmful fumes while working at coking plants, have until April 24 to register to join the group taking legal action against the company.
The High Court recently approved a Group Litigation Order presented by specialist industrial disease lawyers from Hugh James, based in Cardiff, and Irwin Mitchell after they were approached by 350 former coke oven workers suffering health problems related to their employment years ago.
A large proportion of these, 200, live in Wales.
Since the High Court approval in July, a further 150 former workers in Wales have come forward to potentially join the group action, putting the total number of applicants in Wales at over 300.
Lawyers are urging people affected to sign up as soon as possible to make sure they don’t miss out on access to justice.
Kathryn Singh, Partner and industrial disease specialist at Hugh James which is handling cases in Wales, said: “The approval of the Group Litigation Order back in July was an important step in achieving justice for former coke oven workers in Wales and England.
“The High Court decision helped to raise awareness of the problem of coke oven-related illnesses, and as a result 150 additional former workers in Wales have come forward to pursue compensation for the devastating illnesses they have suffered.
“However, there are undoubtedly more victims out there, including those who may now have moved to other parts of Wales from the areas where they used to work.
“We urge anyone affected to contact us urgently for free advice and for their case to be considered before the closing date of the group register on April 24.”
The workers and their relatives affected by these issues were employed by British Coal, Coal Products Limited and National Smokeless Fuels Limited.
In Caerphilly County Borough, the total number of people who have come forward so far has reached almost 40.
People who thinks they or a loved one may have been affected can call 0800 6525524.