1990s Higlights
Knox and Ors v Cammell Laird Shipbuilders Ltd (1990):
Successful Test cases run by Thompsons, leading to compensation to workers suffering diseases caused by welding fumes after the employers responsibility date of 1951.
Hale v London Underground (1993):
A firefighter injured in the course of duty during the Kings Cross disaster was severely and permanently injured. In addition to the general and special damages normally awarded, he was compensated for loss of congenial employment.
Mountenay and Others V Bernard Matthews PLC (1993)
This was a claim by nine poultry workers seeking compensation for repetitive strain injury (RSI). Six of the nine workers were successful including one who suffered from the controversial condition known as diffuse RSI where there are no physical signs of injury on examination. The case paved the way for settlements in many other similar claims against Bernard Matthews and workers in other poultry processing factories across the UK.
Bland v Stockport MBC (settlement 1993):
Thompsons have actively campaigned on the dangers of passive smoking for many years and in this case an office worker was awarded compensation for illnesses caused by inhaling cigarette and pipe smoke whilst at work.
Thompsons is still pursing the issue of passive smoking and currently work with Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) to ensure workers enjoy a smoke-free working environment.
Walker v Northumberland County Council (1995):
The first successful claim for stress and major influence on several further cases.
An area social services officer was compensated when he had to give up work due to a nervous breakdown. His employers failed to provide the agreed extra assistance following a previous breakdown.
Armstrong and Others v British Coal (1998):
Test cases brought against British Coal in respect of Vibration White Finger (VWF), or Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Three out of four Thompsons clients in the matter recovered damages successfully, after British Coal was found to be negligent.
Griffiths and Others v British Coal (1998):
A series of test cases in which Thompsons was involved.
British Coal were found liable to pay damages to claimants suffering chronic bronchitis and emphysema as a result of exposure to coal dust after 5 June 1954.
As a result of the outcome of these cases and after two years of negotiation, British Coal entered into handling agreements with the representatives of the claimants to deal with thousands of further claims. The scheme for VWF closed in September 2002 and for Respiratory Disease in March 2004.
Around 750,000 claims have been brought in total, making it the world's larges disease scheme. Thompsons have already recovered over £200 million and have been recognised as winning more damages for its clients than any other law firm. The firm continues to handle tens of thousands of Coal Scheme cases.
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