Miners' firms gain tens of millions in costs from PI cases

National trade union law firm Thompson has been paid 10.8 million in costs for dealing with miners' cases involving chronic bronchitis and emphysema, it emerged recently in Parliament.

The firm received an additional 6 million in relation to vibration white finger.

It has processed 132 million of claims for clients in both actions.

Demerging Wales and west country firm Ford James Hugh Simey has been paid 11.1 million over both actions for handling 76 million of claims, while Newcastle firm Browell Smith & Co has received 7.8 million for 61 million of claims.

In total, around 500 solicitors' firms have been involved in the claims, which have so far led to more than 500 million in compensation, with Raleys of Barnsley (7.6 million), Sheffield-based Graysons (4.2 million), and Newcastle firm Watson Burton (3.6 million) also featuring prominently in terms of those practices receiving costs for both actions.