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Thousands of people who are claiming for a range of health issues following the Sonae factory fire in June 2011, have moved a step closer to justice following the announcement of a trial date for 2015.
In one of the biggest class actions of its kind in UK legal history, approximately 16,000 people from the Kirkby area are claiming against Portuguese-owned Sonae, which has previously admitted liability for the fire. Claimants allege the fire caused a variety of health issues including respiratory problems, ear nose and throat problems, headaches and skin reactions.
Last week, a two day hearing agreed a timetable for the case which is now scheduled to be provisionally held next April/May for four weeks. The case has been championed by Birkenhead based, Your Legal Friend, the lead solicitor in the litigation.
Anthony Wilson, solicitor at Your Legal Friend, said: “Now a trial date is set, our team will be working extremely hard to ensure we have the strongest case possible to present to court. We are fighting for the people of Kirkby to secure the justice they deserve in light of the injuries they have suffered. We will continue to press for disclosure of information from the defendant that we feel is absolutely key to the case.”
Kirkby resident and Sonae claimant Edmund Kenny, 62, added: “I feel the fire has caused permanent damage to my health, and I have never been the same since. I know many other people in Kirkby who have been affected and this is our chance to secure recognition and justice.”
