The case: a life cut short by asbestos
The Rome Tribunal issued a landmark ruling, holding the Kuwait refinery in Naples accountable for the death of V.T., a worker who died at the age of 70 from pleural mesothelioma. After a detailed investigation and a technical-medical expert report, the court found the company responsible for its reckless use of asbestos fibers, exposing the worker to dust and fibers both directly and indirectly.
Compensation details
The refinery was ordered to pay a total of over €1.5 million in damages:
- €444,787 as a principal compensation;
- Around €300,000 each to the widow and three children for individual damages.
The worker’s career and asbestos exposure
V.T. worked at the Kuwait refinery in Naples for 22 years, starting as a pump operator and later managing boilers and thermal power plant equipment. Throughout his career, he was exposed to asbestos-containing materials without proper protective measures, both through direct contact and environmental contamination.
Statements from the National Asbestos Observatory
Ezio Bonanni, President of the National Asbestos Observatory (ONA), commented: “This ruling highlights the significant asbestos risk in the petrochemical sector, already infamous for high incidences of illnesses such as lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and mesothelioma. Immediate action is needed to accelerate the cleanup of the Naples SIN.”
ONA’s support for victims
ONA offers free legal assistance to victims and their families. For help, visit www.osservatorioamianto.it or call the toll-free number 800 034 294.
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