A historical sentence recognizes the responsibilities of the Ministry of Defense for the death of a lieutenant of the Navy exposed to asbestos. Compensation from 600 thousand euros reopens the debate on the security conditions in the Italian armed forces
The Ministry of Defense sentenced: 600 thousand euros to the family of a non -commissioned officer exposed to asbestos. The verdict of the Tar of Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Regional Administrative Court of Friuli Venezia Giulia sentenced the Ministry of Defense to compensate the family of a lieutenant of the Navy. The non -commissioned officer, Triestine, had died at 63 years of the pleural mesothelioma, caused byprolonged exposure all’asbestos during military service. The compensation established is equal to 600 thousand euros, to be paid to the heirs as damage “Law was inherited.”
«This verdict recognizes not only the suffering of Marshal, but also the responsibility of those who should have protected him and did not do it – said Avv. Ezio Bonannipresident of the National Asbestos Observatory -. A sentence that is an act of justice and memory for those who served the country with honor, but was betrayed by those who should have guaranteed its safety ».
Thirty -six years between ships and contaminated bases
The non -commissioned officer served in the Navy from 1966 to 2004. For thirty -six years he worked on board old generation naval units and in military bases, often without adequate protection measures. According to ONA, the man was exposed to asbestos and other carcinogenic agents in unhealthy and dangerous environments. In many cases, training, health surveillance and individual security devices were missing.
The diagnosis after the leave and recognition of the cause of service
The diagnosis of mesothelioma arrived in 2008, four years after the leave. In 2013, the State recognized the cause of service and the status of victim of duty. The widow was granted the social security benefits provided for the families of the victims.
The legal battle for full compensation
Despite recognition, the family wanted to carry on a legal battle to obtain full justice. Assisted by the lawyer Ezio Bonanni, the family members decided to turn to the TAR.
The Court, after an in-depth medical-legal advice, therefore has ascertained the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense. The administration was sentenced for omitted military protection and for not having guaranteed the minimum safety conditions.
«It is unacceptable that we should still die for having served the state in contaminated environments without protections -underlines Bonanni -. The ruling of the TAR sanctions a fundamental principle: those who exhibit the military to asbestos must respond to the consequences ».
ONA: “A historical sentence”
The National Asbestos Observatory defined the TAR decision as a great importance. The case confirms negligence in the protection measures for the military exposed to asbestos during the service. According to the Ona, this story represents a turning point For the many families who still await justice.