European Mesothelioma Victims Demand Justice From Those Responsible

Though American society is frequently criticized for being overly litigious, it is also true that the U.S. justice system serves as a model for the rest of the world, and this is increasingly true when it comes to seeking justice for those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. In the United States, victims of asbestos exposure have long been able to file personal injury lawsuits which have recovered significant and just compensation from those responsible. Now, as more and more European workers are being diagnosed with the disease, they too are looking for the right to be appropriately compensated.

Fifth Spanish Metro Worker Diagnosed With Malignant Mesothelioma

In Spain, the Machinists Union of the Metro de Madrid has been hard hit by malignant mesothelioma. A fifth worker was diagnosed with the disease just days after another died. All of the workers who’ve died or been diagnosed with the rare and fatal condition were exposed to the carcinogenic material on the job, and there is growing fury on the part of Spanish workers at the lack of appropriate response from metro management.

According to representatives from the CCOO workers’ union, they have become aware of “retired colleagues from Metro de Madrid who are now being diagnosed with diseases related to asbestos.” They are demanding justice for those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma who were exposed to exposure during the time of their employment. 

Latest Mesothelioma Victim Worked for Union for Four Decades

As more and more union members are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the union is becoming increasingly proactive in demanding that Metro de Madrid act compassionately and responsibly towards its former workers, many of whom are like the latest victim, who spent four decades working for the public entity.

Thus far, the Metro paid €370,000 each (approximately $412,000 in U.S. dollars) in compensation to the families of two mesothelioma victims who have died, but that was only following a court order. Organizations representing current and former worker are urging the metro to “find a solution and speak with the union as soon as possible so that more people do not have to wait years to find out they will suffer from the disease.”

Fortunately, if you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos in the United States, there are resources that are already available to provide you with the help you need. For more information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net at 1-800-692-8608.

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri