Japan Press Weekly

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2012 December 19 - 25 [WELFARE]

Asbestos victims appeal lower court decision in Tokyo

More than 300 plaintiffs on December 18 appealed a lower court decision that excluded self-employed workers from state compensation for health damages caused by asbestos exposure.

On December 5, the Tokyo District Court acknowledged for the first time the national government’s responsibility for victims’ asbestos-induced health problems but failed to admit the responsibility of building-products makers. It also rejected giving relief to self-employed builders.

At a press conference after filing the case at the Tokyo High Court, Miyajima Kazuo, the 83-year-old head of the 337 plaintiffs group, announced that they will fight with firm solidarity in order to have all the plaintiffs compensated.

Plaintiffs’ lawyer Onodera Toshitaka stated that they will make the utmost effort to achieve an early settlement of the case as 60% of the plaintiffs have already passed away. He also expressed the need to establish a law and a fund to give relief to asbestos victims.


Past related past article
>Court orders state to compensate asbestos victims [December 6, 2012]