The company must therefore pay compensation of 25,000 euros to the relatives of Françoise Jonckheere.
She died from the consequences of pleural cancer, which can be caused by exposure to asbestos.
In the first instance, the relatives were entitled to compensation of 250,000 euros, but Eternit appealed that decision.
According to the appeal judge, Eternit had been aware of the dangers of asbestos since the 1970s. Yet the company did not take the necessary precautions to protect both the workers and the surroundings from those dangers.
Covered up
"Eternit lied for years about the dangers of asbestos and subsequently set up a cover-up operation."
"People who became ill received compensation, as long as they didn't start a lawsuit! Asbestos victims who wanted to appeal to the Asbestos Fund had to give up legal action. My mother too was offered such compensation by the CEO of Eternit, but she resolutely refused."
Eric Jonckheere also argues that Eternit should clean up all contaminated sites. The company still produces asbestos in third-world countries, in unsafe conditions. That must stop according to Jonckheere.
Some 70 sympathisers of the family and members of asbestos victim associations from various European countries greeted the Court of Appeal's ruling with cheers.
Amend the law?
N-VA MP Valerie Van Peel has a bill ready regarding asbestos victims. The proposal makes it possible for asbestos victims to go to court, even if the Asbestos Fund has already paid out compensation.
Currently, according to an OVAM report, 3.7 million tonnes of asbestos-containing material is in circulation in Flanders. The majority in the form of roofing near homes, schools, youth premises, companies and stables.
Kapelle-op-den-Bos, 28/03/2017
Source: Het Laatste Nieuws, Het Nieuwsblad