Asbestos diseases

After World War II, asbestos was used for decades in the Netherlands. Asbestos is fire resistant and was used on a large scale in construction, industry and shipbuilding. Many people were exposed to this material, which proved to have dangerous health effects. Every year still many people die from asbestos diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis. Usually these are occupational diseases because the victims were exposed at work. Their employers might be liable for the loss and damage caused by the use of asbestos. But asbestos diseases can be contracted in homes, too. In that case manufacturers could be liable. It is important for victims that the liable party, like a (former) employer or manufacturer, takes responsibility and pays appropriate compensation. Not just to compensate the financial effects, but also as a form of recognition.