Liability for loss due to seaman\u27s disease (asbestosis) : [case review]

Azbest, s obzirom na svoja štetna svojstva predstavlja opasnu stvar, zbog toga rad s njime predstavlja opasnu djelatnost (posebno kad tuženik nije osigurao odgovarajuću zaštitnu opremu). Šteta koja je nastala u svezi s opasnom stvari, tj. opasnom djelatnosti smatra se da potječe od te stvari tj. te djelatnosti, osim ako se ne dokaže da oni nisu uzrok štete. U tom slučaju teret dokaza da šteta ne potječe od opasne stvari tj. opasne djelatnosti je na tuženiku. U konkretnom slučaju postoji uzročno -posljedična veza između bolesti tužitelja (azbestoza) i njegove plovidbe kao člana posade na brodovima tuženika. Prema tome postoji i odgovornost tuženika za štetu koju uslijed bolesti tužitelj trpi.Because of its harmful properties, asbestos represents a hazardous material. Therefore, any work involving asbestos represents a hazardous activity (particularly when the defendant has not provided adequate protective equipment. The loss that has been caused in connection with the hazardous material, i.e. hazardous activity is deemed to have arisen from that material, i.e. that activity, unless it is proved that these have not been the cause of the loss. In this case the burden of proof that the loss has not arisen from hazardous material or hazardous activity lies with the defendant, In the concrete case there is a causal link between the plaintiff\u27s disease (asbestosis) and his sailing as a member of the crew on board the defendant\u27s vessels. Accordingly, the defendant is liable for the loss sustained by the plaintiff as a consequence of the disease