Rome court awards compensation for Navy sergeant's asbestos-related death

The Court of Rome has recognized a link between asbestos exposure during military service and the death of Luigi Ricci, a former sergeant in the Italian Navy. The court ordered a total compensation of over 410,000 euros to be paid to his family.

Luigi Ricci served as an electrical mechanic from 1960 to 1966, working both on land at La Maddalena and aboard several vessels, including Nave San Marco, Nave Artigliere, Nave Intrepido, and Nave Montecuccoli. During his maintenance duties, he was exposed to asbestos dust and fibers, leading to a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2019. He passed away at the age of 78.

Benedetta Ricci, the deceased's daughter, stated that the legal battle was about dignity and recognition rather than money. However, the National Asbestos Observatory noted that the compensation amount was halved after the Ministry of Defense appealed the initial ruling, prompting further calls for full recognition of the damages.