Compensation Trial Set for Wednesday

The family of a Barcelona Metro technician who died in 2019 from pleural mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure, is claiming €239,401 in damages from Ferrocarril Metropolità de Barcelona, SA, the operator of the city's metro network. The trial will take place on Wednesday 28th October 2026 at Barcelona's Social Court number 4. The claim was announced on Monday 26th October by Col·lectiu Ronda, the legal collective representing the worker's widow and children. They argue the company breached its legal obligations to ensure worker safety and implement preventive measures against known hazards.

Landmark Ruling Preceded the Claim

This legal action follows a landmark ruling in July 2022 by Social Court number 8 of Barcelona, which was fully upheld by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) in May 2023. That judgment was the first to officially recognise a Metro worker's death as being caused by occupational asbestos exposure. The technician worked for the company from 1988 to 2008 in electrical and signalling systems, operating in workshops, carriages, tunnels, and other facilities. Despite Metro de Barcelona's denial of exposure, the TSJC found "sufficient evidence" linking his illness to his working environment.

The courts have already confirmed this was a work-related death. Now we must determine whether the company did enough to protect its workers.

Company Knew of Asbestos Since 1987

The TSJC based its decision on documentation showing the company had been aware of carcinogenic asbestos in the metro network since at least 1987, when it began implementing measures to manage exposure. A 1990 assessment had already detected asbestos fibres in the tunnels. While previous rulings established the professional origin of the illness, Wednesday's trial will focus on whether the company fulfilled its duty of care. The outcome will determine if it faces compensatory liability for failing to safeguard employee health. The case is being closely watched by labour and public health advocates, as it could set a precedent for accountability in long-term occupational disease claims within public transport infrastructure.

Sources: Metrópoli Abierta (CA), Metrópoli, Newsroom Infobae (EFE).