The government will likely pay up to 13 million yen per person to settle a damages lawsuit with former workers and others over health problems caused by the use of asbestos as a construction material, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
The ruling party's project team, which mediated talks between the state and a group of plaintiffs in the lawsuit, has compiled a unified settlement proposal, according to sources.
If both sides agree to the proposal, it will lead to a full settlement of the class-action lawsuit, which has about 1,000 plaintiffs nationwide.
Regarding the class-action lawsuit, the Supreme Court has already ruled that the government is liable for compensation in some cases. On Monday, the Supreme Court will likely hand down a unified decision covering details such as the period for which the state will be responsible for damages. The project team is expected to finalize the settlement proposal following the top court's decision. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is also planning to meet with plaintiffs as early as Tuesday, according to the sources.
According to the sources, the total amount of compensation that each victim can seek from the government and construction material manufacturers is calculated to be up to 26 million yen. The government is making final adjustments to pay its half -- up to 13 million yen. The government is believed to have used as a reference the amount of damages paid in a lawsuit over asbestos-related health problems in the Sennan industrial district in Osaka Prefecture.
In addition to the settlement money, the government is also considering paying for the burden of litigation over the years. A fund system is also expected to be established through lawmaker-initiated legislation to provide relief to victims outside of lawsuits.
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