A medical student at Asahikawa Medical University in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, sought compensation for damages for inhaling toxic gas and contracting a severe lung disease 15 years ago when he disposed of medicine at the direction of his supervisor. ordered the university to pay more than 150 million yen for ``failing to take necessary measures to ensure safety.''
The plaintiff, physician Katsutoshi Mizumoto (44), was a student at Asahikawa Medical University School of Medicine in 2009 when he tried to dispose of medicine under the direction of his supervisor when his disposal container exploded.
Mr. Mizumoto was seeking approximately 300 million yen in damages from his supervisor at the time and the university, claiming that as a result of inhaling the toxic gas that was generated, he developed a severe lung disease that interfered with his daily life.
In a ruling on the 1st, Asahikawa District Court Chief Judge Zenichiro Uemura found that inhalation of toxic gas was the cause of the illness, as symptoms of coughing began several weeks after the accident and the condition progressed. .
The university was then ordered to pay compensation of over 150 million yen, alleging that the supervisors had neglected to take necessary measures to ensure safety.
On the other hand, the plaintiff's lawsuit was dismissed, stating that the supervisor is not liable for civil compensation for his duties as he is a public servant.
Asahikawa Medical University commented, ``We will consider the content of the judgment and consider responses.''