The case was decided by, among others, the judge Jonas Malmberg.
– The municipal company has delivered drinking water that has affected the bodies of these residents in such a way that they have increased levels of PFAS in their blood, and this is something they will have for a very long time, he says.
Elevated PFAS levels – a personal injury
The court makes the assessment that the elevated levels of PFAS have such a negative impact on the bodies that it can be classified as a personal injury. They thereby state that Ronneby municipality is liable for damages.
– To the extent that there are damages that are compensable, and we have not tested that. That is, if they have suffered a loss of income, incurred any costs or if there has been a question of mental suffering that is compensable.
Damages must be established legally
With that, new twists and turns through the legal system are likely to await, and a continuation of the long struggle for the residents to receive compensation.
– If any of the residents believe that they have suffered compensable damages, they can turn to the company and request compensation, and otherwise turn to the district court to oblige the company to pay a certain amount, says Jonas Malmberg, judge in Högsta the court.