Cases that matter

Fight for recognition for Q fever victims

December 1, 2025

Between 2007 and 2010, the Netherlands was hit by the largest Q fever epidemic in the world. Thousands of people became infected by a bacteria spread by goats. The consequences were enormous: an estimated 115 deaths and thousands seriously ill. Many victims still experience the effects of the infection on a daily basis. What happened and the impact on people and society The Q fever outbreak left deep scars. Many victims suffer permanently from severe fatigue, concentration problems and heart problems. Working or even leading a normal social life is no longer possible for many. Families were also badly affected: partners became informal caregivers, children saw their parents completely exhausted. In addition to personal suffering, there was social unrest about the role of the government: why did it take so long to intervene? The interests at stake The heart of this case touches on trust in government and the protection of public health. Victims feel that the State did not protect them sufficiently and took measures too late to stop the outbreak. The government invoked limited knowledge and discretion, but the question is: what did the State know at the time, and could faster action have prevented thousands of infections? For whom Beer advocaten stands up Beer advocaten represents more than 250 Q fever victims who are fighting together for recognition and compensation. We assist this group in their appeal against the Dutch State. Our commitment is not only legal, but also moral: victims must not suffer once again - this time from a system that refuses to acknowledge its negligence. The challenge: government liability The legal challenge is great. After all, the government has a certain freedom to make decisions based on the knowledge available at the time. Accordingly, the District Court of The Hague previously ruled that the State was not liable. In our opinion, the State already had sufficient information at the time to intervene more quickly. By not doing so, the State acted unlawfully. The plan of approach In the appeal we carefully map out what the government knew about the risks of Q fever and what measures would have been possible. We build up the file step by step, with the aim of convincing the court that the court's verdict was incorrect. The case is still ongoing - but the stakes are clear There is no appeal ruling yet. First it must be determined that the State is liable. Only then can the individual damages for each victim be assessed. The proceedings are expected to take years, but the determination among the victims is strong. As Caroline van Kessel, president of Q-uestion, said, “The court ruling was disappointing, but we are not giving up. The lives of Q fever victims have changed dramatically. With Beer advocaten, I feel we are well supported legally and are not alone in our struggle for recognition.” What really matters For Beer advocaten, this case is more than a legal battle. The

Mass damage from toxic waste dumping

November 13, 2025

What happened. In 2006, on behalf of the oil company Trafigura, a large amount of toxic waste was shipped from Amsterdam on the ship Probo Koala. After processing proved impossible in the Netherlands, the waste was taken to Ivory Coast and illegally dumped in open dumpsites in the city of Abidjan. Thousands of residents were exposed to harmful fumes and chemicals. The consequences were severe: health complaints, deaths and permanent environmental damage. The impact on people and the environment The Probo Koala disaster left a trail of devastation. In the neighborhoods around Abidjan, families suffered from nausea, respiratory problems and chronic illnesses. The environment was also badly affected: soil and groundwater became contaminated, affecting agriculture and drinking water supplies for years. This case painfully demonstrates how transboundary environmental damage particularly affects vulnerable communities, often far out of sight of the perpetrator. The role of Beer advocaten Beer advocaten assists the Victimes des Déchets Toxiques Côte d'Ivoire Foundation, which stands up for thousands of victims of the waste dump. We litigate on their behalf in the Netherlands against Trafigura, seeking recognition and compensation. Our involvement goes beyond legal representation: it is about restoring trust in the law. Because when a multinational causes damage elsewhere, it should not go unpunished. Legal challenges and strategy The Probo Koala case is legally complex. The facts took place partly in the Netherlands and partly in Ivory Coast, which raised questions about jurisdiction and applicable law. Initially, the Foundation was declared inadmissible in its claims. In 2020, however, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal ruled that Trafigura does have to answer in the Netherlands. The court recognized that the Dutch courts had jurisdiction to hear the victims' claims, a ruling that was upheld in the Supreme Court. Our approach was step by step: carefully substantiate that Trafigura had interfered with the transport of waste from the Netherlands, and then establish that victims were therefore entitled to access the Dutch courts. Interests and significance The case touches on fundamental values: human rights, environmental law and corporate responsibility. Beer advocaten represents not only the interests of the victims in these proceedings, but also the broader interest that companies be held liable for environmental damage wherever it occurs. The court's ruling has significance for future cross-border environmental cases. It confirms that the Netherlands cannot look away when decisions are made from here that cause great harm elsewhere. What this case shows The Probo Koala case shows that mass damage is not always domestic, but that justice must apply universally. Beer advocaten continues to advocate for communities affected by environmental damage anywhere in the world. Do you want to take on those who cause environmental damage? Do you want to use the law on behalf of a collective to protect victims and their environment? Beer advocaten supports citizens' initiatives, interest groups and NGOs in their struggle. Not only legally, but also strategically and organizationally. If you have questions about this, please contact Bojan Dekker.

Serious injury from meningococcal infection due to delayed care

September 23, 2025

On July 29, 2000, Valentina, then one-year-old, became seriously ill. Her mother called the doctor's office several times, but was fobbed off each time by the assistant. Only four hours later was she allowed to come in. By then it was too late: Valentina was in septic shock due to a meningococcal infection. Admissions, surgeries and finally an amputation of her left hand followed. Her legs also grew crooked due to infections in the growth plates. Her body, life and future were permanently changed. A complex medical and legal puzzle In 2012, I came into the picture through a colleague who was retiring. Medical malpractice had been acknowledged, but causation was still disputed. Thanks to expert research, it became clear that Valentina would have had residual symptoms even without the delay, but to a lesser degree. Why turn to Beer advocaten? The case required not only legal knowledge, but also stamina and understanding. Valentina was looking for someone who believed her story, saw her options, and continued to fight for an appropriate settlement. That's why she knocked on the door of Beer advocaten. More than an injury claim The injury is not just physical or financial. Valentina now lives with her partner in a home that is not wheelchair-accessible. She has Wajong benefits, and her mobility is severely limited. For example, her boyfriend lifts her up and down the stairs because she herself can only get up and down the stairs on her buttocks and is therefore ‘broken’ once she gets down or up. Yet despite all the setbacks, she has shown great perseverance. She is an extremely pleasant and realistic person, who appreciates small things and has not given up hope for a future as a mother. Listening ear Although the case is still ongoing, Valentina is satisfied: “Mirella has been my lawyer for several years and is a very kind and understanding woman. For me she has been a listening ear and has been fully committed to the lawsuit. I am very grateful to her for the time and effort she has put into the case.” If you have questions about this type of case, please contact Mirella Hartman.

Misjudgment with fatal consequences

July 17, 2025

A youth nurse advises a young mother to cut off all contact with her baby's father. Within two weeks, the father is dead. Not from violence, but from grief and addiction. What began as well-intentioned youth care ended in irreparable loss. A family without a voice The father had just gotten his life back on track when he was told he could no longer see his newborn child. The youth nurse gave this urgent advice to the mother, without hearing both sides of the argument. She even threatened out-of-home placement if the mother opened the door to him. The father, just clean, sank into grief and used again. Two weeks later, he was found to have died of an overdose. Why the family sought help The paternal grandparents were intimately involved in the baby's care. They did not understand why they had not been informed, let alone heard. They felt left out. They wanted clarity. And recognition. Unauthorized and careless The youth nurse did not have the authority to give such far-reaching advice. Yet she did it. Without legal basis, without hearing both sides of the argument, without factual verification. What made her actions extra serious was that she requested and used medical information without permission. Much of it turned out not to be correct. How I proceeded I tried to rectify the situation by filing a disciplinary complaint with the Regional Disciplinary Tribunal for Health Care. With the family's permission, I was given access to the medical file under the BIG Act. In it I saw that the youth nurse had gone beyond her duties. She based her advice on incomplete and incorrect information. And gave the family no chance to tell their side of the story. How I look back on this case This case affected me deeply. If the father had been heard, taken seriously, this may never have happened. As a personal injury lawyer at Beer Advocaten, I remain committed to bringing these types of mistakes to light. After all, no one should be a victim of a system designed to protect. If you have questions about these types of cases, please contact Mildred Brun.

Getting home safely after work

July 15, 2025

After a long day of work in a Brabant boner factory, eight Romanian migrant workers board a van on their way to their shared home in Germany. The van, owned by the employer, is driven by a colleague. Presumably due to fatigue, he gets on the wrong side of the road and collides head-on with a truck. Five are killed, three are seriously injured. The grief that remains Ana survives the accident, but loses her fiancé Dorian. She is seriously injured, both physically and mentally. Their future plans - they were to marry - are gone overnight. Dorian dies in her arms. Elena and Florentin, Dorian's parents, lose their daughter Gabriela and son-in-law Horatiu. They now care for their grandson Bela, who lost both his parents. Claudiu, Horatiu's father, is left heartbroken. The impact on these families is unimaginable. Why this affects me personally I am writing this blog on the way back from Bucharest. The conversations with Ana, Elena, Florentin and Claudiu do not let me go. The raw emotions, the enormous resilience of these families and the loss that affects them: it grips me. I am ashamed of the conditions under which some people have to work in the Netherlands. Why they need legal help so badly Ana and the relatives have lost their loved ones and now have to fight for compensation. On your own you won't make it in the complex personal injury system. Especially when you have to deal with language barriers, grief and financial worries all at the same time. That's why they asked me for help. Who is liable - and why that was clear In this case, liability is clear. The driver presumably fell asleep after a long day of work. In such a case, the occupants' damages will have to be compensated by the passenger van's insurer, while the employer can be held responsible for employee mistakes. How I approached this My focus was on securing all of the victims' rights. I invoked several (legal) bases: the no-fault third-party rule, the employer's liability for staff mistakes, as well as the lack of proper insurance. Each victim and each survivor is entitled to their own approach and calculation of damages. To this end, I work together with medical and financial experts. How I look back on this case I admire the strength of these families. And frustration with the system that puts people in such vulnerable circumstances. This case reminds me why I became a lawyer: to provide justice. If you have questions about this type of case, please contact Bojan Dekker.

How a young seal changed her life

July 2, 2025

A howler. That's where it all started. In other words, a young seal lying motherly alone on the Bloemendaal beach making a plaintive noise. Sylvia did not hesitate for a moment and stayed with the animal until the rescue team and later the animal ambulance arrived. When she then sat back down on her towel, things went wrong: the animal ambulance hit her head-on. A medically and legally complicated aftermath The collision was so serious that Sylvia was taken to the hospital by helicopter. A long and uncertain rehabilitation process followed. Physically, mentally and socially, her life was completely turned upside down. She lives in an apartment on three floors. She could no longer climb stairs and dancing, her great passion, seemed a thing of the past. Initially, her family provided intensive care and support, but even that has limits. The efforts of a personal injury lawyer I met Sylvia in the rehabilitation center. She was in a cast, but her outlook was strong and combative. She wanted her life back and turned to Beer advocaten. Not only to get her damages compensated, but also to have someone beside her who understood her and could fight the legal battle for her. Establishing Liability Driving a service vehicle on a beach is not standard practice. The question was to what extent the animal ambulance employee was at fault civilly and/or criminally. Thanks to witnesses, the police report and reconstructions, it was determined that the animal ambulance's liability insurer had to compensate all of Sylvia's damages. Practical steps for recovery From the beginning, I tried to be a spider in the web. Getting the right professionals involved, making sure advances were made, making sure an occupational therapist was reimbursed and that the home could be adjusted. Domestic help, transportation and psychological support were also reimbursed. This allowed Sylvia to focus on recovery, one step at a time. An impressive comeback Sylvia is now able to enjoy her own place at the beach again and - miraculously - to walk on the beach and dance again. She told me that her desire to want to engage Beer advocaten was solid as a house for her. “From beginning to end I have been happy with this choice. With Irene's commitment, I eventually came to a beautiful result.“ If you have questions about this type of matter, please contact Irene Timmermans.

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Awaab's Law: who is responsible for mold in rental properties?

March 5, 2026

In 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in England after prolonged exposure to mold in his parents' rental home. The housing authority knew there were mold problems in the home. Yet it placed the blame on the family: they would not ventilate enough and shower and cook too much. After Awaab died, it turned out that the mold spores from the home were in his airways. His immune system responded with chronic inflammation, creating granulomas in his airways (tiny inflammatory nodules that form when the immune system cannot clear a harmful substance). These continued to swell until eventually he could no longer breathe. Awaad died of acute respiratory distress, suffocation and eventually cardiac arrest. The case led to Awaab's Law in England. That law requires landlords of social housing to fix moisture and mold problems within strict deadlines. If they cannot, the landlord must provide replacement housing. Awaab's death shows what can happen when mold in homes is not taken seriously. Pediatricians in the Netherlands also report regularly seeing children growing up in damp and moldy homes with chronic cough symptoms, respiratory infections and asthma. These health problems often lead to school absenteeism and negatively affect development and educational opportunities. No one wants to live with their children in a moldy home. But what if there are no alternatives? If there's only one bedroom, moving is financially unfeasible and the housing authority won't step in? This is common and a major problem. Nieuwsuur speaks of a national mold problem that occurs in about 29% of Dutch housing association properties. A tenant is not empty-handed. A housing corporation can be held liable through civil law: when reports and complaints about mold have been structurally ignored; there is a structural defect in the home (such as a leak or poor ventilation); the landlord has taken no or insufficient action and the problems persist; tenants have done their best to limit moisture; there is health damage. At Beer advocaten, we are committed to helping residents who are struggling with severe mold problems, developing health issues and not being heard by their landlord. Are you concerned about mold in your home? Or about the health of you or your children? If so, contact us for advice and support.

Buying a house after an accident: why it's harder than it seems

March 5, 2026

Your peers are buying a first home, getting married, or acquiring more space for the children coming up. Meanwhile, you are standing still. Not because you want to, but because a traffic accident or medical error has turned your life upside down. We regularly hear that stagnant feeling from our clients. And it affects us. Because behind the personal injury file is always an ordinary life - with wishes, plans and dreams that also simply continue. Buying your own home is often one of them. How benefits can get in the way of your mortgage Anyone who becomes totally disabled due to an accident usually ends up on IVA benefits. IVA stands for Inkomensvoorziening Volledig Arbeidsongeschiktten: a benefit of 75% of your last salary, up to a legal maximum. This directly affects what you can borrow. Banks base the maximum mortgage on your income. Someone who could get a €400,000 mortgage with a good salary before the accident has significantly less borrowing room with IVA benefits. In today's housing market, a difference of, say, a ton is easily the difference between a suitable home and one that just isn't going to be it. Added to this are two other consequences that don't always get the attention they deserve in personal injury litigation. Because of the accident or medical error, a person has often been unable to save for years. Own money to supplement the mortgage is simply not there. And anyone who would have had a career without the accident would be earning more now than in the year of the accident. That wage growth does not count in an income test. These are collateral consequences of the accident that are not noticeable at first glance, but have great practical impact in the long run. What we have been able to arrange for our clients Personal injury law is at its core about one principle: restoration to the situation before the accident. Not only financially on paper, but also in everyday life. If someone had already bought a home without the accident, or would reasonably have done so in the next few years, that loss is part of the total damages. It is part of it. In several cases, we have found liable parties willing to pay out a substantial advance so that our client was still able to buy a home. Such an advance payment, in legal parlance called an advance payment “under general title,” is an interim payment on the total damages to be determined. It allows someone to act in advance, without the final settlement having to be completed. The result: a client who was able to return to a stage of life that their peers had long since reached. Small in legal terms. Big in real life terms. Two concerns not to be missed Using a down payment to purchase a home involves two practical risks that we always clearly explain to our clients. Money tied up in bricks is no longer free money. An advance on future expenses, such as for household help or medical care, is no longer

What about that (tuned) fat bike?

February 26, 2026

Fatbikes, with those typical wide tires, are impossible to imagine the streets without. For some, it is a status-enhancing means of transport, or simply a relaxed, sturdy bike. For others it is a specter on the road: a menacing and fast bike where an accident seems to be in a small corner. Accidents involving especially young people on fatbikes are often in the news. Does that sense of danger match the reality? Is a fatbike actually a bicycle or a motor vehicle? And what's the legal situation when things go wrong? In this blog, I write more about the position of the victim. That can be either the driver of the fatbike, another hit-and-run road user, or next of kin of a killed victim. Research shows ... First, a few facts about this wide-banded vehicle. On behalf of the Ministry I&W, research was conducted by Mobycon in 2025. It shows that: Fatbikes are popular among young people because a helmet and driver's license are not required. Fatbikes are cheap and often a status symbol. There are more and more of them in traffic. Information sourced from hospital emergency departments (ERs) shows that fatbike accident injuries are rising sharply since 2023. Young people on fatbikes are more likely to exhibit risky behavior than adults, increasing the likelihood of accidents. More than half of fatbike users ride faster than the allowed 25 km/h. That 15% appears to be riding a souped-up bike. Brain injuries often occur in fatbike accident victims. Accident with a fatbike, who is liable? Riding a fatbike is allowed at any age and without a helmet, because by law it is equivalent to an electric bike. By default, a fatbike has no more power than 250 watts and pedal assistance up to 25 km/hour. So it is not a motor vehicle, as a speed pedelec is. As the driver of a fatbike, taking out insurance is not mandatory (but it is desirable!). This does not mean that the driver of a fatbike cannot be liable or should not have to pay compensation in a traffic accident. Suppose Dax rides a fatbike through a red light and hits a pedestrian who is not at fault in traffic. Then Dax is liable for the damages suffered by this pedestrian. The insurance company may reimburse damages, but Dax will have to pay for this himself without insurance (or at a young age, his parents will vouch for this). If the pedestrian or cyclist (also) made a traffic error himself, Dax may still be liable and may have to pay some of the damages. Suppose Dax is the one who suffers brain damage because he is hit on his fatbike by a motor vehicle such as a car. The car does have compulsory WAM insurance and is also liable. If there is no force majeure, the motorized person will have to compensate at least 50% of the damage to Dax. If Dax is younger than 14, it is even 100%. Thus, damages must also be compensated (in part) if Dax himself made a traffic error, because Dax

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