Mintz Law Firm
Workplace illnesses don't announce themselves the way accidents do. They develop slowly, often over years of repeated exposure to toxic substances, hazardous chemicals, or harmful environments on the job. By the time symptoms appear, the damage may already be severe, and the connection between your illness and your work can be difficult to prove without legal help. If you've been diagnosed with a condition tied to your workplace, you have rights — and you may be entitled to compensation.
Mintz Law Firm has been fighting for injured workers throughout Colorado for over 30 years. Our team of 12 attorneys carries an average of 20 years of experience, and we've recovered more than $20 million annually for clients since 2016. When it comes to work injury claims involving occupational illnesses, we know how to build a case, navigate complex insurance systems, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What Are Industrial and Occupational Diseases?
Occupational diseases are conditions caused or significantly worsened by conditions in the workplace. Unlike a sudden accident, these illnesses typically result from prolonged exposure to a harmful substance or environment over time. Common examples include respiratory diseases caused by inhaling dust or chemicals, hearing loss from sustained loud noise, skin conditions from chemical contact, and neurological disorders from heavy metal or solvent exposure.
Common Types of Occupational Illnesses We Handle
Workers in industries such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture face the highest risk of developing an occupational disease. Some of the most frequently diagnosed conditions include:
- Asbestosis and mesothelioma from asbestos exposure
- Silicosis from inhaling crystalline silica dust
- Occupational asthma from prolonged chemical or dust inhalation
- Chemical poisoning from benzene, lead, or other toxins
- Repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hearing loss from long-term noise exposure
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), millions of U.S. workers are exposed to substances that may cause occupational cancer and other serious illnesses each year. These conditions are preventable — and when employers fail to protect their workers, they may be held accountable.
Proving an Occupational Disease Claim in Colorado
Proving an occupational disease claim can be more complex than a standard workplace accident. You must demonstrate not just that you are ill, but that your illness is directly linked to your work environment. This requires medical documentation, employment history, and often expert testimony. Colorado law does recognize occupational diseases as compensable under workers' compensation, but insurers frequently dispute these claims, arguing that the illness stems from non-work-related causes.
Our attorneys know the tactics insurers use to minimize or deny occupational disease claims, and we know how to counter them. We work closely with medical professionals and investigators to build a clear, evidence-based case that connects your diagnosis to your workplace exposure.
Third-Party Claims Beyond Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is often the first avenue for injured workers, but it isn't always the only one. In some cases, a third party — such as a manufacturer of a toxic product, a property owner, or a contractor — may share responsibility for your illness. These third-party claims can open the door to additional damages not available through workers' compensation alone, including compensation for pain and suffering.
For workers exposed to asbestos or other hazardous materials on job sites, construction accidents and toxic exposure often go hand in hand. In serious cases, long-term exposure can result in a catastrophic injury that permanently alters a person's life. And in the most devastating situations, prolonged occupational illness can lead to a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members.
Contact Mintz Law Firm for Industrial & Occupational Disease Claims
Mintz Law Firm has spent more than three decades standing up for workers across Colorado who have suffered because of dangerous workplace conditions. Founder David J. Mintz has advocated for injured people across the country for over 35 years, and managing attorney Eric C. Staton brings more than 15 years of experience handling personal and work-related injuries. We view every client as a person — not a number — and we remain in regular contact with you every step of the way.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless you win financial compensation for your illness or losses. Free consultations are available so you can get answers about your case without any upfront commitment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an occupational disease tied to workplace exposure, reach out to our team today through our contact form.
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