Industrial & Occupational Diseases Attorney

Mintz Law Firm has spent more than 30 years fighting for injured workers throughout Colorado. Our team of 12 attorneys carries an average of 20 years of experience, and we've recovered more than $20 million annually for our clients since 2016. When your workers' compensation claim involves an occupational illness, we know how to gather the evidence, challenge the insurance company's tactics, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

What Is an Occupational Disease?

An occupational disease is any condition that is caused or substantially worsened by conditions in your workplace. Unlike a sudden accident, these illnesses typically develop over time through repeated or prolonged exposure to a harmful substance or environment. By the time symptoms appear, the damage is often already done and likely significant. Making the connection to your job usually requires careful documentation and legal support.

Workers in industries like construction, agriculture, mining, and chemical manufacturing face the highest risks. Some of the most commonly diagnosed conditions we handle include the following:

• Asbestosis and mesothelioma: These diseases are caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers, often found in older buildings and construction materials.
• Silicosis: This progressive lung disease results from inhaling crystalline silica dust on work sites.
• Occupational asthma: Triggered by repeated exposure to workplace chemicals, fumes, or dust, it can cause difficult health complications. 
• Chemical poisoning: Exposure to benzene, lead, and other toxic compounds used in industrial settings can lead to chemical poisoning.
• Noise-induced hearing loss: This type of hearing loss results from sustained exposure to loud machinery or commercial equipment.
• Repetitive stress injuries: Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome can develop over time in physically demanding jobs.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, millions of U.S. workers are exposed to substances that may cause occupational cancer and other serious illnesses each year. These conditions are often preventable, and when employers fail to protect their workforce, it may be possible to hold them legally accountable. 

Proving an Occupational Disease Claim in Colorado

Proving an occupational disease claim requires more than just showing you are ill. You must establish a clear connection between your diagnosis and the specific conditions of your workplace. This typically involves presenting thorough medical records, your employment history, documentation of your exposure, and in many cases, testimony from medical professionals.

Colorado law does recognize occupational diseases under workers' compensation. However, insurers frequently dispute these kinds of claims, arguing that the illness stems from non-work-related causes or pre-existing conditions. Our attorneys know how to counter these arguments with a detailed, evidence-based approach that clearly links your diagnosis to your job.

Building a Strong Case

The strength of an occupational disease claim often comes down to documentation. We work closely with medical professionals and investigators to establish the timeline of your exposure, the nature of your working conditions, and the medical basis for your diagnosis. Every detail matters when an insurance company is looking for reasons to minimize or deny what you're owed.

When Workers' Compensation Isn't the Only Option

Workers' compensation is typically the first step for an injured worker in Colorado, but it may not be the only way to recover compensation. In some situations, a third party, such as the manufacturer of a toxic product, a property owner, or a contractor, may share responsibility for your illness. Third-party claims can make it possible to recover damages that workers' compensation does not cover, including compensation for pain and suffering.

For workers exposed to hazardous materials on job sites, construction accidents and toxic exposure sometimes overlap in important ways. Prolonged exposure to dangerous substances can also lead to a catastrophic injury that permanently alters the course of a person's life. In the most tragic situations, an occupational illness may ultimately result in a wrongful death claim brought by surviving family members.

Why Work With Mintz Law Firm?

Mintz Law Firm was founded by David J. Mintz, who has advocated for injured people across the country for over 35 years. Managing attorney Eric C. Staton brings more than 15 years of experience handling personal and work-related injuries. Together, our team of 12 attorneys is committed to keeping you informed and supported throughout the entire process. We treat every client as a person, not a case number, and we stay in regular contact with you to make sure that you always know where things stand.

We handle occupational disease claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we recover financial compensation for you. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a condition tied to workplace exposure, reach out to our team through our free consultation contact form to get answers about your options with no upfront cost.