Occupational Illnesses are Common Workplace Injuries in Colorado

At Flaxman Law Group, we understand the serious impact of occupational illnesses on workers in Colorado. Occupational illnesses are unfortunately prevalent in almost industries, affecting the well-being of employees. If you’re suffering from an occupational illness due to workplace conditions, contact the Denver offices of Flaxman Law Group at 970-999-0530 to set up a free, no obligation consultation with a Colorado workers’ compensation lawyer.

Occupational illnesses happen when workers face exposure to workplace hazards over time. Colorado and Denver in particular see a higher risk of occupational illnesses among its workforce compared to other communities because of some of the heavy industry in the area. Common illnesses diagnosed in the state include:

• Respiratory Disorders. When employees are exposed to airborne pollutants they can face respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis and even lung cancer. Colorado has robust aerospace, manufacturing, mining, construction, and other industries which have an especially high risk of respiratory disorders.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries. Office workers, factory employees, and other workers who perform repetitive manual tasks can develop carpal tunnel syndrome and other illnesses caused by strain.
• Occupationnel Allergies and Skin Conditions. Irritants in agriculture, manufacturing, and other top Colorado industries can lead to skin disorders and irritation.
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. Workers exposed to noisy environments can suffer from permanent hearing loss.
• Carcinogens in some workplaces can increase the risk of some cancers. Usually, these cancers are diagnosed years or even decades after exposure.

After being diagnosed with an occupational illness, you’ll want to protect your rights and seek fair compensation. Many workers in Denver and across Colorado are protected by workers’ compensation insurance. In the event of an occupational illness, this insurance is supposed to care for medical care, lost wages, and other costs. However, not all eligible workers get the benefits they should.

Workers’ compensation attorneys have an understanding of the complexities surrounding occupational illness cases. They look out for your best interests and can help you seek the benefits you may be entitled to. Here are some of the challenges they can help you with:

• Proving eligibility. Workers’ compensation attorneys understand Colorado laws and can show employers and their insurers you are eligible for benefits if you’ve been denied.
• Proving liability. In most cases, you qualify for workers’ compensation without having to prove your employer acted negligently. In some cases, though, liability is a factor. For example, if your illness was caused due to the negligence of a third party—such as the manufacturer of a piece of work equipment—you may also have a personal injury claim against that party. An attorney can help you determine this and can work to prove negligence.
• Negotiating with insurers. Workers’ compensation claims involve paperwork and multiple steps. An attorney can review any benefits you’re being offered and can negotiate with insurers or otherwise pursue fairer benefits for you.
• The complexities of a claim. Occupational injuries can be especially complex because it can be challenging to prove where an exposure took place. This can mean legitimate claims for benefits are denied. An experienced attorney can gather evidence to prove that your illness was caused by your work and can build a strong case so you can pursue workers’ comp benefits you need.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an occupational illness in Colorado, we invite you to contact the Denver offices of Flaxman Law Group by calling 970-999-0530 to schedule a free accident consultation with a Colorado workers’ compensation lawyer. Flaxman Law Group is a family law firm with a father-son attorney team. We’re here to help when you’ve been injured on the job.