New York occupational disease lawyers are essential advocates for workers who develop illnesses due to hazardous conditions on the job.
Whether it's exposure to toxic chemicals, poor ventilation, or long-term physical strain, the impact of unsafe workplaces on a person’s health can be devastating.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a work-related illness, understanding your legal rights is the first critical step toward obtaining the compensation and support you deserve.
The global scale of this issue is alarming. According to joint estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly 2 million people die each year from causes linked to their work environment.
These are not isolated cases—they reflect a systemic problem where preventable exposures to occupational hazards result in premature death, disability, and loss of livelihood for countless individuals.
Against this backdrop, experienced occupational disease attorneys in New York play a vital role in protecting workers' rights.
At Gorayeb & Associates, we have over 35 years of experience defending the rights of workers in New York. Our team knows how to gather the necessary evidence and the exact steps to take.
We understand how to handle these complex cases and are prepared to take on major insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Occupational diseases are chronic or acute health conditions directly caused by exposure to hazardous agents or processes in the work environment.
Unlike workplace accidents, which are typically sudden and unexpected, occupational diseases develop over time due to prolonged or repeated exposure to harmful substances or conditions. These conditions are often preventable, yet they remain a major public health concern globally.
According to the International Labour Organization, occupational diseases are "diseases that result from exposure to risk factors arising from work activity." Many countries maintain official lists of recognized occupational diseases to facilitate diagnosis, monitoring, and legal compensation.
These illnesses can affect multiple bodily systems and vary depending on the type of job, exposure level, and duration:
Prevention is the key to reducing the burden of occupational diseases. Modern occupational health practices follow the “hierarchy of controls,” which consists of:
Medical surveillance, continuous worker education, and regular health checks allow for early detection and intervention.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that over 2.4 million deaths annually are caused by occupational diseases—far more than deaths from workplace accidents. Leading causes include chronic respiratory illnesses and occupational cancers.
The economic burden of these diseases is estimated at around 4% of global GDP, highlighting the urgent need for improved prevention and policy implementation.
Understanding occupational diseases is essential for both workplace safety and public health. With adequate risk assessment, effective policy enforcement, and active worker engagement, many of these conditions are entirely preventable.
Occupational health law in New York establishes a comprehensive legal framework aimed at protecting workers from hazards in the workplace.
Under these laws, employees have a fundamental right to a safe and healthy work environment, supported by both state and federal regulations.
Key regulations
Employer liability
Employers in New York must implement safety protocols, provide adequate training, and monitor hazardous conditions such as prolonged exposure to chemicals, air pollutants, or industrial noise. Failure to comply with these standards can result in:
Recognized occupational illnesses
According to the New York State Department of Health, the most commonly recognized occupational illnesses include:
Compliance and education
New York offers initiatives such as the Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Programs (WSLPP) for businesses with high injury rates. Additionally, specific safety training is mandated for construction workers under the Site Safety Training (SST) program required by the New York City Department of Buildings.
Securing the services of NYC workplace illness lawyers can be a pivotal step for employees facing long-term health issues caused by hazardous working conditions. These legal professionals understand the specific statutes that govern occupational health in New York and can advocate for your rights, whether through workers’ compensation or litigation against negligent employers.
If you've been diagnosed with a work-related illness in New York, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation under the New York Workers’ Compensation Law.
These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses, lost income, and in some cases, additional damages related to long-term disability or third-party negligence.
Medical treatment and rehabilitation
All reasonable and necessary medical expenses must be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This includes:
These benefits are provided regardless of fault, meaning you don’t need to prove negligence to qualify.
Wage replacement/Lost income
If your occupational illness prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) or Permanent Partial/Total Disability (PPD/PTD) benefits.
The amount is typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum. Partial benefits may also apply if you can return to work in a limited capacity with reduced earnings.
Death benefits for families
In the tragic event that an occupational illness results in death, the worker’s family—spouse, children, or other dependents—may receive weekly cash benefits and coverage for funeral expenses. These benefits are crucial in protecting families from sudden financial hardship.
Third-party lawsuits: Additional compensation
Workers' comp does not cover pain and suffering. However, if a third party (such as a manufacturer of toxic substances or a negligent subcontractor) played a role in your illness, a personal injury lawsuit may allow you to recover non-economic damages like emotional distress and diminished quality of life.
In New York, labor laws clearly state that every worker has the right to a safe and healthy work environment.
When an occupational disease develops due to hazardous conditions, lack of protective measures, or employer negligence, legal action may be necessary to protect the worker’s rights and secure fair compensation.
Employers are legally obligated to provide proper safety equipment, limit exposure to toxic substances, and train employees on workplace health risks. When these responsibilities are ignored, they can be held liable under occupational health law.
Victims of workplace-related illnesses may be eligible for compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and long-term health effects.
The New York State Department of Labor sets workplace safety regulations, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces compliance. If you are exposed to unsafe working conditions, you have the right to file a complaint—and to seek legal support if you’ve become ill.
If you are already suffering from a work-related illness, seeking legal help for occupational diseases in New York can make a critical difference. With experienced guidance, you may be able to recover the benefits and justice you deserve.
This is especially true when third parties, such as manufacturers or subcontractors, played a role in the toxic exposure.
To explore your legal options, speak with professionals who focus on occupational illness claims, such as:
These attorneys are experienced in occupational health law and are prepared to fight for workers who’ve been harmed by unsafe working environments.
They understand the complex legal landscape and can help you navigate everything from filing a workers' compensation claim to pursuing third-party lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has developed a work-related illness, connecting with experienced lawyers for occupational illnesses in NY can help ensure you receive the compensation and medical support you deserve.
Facing an occupational illness is a serious challenge that affects your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial security. Without proper legal guidance, workers are often at a disadvantage—especially when dealing with insurance companies that are focused on minimizing payouts.
At Gorayeb & Associates, known as The People’s Lawyers, we believe that cost should never stand in the way of justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing out of pocket. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive.
The risks of navigating a workplace illness claim alone can be high. Many workers unknowingly accept insufficient compensation, or worse, lose their case due to lack of evidence or legal expertise. That’s why having a team of experienced occupational disease attorneys in New York can make all the difference.
Don’t wait. Time matters. At Gorayeb & Associates, our dedicated team of New York occupational disease lawyers has the knowledge and commitment to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free legal consultation in Spanish or English—and get the support you need to take back control of your life.
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