Mining, construction, and other industries in Colorado have contributed to worker asbestos exposure. Natural deposits in the state have also posed a risk to residents. Many people who fell ill to asbestos-related diseases have reached out to an experienced and dedicated Colorado mesothelioma lawyer for assistance.
Over $30 billion in trust funds is available to asbestos disease victims and their families. If you have been diagnosed mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a substantial amount of compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about top mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more.
We help all asbestos victims and their families in every city and town in Colorado, including:
Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Pueblo, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Boulder, Greeley, Longmont, Loveland, Grand Junction, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Parker, Littleton, Northglenn, Brighton, Security-Widefield, Dakota Ridge, Englewood, Ken Caryl, Wheat Ridge, Pueblo, West Fountain, Lafayette, Columbine, Windsor, Evans, Erie, Louisville, Clifton, Golden, Sherrelwood, Montrose, Durango, Cañon City, Cimarron Hills, Welby, Greenwood Village, Sterling, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Lone Tree, Superior, Fruita, Steamboat Springs, Johnstown, Federal Heights, Berkley, Cherry Creek, Fort Morgan, Firestone, Castle Pines, The Pinery, Frederick, Glenwood Springs, Alamosa, Edwards, Rifle, Gunbarrel, Stonegate, Evergreen, Craig, Woodmoor, Delta, Roxborough Park, Redlands, Cortez, Fruitvale, Trinidad, Fairmount, Derby, Lamar, Fort Lupton, Woodland Park, Gleneagle, Stratmoor, La Junta, Applewood, Aspen, Wellington, Gypsum, Orchard, Mesa, Twin Lakes Cdp, Carbondale, Eagle Avon, Air Force Academy, Cherry Hills Village, Estes Park, Milliken, Sheridan, Gunnison, Monument, and more.
Colorado Asbestos Facts
- Colorado has many natural deposits of asbestos.
- There were 2,429 recorded deaths related to asbestos in the state from 1999 to 2013.
- Of those deaths, 449 were the result of mesothelioma and 197 were from asbestosis.
- Denver County has seen the most asbestos-related deaths in the state, closely followed by Jefferson County.
Which Colorado Industries Have Contributed to Asbestos Exposure?
There is no single type of job or industry that is responsible for all asbestos deaths. But many work sites caused exposure and resulting illnesses in all areas of Colorado.
Power Plants
Asbestos exposure in such work sites as Ft. Collins’ Rawhide Energy Station and the Estes Power Plant in Larimer County was caused by the use of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) like insulation and fire-retardents in facilities with high-heat operations, like power generating stations.
Government and Military Sites
The U.S. government, especially the military, was a heavy user of asbestos. Many government facilities in Colorado, including the Army’s Ft. Carson and the Air Force’s Buckley Air Force Base (AFB) and Peterson AFB, were built using asbestos.
Other Industries
ACMs were also widely used by the civilian sector, especially in job sites with furnaces, steam generators, dynamos, and smelters. Steel mills, oil refineries, and power plants built between 1930 and 1973 contained huge quantities of asbestos. Some specific examples of job sites known to have contained asbestos and put workers at risk of exposure include:
- Western Minerals Company asbestos processing plant in Denver
- Mountain Bell Telephone Company building in Denver
- Sedalia Copper Mine near Salida
- Conoco Oil Refinery in Grand Junction
- Grand Junction VA Medical Center
What About Colorado’s Natural Deposits of Asbestos?
Colorado is located in a mountainous area rich in mineral resources, including asbestos, and particularly the amphibole variety. The fibrous minerals usually lie in the same mineral veins as coal, gold, and mined resources.
When left undisturbed, these naturally-occurring asbestos minerals are relatively harmless to humans. But road work, development and construction, mining, and even natural disasters can expose natural asbestos. The fibers may contaminate soil, air, and water, and put nearby workers and residents at risk.
What Are Colorado’s Asbestos Laws?
The Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDHPE) implemented several asbestos regulations after the hazards of asbestos fibers were made apparent by the EPA, including the following:
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Before starting any remodeling or renovation project, a licensed Colorado asbestos building inspector must first inspect the building and report the amount and location of asbestos to the state.
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A permit from the state must be granted before the removal of any asbestos from public building and facilities. However, private homeowner do not need a permit as long as the asbestos is limited to your primary residence only. However, asbestos should still be handled by a licensed professional.
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Landfills equipped to take asbestos must be contacted in advance for approval. Keep in mind that most landfills in Colorado will only take non-friable asbestos. Friable asbestos are only accepted at five landfills within Colorado. Each landfill has its own sets of regulations, so be certain to understand the requirements when deciding on which landfill to use.
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Written notification must be sent to to the CDHPE prior to working around asbestos. This applies to all buildings, facilities, and structures, except for private residential homes. The written notification must be received at least 10 days before the work is set to begin.
For more information, contact the CDHPE directly at:
- Denver County: 720-865-5474
- Jefferson County: 303-271-5714
- Pueblos County: 719-583-4982
Colorado Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cases
- Statute of limitations for asbestos-related cases in Colorado fall under personal injury law: Colorado Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102 et seq.
- Plaintiffs wishing to file an asbestos-related lawsuit must do so within two years of the time of diagnosis or within two years from the date the disease should have been reasonably discovered.
- For wrongful death lawsuits, plaintiffs must file within two years of the actual death date of the victim.
Getting Legal Assistance in Colorado
Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the leading asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
