Construction Worker Disability Claims
When Your Body Was Your Livelihood
A general contractor whose back injury after a fall makes it impossible to manage job sites. A carpenter whose shoulder surgery has left him unable to lift or position materials. An electrician whose nerve damage prevents the precision grip that wiring work demands. For construction workers and contractors, disability is not a minor disruption — it is the end of the work that defines both their income and their identity.
Cowell Law represents construction workers, contractors, and tradespeople in SW Washington and Oregon who have had their disability claims denied. We understand the physical demands of construction work and know what documentation is required to build a claim that holds up against insurer scrutiny.
If your long-term disability claim was denied after a work-related or personal injury, or if your benefits were cut off before your recovery was complete, you have the right to appeal — and Cowell Law can help you do it right.
Why was my Construction Disability Claim Denied?
Disability claims for construction workers face a specific set of challenges. Insurers often apply broad definitions of what it means to be capable of work — arguing that even with significant physical limitations, a claimant can perform some form of sedentary or supervisory role that keeps them from qualifying under the policy's disability standard.
Frequent issues in construction worker disability claims include:
- Any-occupation definitions that allow insurers to argue you can work in a desk or supervisory capacity, even if you physically cannot return to the field
- Incomplete medical documentation that does not capture the specific physical demands of construction work
- IME findings based on general physical capacity rather than the actual requirements of the claimant's job
- Pre-existing condition denials tied to prior back, knee, or shoulder issues common in the trade
- Claims involving chronic pain, where symptom severity is subjective and difficult for insurers to accept
- Benefit cutoffs after an initial approval, often timed to the transition from own-occupation to any-occupation coverage
Understanding which definition applies to your policy — and how to document your limitations against that standard — is critical to a successful appeal.
Fighting for Construction Workers When Their Benefits Are Denied
Cowell Law approaches construction worker disability claims by starting with what your job actually requires. We work with your treating physicians, orthopedic specialists, and when appropriate, vocational experts to build a record that documents not just your condition but its impact on your specific physical work demands.
We review your denial letter and policy language, identify the arguments the insurer is making, and prepare a complete, well-documented appeal that addresses each of them directly. If the appeal is denied, we are prepared to take your case to litigation and continue advocating for the benefits you earned.
Construction workers and contractors in SW Washington and Oregon deserve the same quality of disability legal representation as any other professional. If your claim has been denied, contact Cowell Law to schedule a Clarity Call. There are no fees unless we recover benefits for you.
Our Claim Clarity Process™
Working with Cowell Law follows a simple, structured path:
- Schedule a Clarity Call — We review your situation and explain what your options are.
- Build Your Appeal Strategy — We prepare a complete case built around your specific denial.
- Move Forward With Support — We guide you through the appeal and stay with you if further action is needed.
One call is all it takes to know where you stand. There is no pressure, no confusing legal language — just clear, honest guidance from a team that handles these cases every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to appeal a denied disability claim?
Most long-term disability policies allow 180 days from the date of the denial letter to submit an appeal, but some policies have shorter windows. ERISA-governed plans have specific requirements that must be followed. It is important to check your policy and act quickly. Missing a deadline can eliminate your right to appeal.
Should I appeal on my own or hire an attorney?
You can technically appeal on your own, but it carries significant risk. Once you have submitted your appeal under ERISA, the administrative record is largely closed — meaning new evidence is very difficult to introduce in court. An attorney helps you build the strongest possible record from the start, which matters both for the appeal itself and any litigation that may follow.
What if my appeal is also denied?
If your appeal is denied, you may still have options — including filing a lawsuit against the insurance company. Cowell Law handles disability litigation as well as appeals, and we will advise you honestly about whether pursuing further action makes sense in your specific situation.
Does Cowell Law take cases on contingency?
Yes. We work on a contingency basis for most disability cases, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover benefits for you. We will explain the fee structure clearly during your initial consultation.