Are you having trouble getting your insurance company to pay out on your water damage claim in New Orleans? The claims process can be frustrating, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Insurance Claim HQ, our lawyers will always put you and your needs first when a disaster ruins your property and your life.
We have a superior track record for aggressively fighting to hold insurance companies accountable when they delay, deny, or underpay on claims for homeowners. Our law firm has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements for over 70,000 clients throughout Louisiana and the Deep South.
More importantly, we at ICHQ are very familiar with the physical and emotional strain involved with rebuilding and recovery following incidents that cause water damage. Many of our lawyers live in Louisiana, so we’ve seen — and experienced — firsthand the effects of floods, hurricanes, and storms that come through. Every day, we channel this passion into fighting for the compensation our neighbors like you deserve.
Contact ICHQ today for a free case evaluation. Let our team review your claim, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovering what you’re owed.
How a New Orleans Water Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
A New Orleans water damage lawyer from ICHQ can handle the claims process and work to get the compensation you deserve while you focus on restoring your property. Insurance companies often try to deny or underpay claims, and water damage claims can be especially tricky since some policies don’t cover all types of water damage. An attorney from ICHQ can help you determine the full extent of the coverage available to you and gather comprehensive evidence to support your claim.
If your claim gets delayed or denied, a lawyer can also help you challenge the adjuster’s decision. They can negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf to protect your rights and demand a fair payout. If necessary, your lawyer can also file a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the full amount owed to you.
Further, you are charged nothing upfront and nothing out-of-pocket for ICHQ to handle your case. Instead, your lawyer is paid only when you get your full and fair compensation for your insurance claim dispute. ICHQ’s payment comes as an agreed-upon percentage of your recovery.
What Are Common Causes of Water Damage?
Water damage can come from both internal and external sources, and it often leads to costly repairs and significant disruption. The following are some of the most frequent causes of water damage in homes:
- Pipes Bursting – Pipes can burst due to freezing temperatures, old age, or high water pressure. When a pipe bursts, it can cause severe flooding that damages walls, floors, and personal items.
- Leaky Roofs – Damaged or aging roofs can develop leaks and allow water intrusion. Heavy rain or snow can exacerbate the problem and cause ceiling stains, mold growth, and structural damage.
- Storms – Hurricanes and heavy rainstorms can cause water damage by overwhelming drainage systems or flooding your home. Strong winds can also ruin roofs or siding and let water inside.
- Floods – Floods from rising rivers, flash floods, or other natural disasters can cause widespread water damage. Floodwater often carries mud and debris, making cleanup especially challenging.
- Broken Appliances – Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can overflow or leak and cause flooding within the home that damages floors and walls.
- Sewage – Blockages or overwhelmed sewer systems can cause sewage water to flow back into a home. This type of water damage is not only unpleasant but also poses serious health risks.
The following common causes of water damage can affect various parts of your home, including:
- Walls and ceilings
- Flooring (hardwood, carpet, tile)
- Furniture
- Electrical systems
- Appliances
- Plumbing systems
- Insulation
- Personal belongings (clothing, electronics, documents)
- HVAC systems
- Cabinets and countertops
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Water Damage to Louisiana Properties?
Water damage can cause long-term issues for Louisiana properties if not addressed properly. Mold growth is a common problem, as New Orleans’ humid climate makes it easy for mold to thrive. This can lead to health risks for the occupants and require costly remediation. Water can also weaken a property’s structure over time, especially if it affects the foundation, support beams, or walls.
Damage to electrical systems can create safety hazards, including the risk of fire. Floors and ceilings can also become warped and require significant repairs. If the water damage is not completely dried out, rot can set in, causing further structural damage. Long-term water exposure can also lead to pest infestations, as moisture attracts insects and rodents. These continuing effects can make your property unsafe and decrease its value.
Why Would My Insurance Carrier Deny My Water Damage Claim?
Your insurance carrier might deny your water damage claim for several reasons. One common reason is if the cause of the water damage falls under an exclusion in your policy, such as flood damage. Many standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding, which requires separate flood insurance.
Another reason might be the insurance company claiming that the water damage resulted from poor maintenance. For example, if you failed to fix a known roof leak, your insurer might argue that the damage was preventable and use this as an excuse to deny your claim.
Additionally, your insurance carrier could argue that the damage resulted from gradual wear and tear, which most policies do not cover. They might also deny your claim if you fail to report the damage promptly or provide enough evidence to support the claim.
How Could Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith in My Water Damage Claim?
You have certain legal rights as an insurance policyholder in Louisiana, including the right to fair treatment and prompt payment for valid claims. If your insurance company violates these rights in handling your water damage claim, it might be acting in bad faith.
An insurer might act in bad faith by delaying the processing of your claim without a valid reason, refusing to pay a legitimate claim, or offering an unreasonably low settlement. They might also fail to investigate your claim properly or misrepresent policy terms to avoid paying you. In some cases, they might ignore the evidence you provide or require excessive documentation as a delay tactic.
If your insurer engages in any of these practices, you could have grounds for a bad faith insurance claim against them. Reach out to ICHQ and we can assess your situation.
What Should I Do if My Water Damage Claim Was Denied?
If your water damage claim was denied, you should take action immediately. First, carefully review the denial letter from your insurance company to understand the reason for the denial. Check your insurance policy to see if the reason matches the policy terms. Sometimes, insurance companies deny claims based on technicalities or misinterpretations.
Next, you should consult a New Orleans water damage attorney who handles these kinds of claims. They can review your policy, investigate the denial, and help you challenge it. They can gather additional evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If necessary, they can also represent you in court to pursue the compensation you are entitled to. Having legal help substantially improves your chances of a successful appeal.
If you have a water damage claim in Louisiana, you should initiate the claims process as soon as possible after discovering the damage. Most insurance companies have tight deadlines for beginning a claim, often requiring you to report the damage within a few days or weeks. Failing to meet these deadlines can result in the denial of your claim, so it’s important to act quickly.
In addition to insurance company deadlines, you could encounter an instance of your insurer unfairly denying or underpaying your claim, or imposing a lengthy, unnecessary delay on it. If this happens, you could file a bad faith insurance lawsuit against your carrier. Louisiana law generally gives you 10 years to sue your insurer for bad-faith insurance practices, though there could be exceptions that could reduce the time to file a lawsuit to as little as two years.
If you’re unsure about the specifics of filing either a water damage insurance claim or a bad faith lawsuit, reach out to an insurance claims lawyer from ICHQ today.
The main difference between flood damage and other types of water damage lies in the source of the water. Flood damage happens when water from a natural event, like heavy rain, overflowing rivers, or storm surges, enters your property. Flood damage is typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies; it requires separate flood insurance.
General water damage, on the other hand, can come from inside your property or from other sources, such as leaking pipes, broken appliances, or roof damage. Most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage, but only if it’s sudden and accidental. This distinction is important because the type of damage can affect whether your insurance policy will cover the repairs.
You can follow certain best practices to improve your chances of a successful outcome when filing a water damage insurance claim. First, report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies have strict deadlines, so prompt action is key. Document everything by taking photos or videos of the damage and gathering repair estimates.
You should also keep all receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary fixes. Be clear and accurate when describing the damage and its cause in your claim. For additional help, consider getting a lawyer who handles water damage claims. They can assist you in dealing with the insurance company, gathering the right documentation, and meeting all required deadlines.
