Is your wind damage claim for your Shreveport home or business property stuck in limbo with the insurance company? Don’t let delays or low settlement offers keep you from recovering after a storm. Turn to Insurance Claim HQ, where we can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve under the terms of your insurance policy.
At ICHQ, we’ve helped over 70,000 clients in Louisiana, the Deep South, and across the U.S. recover more than $1 billion in insurance claim settlements, and we’re here to help you, too. Our lawyers know how to push back against unfair insurance practices and secure full and fair payouts for property owners in Shreveport.
There’s something that sets us at ICHQ apart from the others, however: our firsthand knowledge and experience. Many of our attorneys call the Pelican State home, so we know just what its residents — our neighbors — must endure when hailstorms, windstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes strike.
Don’t settle for less coverage than you deserve following heavy winds. Reach out to ICHQ today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Shreveport wind damage lawyer. Discover the difference we can make in helping you move forward with rebuilding your property, your business, and your life.
How a Shreveport Wind Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
Filing a wind damage claim often brings unexpected challenges. Insurance companies use numerous tactics to avoid paying fair compensation. For instance, they might delay processing your claim in the hopes that you will accept a low settlement out of frustration. Some insurers minimize damage assessments by arguing that pre-existing conditions or maintenance issues caused your loss. In other cases, they even deny valid claims outright, citing exclusions or technicalities in your policy. These tactics can leave policyholders overwhelmed and unsure about their next steps.
At ICHQ, we’re here to help you push back against these practices. Our wind damage lawyers in Shreveport understand insurance policies and how to challenge the methods insurers use to avoid paying claims. We review your policy to identify all available coverage, gather evidence to document the full extent of your losses, and confront attempts to downplay or deny your claim. If negotiations fail, we can pursue legal action to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Remember, you don’t have to face your insurer alone. ICHQ offers guidance and representation to help Shreveport property owners secure fair outcomes for their wind damage claims. Reach out today to learn more about how we can assist with your case.
What Kinds of Damage Can Winds Cause?
Windstorms can cause extensive property damage, resulting in significant repair costs and disruptions. The following are some common types of wind damage that frequently affect properties in Shreveport:
- Roof Damage – Strong winds can remove shingles, create leaks, or even cause roof sections to collapse. Gaps in your roof expose the interior of your home to water damage and debris.
- Broken Windows – Flying debris and high wind speeds can shatter windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Broken glass also creates safety hazards to occupants.
- Structural Damage – High winds can weaken or destroy load-bearing walls, siding, or foundational elements. This type of damage can lead to unsafe living conditions and costly repairs.
- Fence Damage – Windstorms can rip fence panels from the ground or cause entire sections to break apart. This type of damage reduces privacy and requires prompt replacement or repair.
- Garage Damage – Wind can damage garage doors, warping their structure or knocking them off their tracks. Severe storms can even cause a garage itself to collapse.
- HVAC and Pipe Damage – Outdoor HVAC units and exposed pipes face a high risk of impact from flying debris or falling objects in high winds. This can disrupt heating, cooling, and water flow.
- Damage to Other Buildings – Detached structures like sheds, barns, or guesthouses often suffer roof loss, siding damage, or collapse during windstorms.
These types of wind damage can result from many different weather events and conditions. Some causes are predictable, while others can occur suddenly without much warning. Common causes of wind damage in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana, include:
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Severe thunderstorms
- Tropical storms
- Downbursts
- Cold fronts
- Wind gusts
- High-pressure systems
- Low-pressure systems
- Straight-line winds
- Coastal storms
Why Would My Insurance Carrier Deny My Wind Damage Claim?
Insurance carriers might deny wind damage claims for several reasons, many of which rely on policy exclusions or technical arguments to avoid paying policyholders. One common reason involves disputes over the cause of the damage. Insurers might argue that pre-existing issues, poor maintenance, or wear and tear caused the damage rather than a windstorm. They could also claim that the damage resulted from flooding or other excluded causes, even if wind clearly played a role.
Another common tactic involves using strict deadlines or policy requirements to reject claims. If you miss a reporting deadline, fail to document damage properly, or overlook specific claim procedures, your insurer might deny your claim. Additionally, some policies contain exclusions for specific types of damage, such as fences or outbuildings, leaving you to cover those repairs out of pocket.
If the insurance company denies your claim, a lawyer from ICHQ can help by reviewing your policy, gathering evidence, and challenging the insurer’s reasons for denial. Our attorneys understand how to negotiate with insurance companies, build strong claims, and take legal action if necessary to fight unfair denials.
How Could Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith in My Wind Damage Claim?
Bad faith insurance practices occur when insurance companies unfairly delay, underpay, or deny valid claims without proper justification. Louisiana’s policyholder bill of rights protects insurance policyholders by requiring insurers to act fairly, promptly, and in good faith when handling claims. When an insurer violates these duties, they engage in bad faith behavior.
An insurer might act in bad faith in handling a wind damage claim by misrepresenting your policy terms to deny coverage or offering a settlement far below the actual cost of repairs. They might also cause unnecessary hardship by delaying their investigation or processing your claim without a legitimate reason. Some insurers also use improper tactics, such as requiring unnecessary documentation or ignoring clear evidence of damage, to deny claims.
If you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith, an ICHQ lawyer can help. They can take legal action to hold the insurer accountable and potentially secure compensation beyond your original claim amount.
What Should I Do If My Wind Damage Claim Was Denied?
If your wind damage claim was denied, you should take immediate steps to protect your rights and explore your options.
Start by reviewing your insurance policy carefully to understand the specifics of your coverage. Next, read through the denial letter to understand your insurer’s reasons for the rejection. Look for any exclusions or conditions the insurer claims apply to your case.
Gather all documentation related to your claim, including photos of the damage, repair estimates, and correspondence with the insurance company. This can help you identify errors or bad faith practices.
Next, contact a lawyer who handles wind damage insurance claims. An attorney from ICHQ can analyze your policy, evaluate the denial, and determine if the insurer acted unfairly. They can also help you build a strong appeal by collecting additional evidence and countering the insurer’s arguments. If necessary, your lawyer can file a lawsuit to seek compensation and hold the insurer accountable.
Acting quickly and working with a lawyer increases your chances of recovering the payout you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wind Damage Claim in Louisiana?
Most property insurance policies include strict deadlines for filing claims. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. You should review your policy to understand the specific timeframes and requirements for your claim. Prompt action can preserve your rights and prevent unnecessary disputes with your insurer.
If your insurer denies your claim in bad faith, Louisiana law gives you up to 10 years to file a lawsuit against them. This time limit gives you the opportunity to hold the insurance company accountable if they fail to handle your claim fairly. However, an insurer may have this deadline shortened, making it critical to review your policy to avoid filing an untimely bad faith claim.
Filing your initial claim promptly and taking legal action within the allowable timeframe protects your ability to recover compensation. If you have questions about your claim or the deadlines, a Shreveport wind damage attorney from ICHQ can provide guidance and assistance.
What Are Best Practices for Filing a Wind Damage Insurance Claim?
Following best practices when filing a wind damage insurance claim can help you avoid delays, disputes, and denials. The following are some tips you can follow to strengthen your claim and protect your rights:
- Report the Damage Immediately – Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the storm. Most policies require prompt reporting, and delays can jeopardize your claim.
- Document the Damage Thoroughly – Take photos and videos of all affected areas, including structural damage, broken windows, and displaced roofing materials. Create a detailed list of losses to support your claim.
- Review Your Policy – Understand what your insurance covers and identify any exclusions or limits so you can respond effectively to your insurer’s questions or challenges.
- Keep all Receipts and Records – Save receipts for temporary repairs, cleanup, or alternative living arrangements. These expenses may be reimbursable under your policy.
- Avoid Unnecessary Repairs – Make only essential temporary fixes to prevent further damage. Wait for your insurer to approve permanent repairs.
- Communicate Clearly with Your Insurer – Keep detailed records of all communications, including phone calls, emails, and written notices. Provide requested information promptly.
- Work with an Attorney – A wind damage attorney in Shreveport can review your policy, explain your rights, and advocate for fair treatment if your insurer disputes or denies your claim.
Contact a Shreveport Wind Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Today
Did your insurer company deny your wind damage claim or offer you less than your claim is worth? If so, turn to ICHQ, the law firm that’s recovered over $1 billion in settlements for policyholders like you.
Don’t let your wind damage claim go unresolved. Contact ICHQ today for a free initial consultation. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and fight to secure the compensation you need to rebuild and recover.