Flooding from severe storms and overflowing rivers can leave homes and businesses in disrepair, with property owners facing costly damage and uncertain next steps.
These circumstances can lead to significant financial losses, many of which insurance doesn’t fully cover. If your home, rental property, or business suffered flood damage, recovering the fair compensation you need to move forward can be challenging. To make matters worse, insurance companies may delay payment, undervalue your claim, or deny it altogether.
After a flood, you don’t need to face the stressful aftermath alone. An experienced Baton Rouge flood damage attorney at Insurance Claim HQ can review your situation and aggressively help you pursue the full amount your policy entitles you to receive. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Why Flood Damage Is a Major Concern in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is prone to frequent and severe flooding due to its low elevation, proximity to the Mississippi River, and heavy seasonal rainfall. Neighborhoods often experience flash floods that severely damage buildings and infrastructure.
The 2016 floods alone affected tens of thousands of properties, many of which were not in designated flood zones. As development continues, drainage issues and aging levee systems increase the flood risk. Unfortunately, even with flood insurance, property owners often face uphill battles with insurers when filing flood damage claims.
Types of Flood Damage Claims We Handle
Flood damage claims in Baton Rouge often cover a wide range of structural and personal property losses. ICHQ can assist with claims involving residential homes, rental properties, commercial buildings, and personal belongings. Depending on the scope of the flooding, damage may include:
- Foundation damage
- Soaked drywall
- Warped or waterlogged flooring
- Electrical system failure
- Mold growth
- HVAC issues
- Water-damaged furniture
- Ruined appliances
- Spoiled inventory
However, every policy is different. Most do not cover needs like temporary relocation if you cannot live on your property until it’s repaired. Others exclude specific types of damage or limit certain categories of reimbursement. A flood damage attorney at ICHQ can review your insurance policy, document the full extent of your losses, and communicate with insurance adjusters to pursue fair compensation.
How to File a Flood Damage Insurance Claim
Take quick action and follow several key steps to strengthen your claim and reduce the likelihood of a delayed or denied flood damage claim:
- Review your policy – Read your flood insurance policy carefully to understand what’s covered, any exclusions, and deadlines for filing.
- Notify your insurer – Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies require prompt notice, and delays could affect your coverage.
- Document the damage – Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas and belongings. Make a detailed list of damaged items, including their estimated values.
- Prevent further damage – Take reasonable steps to stop additional losses, such as placing a tarp on a roof or removing wet materials to slow mold growth. Keep receipts for any repairs or cleanup efforts.
- Meet with the insurance adjuster – The insurance company will send a representative to assess the damage. Attend the inspection and provide all your documentation to the adjuster.
- Submit your proof of loss – You may need to file a formal proof of loss form within a set timeframe. A lawyer can help ensure that it’s accurate and complete.
Common Reasons Flood Damage Claims Get Denied
Insurance companies sometimes deny valid flood damage claims. Understanding why your insurer denied your claim can help you prepare a stronger one and try again. Common reasons for denial include:
- Missed filing deadlines
- Inadequate documentation
- Damage not covered under the policy
- Disputes over the cause of the loss
- Pre-existing property damage
- Failure to mitigate further damage
- Incomplete proof of loss
- Policy exclusions or limitations
- Claim filed with the wrong insurer (e.g., homeowners insurance instead of flood insurance)
If your insurance company denies your claim for flood damage in Baton Rouge, it must provide a legitimate reason for the denial. If you believe the insurer is acting in bad faith, an experienced flood damage attorney from ICHQ can review your case and discuss your options.
What to Do If Your Insurance Company Acts in Bad Faith
Although your insurer may act like it’s on your side, it is still a for-profit business. Its adjusters work to protect the company’s profit margins, not to ensure fair and full payouts for policyholders. As a result, some insurance companies engage in bad faith tactics like unreasonably delaying, denying, or underpaying valid claims without a valid basis.
Louisiana policyholders have legal protections against bad faith practices. Contact an attorney if your insurer refuses to process your flood damage claim fairly or doesn’t respond within legal timeframes. You may have grounds for a separate claim. ICHQ can help determine whether bad faith occurred and pursue additional compensation beyond the original claim amount.
How a Baton Rouge Flood Damage Attorney Can Help
The period following a flood can be hectic, confusing, and emotionally draining. The insurance claims process often adds to the stress people already feel. A Baton Rouge flood damage attorney from ICHQ can help you take control.
Our legal team will start by evaluating your insurance policy, identifying the full scope of your covered losses, gathering evidence, and preparing your claim to help you meet all deadlines and documentation requirements. We’ll coordinate with public adjusters or experts and challenge assessments that undervalue your losses.
If your insurer denies the claim, delays payment, offers an unfair settlement, or engages in bad faith tactics, your ICHQ flood damage attorney will step in to negotiate or file a lawsuit if necessary. For those dealing with extensive losses or complicated claims, getting legal representation is a wise strategy to understand what the insurer owes you and whether additional avenues for compensation are available.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Flood Damage Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If your property in Baton Rouge sustained flood damage, don’t risk missing out on the money you deserve by trying to tackle your claim alone.
Let the team at ICHQ provide the support you need. Many of our attorneys and staff members are Louisiana natives, so we understand what you’re going through and are here to put your interests first. Contact us today for a free consultation with a proven flood damage lawyer in Baton Rouge.