Flood Damage Attorney in Louisiana

Are you struggling with a flood damage claim in Louisiana? Facing unexpected roadblocks from your insurance company can feel frustrating and overwhelming, especially when you’re relying on your coverage to repair your home or business. Unfortunately, insurers often use tactics to reduce, delay, or deny payments, which can make it difficult to get the compensation you deserve. The flood insurance lawyers at Insurance Claim HQ can help you push back against these tactics and work to secure the fair payment you need for repairs.

We take fighting insurance claims seriously — and personally. Many of our lawyers are from or live in Louisiana, so we know what it’s like to lose everything to floods and other disasters. We’ve witnessed and experienced the physical and emotional strain of rebuilding homes and businesses when floods wiped them out. In our 25-plus years of helping over 70,000 clients in the Pelican State, the Deep South, and across the U.S., we’ve recovered more than $1 billion.

Contact ICHQ today for a free initial consultation with a flood damage lawyer in Louisiana. Discover how we may help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward. You pay no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for us to get working on your case.

How a Louisiana Flood Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Help with Your Case

Insurance companies work hard to undervalue or deny claims, which can leave policyholders with insufficient funds for necessary property repairs. For example, adjusters might argue that damage existed before the flood, attempt to minimize the extent of the damage, or deny coverage by pointing to vague exclusions. These tactics can make it difficult to secure the compensation you deserve.

A Louisiana flood damage lawyer from ICHQ can help you by reviewing your insurance policy, gathering evidence of the damage, and negotiating directly with your insurer. With a legal advocate on your side, you can pursue the compensation you need to repair and restore your property fully.

What Does a Flood Insurance Policy Typically Cover?

A flood insurance policy generally covers damage to the structure of your property and, in some cases, your personal belongings.

These policies usually include floors, walls, ceilings, electrical and plumbing systems, water heaters, and major appliances like refrigerators and stoves. Coverage might also extend to foundation walls, attached garages, and essential mechanical systems. For personal items, coverage often includes furniture, clothing, electronics, and other belongings, though this can vary based on the policy.

Notably, flood policies do not typically cover outdoor property, landscaping, or temporary living expenses if you must leave your home while repairs are ongoing.

What Are the Possible Exceptions on a Flood Insurance Policy?

Most flood insurance policies include exceptions that limit the amount or type of coverage available. Common exceptions include damage from mold or mildew if you do not take prompt steps to prevent it after the flood. Many policies also exclude coverage for landscaping, patios, decks, fences, pools, and hot tubs.

Additionally, if a flood causes economic loss due to business interruption or temporary living expenses, most flood policies will not cover these costs. Flood insurance policies also frequently exclude high-value items like cash, valuable papers, or jewelry unless you purchase additional coverage.

Does Hurricane Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

No, hurricane insurance typically does not cover flood damage directly. While hurricane policies can help with wind damage, they usually do not include water damage from flooding. Flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy, often through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

The difference matters because, during hurricanes, water can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Policyholders often assume that hurricane insurance will cover all damage from a hurricane, but insurers generally separate damage caused by wind from damage caused by flooding. Policyholders in hurricane-prone areas like Louisiana often need both hurricane and flood insurance policies to effectively cover both types of risks.

How Could Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith in My Flood Damage Claim?

Insurance companies act in bad faith when they fail or refuse to uphold their obligations to policyholders. In flood damage claims, bad faith practices might result in unjust delays in processing claims, denials of valid claims without a reasonable basis, or undervalued claim payouts. Some insurance companies might also misrepresent policy terms to discourage claim payouts.

These shady practices can frustrate policyholders who depend on timely compensation to repair flood damage. A flood damage attorney in Louisiana can help if you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith by identifying unfair tactics, demanding accountability, and working to secure fair compensation for your claim.

What Legal Rights Do I Have as an Insurance Policyholder in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, policyholders have specific legal rights under the state’s policyholder bill of rights. This legislation protects policyholders from unfair practices and outlines insurers’ duties, which include processing claims within reasonable timeframes and communicating clearly with policyholders.

Under Louisiana law, insurance companies must honor policy terms and handle claims fairly. Policyholders also have the right to access relevant policy information and dispute claim denials they believe are unjust. Knowing your rights can empower you to challenge unfair claim practices and seek appropriate compensation for flood damage.

A Louisiana flood damage attorney from ICHQ can help you interpret these rights and protect your interests if you experience unfair treatment.

How Much Time Does My Insurance Company Have to Respond After a Flood?

Louisiana law requires insurance companies to act within certain time frames when processing flood damage claims. Generally, insurers must acknowledge the claim within 14 days, conduct an initial investigation, and communicate their findings promptly. If they approve the claim, your insurer usually must make a payment within 30 days of reaching an agreement on the amount.

If you encounter delays beyond these timelines, your insurance company might be acting in bad faith. Tracking these deadlines can help you determine when to take action. An ICHQ lawyer can help you communicate with the adjuster or take legal action as necessary if your insurer fails to meet these deadlines.

How Long Do I Have to File a Flood Damage Claim in Louisiana?

It’s important to begin your claim promptly and submit your Proof of Loss to your insurer within 60 days of the flood. Missing this initial deadline can limit your options for getting compensation or even lead to an outright denial of your claim.

However, Louisiana law gives you more time if you need to file a claim against your insurer for bad faith practices. If your flood damage claim is denied, delayed, or undervalued unfairly, you have up to 10 years to file a bad faith insurance claim. This extended period provides some protection if your insurer does not handle your claim properly. Note, though, that there could be exceptions that would reduce the time to file a lawsuit to as little as two years.

An attorney can help you act quickly on your initial flood damage claim, explain your rights regarding bad faith claims, and secure the compensation you deserve.

What Are Best Practices for Filing a Flood Insurance Claim?

Following best practices when filing a flood insurance claim can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Start by documenting all damage as soon as possible. Take clear photos and videos of affected areas and personal items. Make a detailed list of all damaged property and gather receipts if possible. Notify your insurer immediately and keep records of all communications with the adjuster. If the insurance adjuster visits your property, ask questions and get written confirmations for estimates and repair needs. Do not start any major repairs before the adjuster arrives, but make emergency fixes as needed to prevent further damage.

Preparing thoroughly and staying organized can promote a smoother claim process and prevent common pitfalls.

What Are Common Causes of Floods in Homes and Business Spaces?

Flooding affects countless homes and businesses across Louisiana every year. Common causes of flood damage in the Bayou State include:

Flood damage can impact nearly every part of a home or business and require significant and expensive repairs. Common types of flood damage include damage to:

What Does the National Flood Insurance Program Do?

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to property owners in flood-prone areas, including Louisiana. Managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the NFIP aims to reduce the financial impact of flood events by offering affordable flood insurance policies.

Property owners in participating communities can purchase NFIP coverage to protect against losses from floods. The NFIP also promotes floodplain management practices that reduce risks in areas prone to flooding. Although NFIP policies have coverage limits, they help many property owners cover structural and personal property losses after a flood.

What’s the Difference Between Flood Damage and Water Damage?

Water damage and flood damage are similar, but insurance policies typically treat them differently.

Flood damage involves water that enters a property from the ground up due to a natural event, like a river overflow, heavy rain, or storm surge. In contrast, water damage often refers to water-related issues from inside the home, such as pipe leaks, burst water heaters, or structural issues. Flood insurance policies generally cover flood damage exclusively, while standard homeowners insurance policies cover certain types of non-flood water damage.

The distinction between these two types of damage matters because policyholders often need separate policies to cover each type.

Contact a Louisiana Flood Damage Attorney Today

If you’re dealing with flood damage in Louisiana and need support with your insurance claim, contact ICHQ now. Our caring and dedicated team is here to help you through the claims process, challenge unfair denials, and demand the compensation you are due. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation, and let us help you take the next steps toward recovery.