Storm Damage Attorney in Louisiana

Are you struggling to handle the aftermath of storm damage in Louisiana? Dealing with property damage is tough enough without the added stress of filing an insurance claim. You may feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, the need for quick action, and the fear that you won’t receive the full amount you deserve.

At Insurance Claim HQ, our team is here to guide you through each step, from assessing the damage to dealing with insurers. We understand exactly what homeowners in Louisiana and the Deep South go through when disastrous weather conditions hit, because many of our lawyers live here. We think of you as not just a client but a neighbor who needs help.

More importantly, if your insurer is delaying, denying, or undercutting your payment, our team knows how to stand up to them and combat their tactics. We have a track record of more than $1 billion recovered in insurance claim settlements for 70,000-plus clients across the Pelican State and nationally.

Trust us to work hard to get you the compensation you need to repair and restore your property following a devastating storm. Contact ICHQ today for a free consultation with a storm damage lawyer in Louisiana, and let us help you move forward with confidence.

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

After a storm, many Louisiana homeowners face the daunting task of dealing with insurance companies. These companies often use various tactics to avoid paying full value for valid claims. For example, they might cause frustrating delays by taking forever to send adjusters or process claim paperwork. They may argue that the damage was less severe than it actually was or claim that some damage was pre-existing to minimize payouts. In some cases, adjusters could even outright deny legitimate claims by misinterpreting policy terms in their favor.

In these situations, a Louisiana storm damage lawyer from ICHQ can make all the difference. They can compile and present evidence that accurately shows the extent of your property damage. This might include photographs, receipts, and expert assessments. Your lawyer can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to demand the fair settlement you are due. If necessary, your attorney can take legal action to challenge unfair delays, low settlements, or denials.

When you hire ICHQ, you pay no upfront attorney’s fees or costs. Our law firm is only paid if we successfully secure compensation on your claim. You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain by reaching out to us today.

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

Insurance companies act in bad faith when they refuse to handle your claim fairly. There are several ways an insurance company might act in bad faith when you file a storm damage claim.

For example, they might ignore the obligations outlined in your policy agreement by delaying their investigation into your claim without a good reason. The insurer could fail to provide a clear explanation for denying or undervaluing your claim. Sometimes, they outright refuse to pay your claim even when the evidence is clear or make unreasonable demands for proof of damage that are difficult or impossible to meet.

These actions can put you in a difficult position, especially when you need funds to start timely repairs. If your storm damage claim is denied in bad faith, a lawyer from ICHQ can help by arguing your case and holding the insurance company accountable for its obligations to you.

What Evidence Will I Need to Keep the Insurance Adjuster Honest?

You need comprehensive evidence of your property damage to keep insurance adjusters honest. You can start gathering this evidence by taking detailed photos or videos of all the damage as soon as possible after the storm. Include different angles and close-ups to show the extent of the damage clearly. Keep records of the date and time of the storm, and note down details of the impact.

It’s also helpful to save receipts for any immediate repairs you had to make to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows or holes in your roof. If available, collect statements from witnesses who saw the damage occur. Additionally, keep a detailed record of all your communications with the insurance company. This evidence can be crucial if disputes arise during the claims process.

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

In general, each homeowner’s insurance policy has a deadline for filing a storm damage claim against it. You should review your specific policy as soon as possible following the incident to determine how long you have to file a claim. If you file too late, you risk giving the insurer a basis to deny coverage, as the delay in filing will have prejudiced your insurer’s ability to investigate the incident. Promptly initiating your claim ensures that the damage assessment and recovery processes can begin as soon as possible.

If you encounter issues with your insurance company, such as unnecessary delays, unfair denials, or the minimization of your claim, you have the right to file a bad faith lawsuit. Louisiana law generally gives you 10 years to sue your insurer for bad-faith insurance practices. However, 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 a bad faith claim or a storm damage claim, a knowledgeable ICHQ lawyer can handle the process on your behalf.

What Should I Do After a Storm?

Taking the right steps can be crucial for your property’s recovery after a storm hits. The following are what you should do immediately following a storm to protect your home and begin the claims process:

• Conduct an Initial Inspection – Walk around the interior and exterior of your property to identify any visible signs of damage. Outside, look for broken windows, damaged roofs, and signs of water penetration. Inside, check ceilings and walls for water stains or possible leaks.
• Assess the Damage – Next, evaluate the damage and take steps to prevent further issues. This might involve covering broken windows with plywood or tarping damaged roofs. Preventing additional damage can save you potential headaches and support your insurance claim.
• Review Your Insurance Policy – Take a moment to read through your insurance policy to determine what is covered and what your responsibilities are as a property owner. Consult an attorney if you have any questions or need clarification.
• Contact an Attorney – If you suspect your claim might be complicated or want to protect your rights from the start, consider talking to a Louisiana storm damage attorney from ICHQ. They can provide guidance on the claims process and represent you if any disputes arise with the insurance company.
• File an Insurance Claim – Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt reporting. Have your policy number ready and provide details about the damage. Keep notes on whom you speak with and what you discuss.

What Elements in a Storm Could Cause Damage to My Property?

Each type of storm brings its own set of challenges, and the damage storms cause can vary widely depending on the severity and nature of the storm. Below are some common elements associated with storms that can lead to property damage in Louisiana:

• Rain – Heavy rainfall can quickly accumulate, overwhelm drainage systems, and lead to flooding. This excess water can seep into homes, causing structural damage and promoting mold growth.
• Ice – Ice storms can coat surfaces with heavy layers of ice that can snap power lines and tree limbs. The additional weight can also collapse roofs and block roadways.
• Hail – Hailstones, which can grow as large as baseballs, directly damage roofs, siding, and windows. Frequent hail impacts can also strip protective coatings from surfaces.
• Wind – Straight-line winds can abruptly destabilize trees and power poles, causing them to fall onto homes and cars. Hurricane winds can dismantle roofs, push water ashore, and hurl debris.
• Lightning Strikes – Lightning can strike properties directly and ignite fires or fry electrical circuits. The resulting surges of power can ruin home electronics and electrical systems almost instantly.
• Power Surges – Often triggered by lightning or damage to power lines, power surges can travel through electrical wiring and damage appliances or electronics without adequate protection.
• Debris – Storm winds can turn unsecured outdoor items into projectiles. Everything from tree branches to street signs can be picked up and thrown against homes, causing significant damage.
• Falling Trees – Saturated soil and strong winds can cause trees to topple in storms, which can crush parts of structures, damage vehicles, and block roads, complicating recovery efforts.
• Blowing Objects – Items left outside, such as patio furniture and yard tools, can get blown into buildings, shattering windows and damaging exteriors.
• Wildfires – Lightning from storms can ignite wildfires, especially in dry areas. These fires can rapidly spread in windy conditions, threatening homes and possibly requiring evacuations.

What Kinds of Storm Damage Might Not Be Covered Under My Insurance?

Standard insurance policies do not cover all types of storm damage.

Common exclusions include flood damage, which typically requires an additional policy beyond standard homeowners insurance. Another common exclusion is for damage resulting from lack of maintenance, like worn-out roofs or windows that you did not repair before the storm. Some policies also exclude wind damage, especially in areas prone to high winds and hurricanes, unless you purchase specific windstorm coverage.

An ICHQ attorney can help you review your insurance policy to determine what types of damage are and aren’t covered.

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

As an insurance policyholder in Louisiana, you have specific rights under the Louisiana policyholder bill of rights.

This law requires insurance companies to provide fair and honest treatment to policyholders. It says you have the right to prompt communication from your insurer, timely investigations of your claims, and clear explanations of any claim denials. You also have the right to prompt payment after providing valid proof of loss and the right to appeal any decision your insurer makes regarding your claim. Furthermore, you have the right to consult a lawyer at any point during the claims process.

These rights exist to protect you from unfair practices and ensure that you can get the compensation you are entitled to under your policy. If you feel that your insurer has violated your rights, you should contact a lawyer from ICHQ who can help uphold your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Contact a Louisiana Storm Damage Attorney Today

Don’t let the complexity of insurance claims slow down your recovery. Take the first step toward restoring your property by contacting ICHQ for your free, no-obligation consultation and case review.