Storm Damage Attorney in Shreveport

Storm damage in Shreveport and across Louisiana takes many forms, from damage caused by water or hail to flooding to objects blowing in the wind and smashing through walls and windows. Whatever type of storm damage you’ve encountered, it’s frustrating when insurance companies try to find some excuse not to cover your claim. They may try to delay or offer you too little money to cover your losses. In the worst-case scenario, they may even tell you your storm damage claim is denied.

That’s when you need the help of a Shreveport storm damage lawyer at Insurance Claim HQ. Our law firm knows all the tricks the insurance companies like to try, and we’ve been overcoming their tactics for over 25 years. We know how devastating it is to go through a storm that severely damages your property, and we care about helping you get back to where you were before.

With a track record of recovering over $1 billion in settlements for 70,000-plus clients, we have the skills to get your home back to the condition it was in before the storm happened. More importantly, our law firm knows what you’re going through. Many of us are from the Pelican State and the Deep South, so we have seen — and lived through — big storms and have experienced what it takes to recover afterward.

If you’re ready to stand up and fight for your rights, contact ICHQ today for a free initial consultation.

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

If you live in the Shreveport area, you know how the region gets hit by many storms, from severe thunderstorms to hurricanes. All too often, however, it seems like the insurance companies don’t know, don’t want to know, or don’t care what residents have experienced due to such disasters.

We at ICHQ know too well how insurers delay claims, offer settlements too small to allow homeowners like you to rebuild, or deny claims completely whenever they can. Instead, the only thing the insurance companies care about is the bottom line, even if that means leaving you without the help you desperately need after you’ve been paying your premiums for years.

Here at ICHQ, we have always been dedicated to one simple principle: put the client first. That means we will fight for your rights with all our experience and legal knowledge, pursuing the maximum recovery we can get for you. A Shreveport storm damage attorney from ICHQ can do the following:

• They can work with contractors and public adjusters to assess the full value of your claim.
• They can explain the details of your insurance policy and help you avoid exclusions that could allow the insurance company to deny your claim.
• They can negotiate with the insurance company for you.
• They can fight for your rights when the insurance company acts in bad faith.
• If necessary, they can file a storm damage lawsuit against the insurance company.

Hiring a Shreveport storm damage lawyer from ICHQ is the best way to level the playing field, putting you in a much better position in negotiations with the insurance company. Your claim will be correct and filed on time, you’ll have as much evidence to support it as possible, and you’ll have someone knowledgeable and experienced on your side when negotiations begin.

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

You may have heard the phrase “bad faith” in reference to insurance claims, but what does it mean? Bad faith refers to situations in which the insurance company is unfair or dishonest in its dealings with a policyholder.

An insurance company acts in bad faith when:

• The company denies your claim without any clear reason, or for a reason that doesn’t make sense based on your policy
• The company doesn’t respond when you try to contact them
• They drag out the process of investigating your claim
• They make false or incomplete statements
• They pressure you to agree to a settlement without consulting an attorney
• They demand excessive documentation
• They don’t conduct a complete investigation
• They interpret the results of the investigation dishonestly or unfairly
• They intentionally misinterpret your policy
• They make a settlement offer that is much lower than your claim

If you think your insurance carrier has been acting in bad faith, contact a Shreveport storm damage attorney from ICHQ immediately to safeguard your rights.

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

When you file a storm damage claim, you need to understand that the insurance company will deny your claim or minimize your recovery if there is any way they can do so. To keep the insurance company from underpaying you or denying your claim, you need to put together as much evidence as possible, including the following:

• A complete and detailed list of missing and damaged items with their estimated values
• Any receipts showing what you originally paid for the damaged items
• Any photos showing the items before they were damaged
• Repair estimates from contractors or public adjusters
• Copies of any bills you have received for repairs
• Copies of bills for your living expenses
• A copy of your insurance policy
• Any communications with any party regarding the damages to your property, including times and dates

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

Insurance policies vary in the amount of time they allow policyholders to file a claim following a storm. Check with your carrier or your attorney to confirm the applicable deadlines. Additionally, Louisiana law generally allows property owners to file a lawsuit within 10 years if their insurer engages in bad faith tactics to deny or delay their claim. You should check your policy, however, as insurers may impose shorter deadlines for filing bad faith claims.

What Should I Do After a Storm?

After your home or property is damaged in a storm, there are a series of steps you should take, including the following:

• Conduct an initial interior and exterior inspection to get a sense of the extent of the damage.
• Review your insurance policy language to determine what is covered by your policy.
• Assess the damage to your property.
• Contact a storm damage lawyer in Shreveport to help with your claim.
• File an insurance claim.

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

A storm can damage your property in many ways, including wind damage, hurricane damage, hail damage, flooding, water damage, fire, mold damage, and more. Elements in a storm that can damage your property include:

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

Storm damage is typically covered under homeowners insurance, but the typical policy doesn’t cover everything a storm can do to your home. For instance, your policy may cover water damage but not flood damage, as flood damage is often an exclusion that must be covered under a separate policy for an additional fee.

The following are types of storm damage that may not be covered under your insurance policy:

• Flood damage
• Sewer backup damage
• Tree removal may not be covered unless the tree fell on your home
• Damage caused by failure to mitigate, such as water damage that occurred because you didn’t put a tarp up over a damaged roof
• Damage caused by wear and tear, such as a leaky roof that you never got around to fixing

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

Your rights as an insurance policyholder are laid out in the Louisiana Policyholders Bill of Rights:

• You have the right to competitive pricing from a selection of insurance carriers whose coverage you can compare.
• You have the right to accuracy and honesty in all marketing and advertising materials.
• You have the right to deal with a financially stable insurance company.
• You have the right to be treated fairly and without deception.
• You have the right to buy insurance from competent and honest insurance agents who answer whatever questions you have.
• You have the right to be protected by the regulations of the Department of Insurance.
• You have the right to check your insurer’s licensing status.
• You have the right to receive a 30-day written notice of nonrenewal or cancellation, except in cases of nonpayment.
• You have the right to a written explanation for any decision to cancel or refuse renewal of your policy.
• You have the right to a written settlement offer or a payment on your claim within 30 days after the insurance company receives your proof of loss form.
• You have the right to a written explanation for any denial of your claim.
• For first-party claims, you have the right to any documentation generated by the insurance company in adjusting your claim, with the exception of legally privileged documents.
• You have the right to file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance, which will investigate your complaint.
• You have the right to a complete and readable insurance policy.
• You have the right to all the legal remedies specified by Louisiana law for any violations by the insurance company.

Contact a Shreveport Storm Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Today

Did you suffer storm damage in Shreveport, Louisiana, and are having trouble with your insurance company? You need experienced legal counsel to pursue the financial compensation you deserve from your insurance company. Contact ICHQ today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a storm damage attorney in Shreveport.