Are you struggling to get the coverage you deserve after a storm-related property damage in New Orleans? A lawyer from Insurance Claim HQ can help. We have a track record of more than $1 billion recovered in insurance claim settlements across Louisiana and nationally. That’s because our team knows how to stand up to greedy insurers and the tactics they use to delay, deny, or undercut payments to policyholders like you.
When you have a knowledgeable lawyer from ICHQ on your side, they can manage all aspects of your claim — from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies — and protect your rights every step of the way. Our team also understands what homeowners in Louisiana and the Deep South go through when disastrous weather conditions hit, as many of our lawyers live here. You’re not just a client to us; you’re a neighbor who needs help.
Don’t let the stress of an insurance claim weigh you down. Take the first step toward securing the compensation you need to rebuild. Contact ICHQ today for a free case consultation with a New Orleans storm damage attorney.
How a New Orleans Storm Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
A New Orleans storm damage insurance claim lawyer can be a great help by simplifying the claims process for you. They can review your insurance policy thoroughly to clarify the coverage you should receive based on the damage and explain the policy’s terms in clear language. An ICHQ attorney can also assess whether the insurance company’s compensation offer matches the extent of the damage. If the offer is too low, they can negotiate for a more appropriate amount.
Additionally, if your insurance company denies your claim or delays payment, a lawyer will advocate on your behalf to demand the attention your case deserves. Should your case require court intervention, an ICHQ attorney will also represent your interests and present a strong, evidence-based argument before the judge. Hiring a lawyer means having someone knowledgeable and experienced working to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to repair your property and move forward.
How Could Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith in My Storm Damage Claim?
When you file a storm damage claim, you expect your insurance company to handle it fairly and promptly. However, insurance companies do not always act in good faith. Bad faith insurance practices occur when insurers try to avoid their duty to investigate, process, or pay claims fairly and promptly.
An insurance company might act in bad faith with your storm damage claim by delaying its investigation without a good reason or denying your claim without a proper explanation. They might also offer much less than your claim is worth or fail to communicate important information about your claim status. In some cases, they might even misinterpret the insurance policy language intentionally to avoid paying.
If you suspect your insurance company is engaging in bad faith practices, a lawyer from ICHQ can help you challenge their actions and demand the fair treatment you deserve.
What Evidence Will I Need to Keep the Insurance Adjuster Honest?
Comprehensive evidence provides clear and documented proof of your property damage, which can prevent your insurer from underestimating or dismissing your losses. Your ICHQ attorney can handle the process of identifying, gathering, and presenting the evidence you need to keep the adjuster honest. This evidence might include the following:
- Photos or videos of all the damage immediately after the storm
- Receipts for any emergency repairs you make to prevent further damage to your property
- Previous home inspection reports or maintenance records
- Statements from witnesses and experts
- Utility bills that indicate leaks or electrical issues caused by the storm
- Weather reports that link the damage directly to the event
- Repair estimates that detail the scope and cost of necessary repairs
- Pre-storm inventories of personal property and assets
How Long Do I Have to File a Storm Damage Claim in Louisiana?
It’s important to act quickly if you need to file a storm damage claim in Louisiana. Most insurance companies set fairly short deadlines for initiating claims. You might only have a few weeks or months to start the claim process, depending on your policy terms. An ICHQ lawyer can help you review your insurance policy and prepare your claim swiftly to avoid missing these critical deadlines.
Sometimes, homeowners may encounter issues with their insurance company, such as unnecessary delays, unfair denials, or the minimization of their storm damage claim. If that happens, 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 either a storm damage insurance claim or a bad faith lawsuit, a knowledgeable ICHQ lawyer can help.
What Should I Do After a Storm?
After a storm passes, you can take steps to protect your property and lay the groundwork for your property damage claim. The following are what you should do:
- Conduct an Initial Inspection – Once it’s safe, examine the interior and exterior of your home. Take photos or videos of any obvious damage, like broken windows, leaks, or fallen debris.
- Review Your Insurance Policy Language – Grab your insurance policy and go over it carefully so you understand what it covers and the types of damage that qualify for compensation.
- Assess the Damage – Make a detailed list of all storm damage. For significant issues like structural damage, consider hiring a professional to give a precise assessment.
- Contact an Attorney – A lawyer can provide guidance on your next steps, protect your rights throughout the claim process, and represent you in disputes with your insurance provider.
- File an Insurance Claim – Contact your insurance company to start the claim process. Provide all documentation of the damage, your detailed list, and any additional reports from assessments.
Storms that roll into New Orleans can unleash a variety of destructive elements that pose significant threats to property. Common examples of these damaging elements include:
- Rain – Heavy rainfall can quickly accumulate and lead to flooding. This floodwater can seep into homes and ruin floors, walls, and furniture. Prolonged contact with water can also weaken structural components and make them susceptible to further damage.
- Ice – During colder months, ice can form and accumulate on roofs and overhangs. The weight of this ice can strain structures and cause them to collapse. Ice buildup can also form ice dams that prevent proper drainage and potentially cause water to back up into the house.
- Hail – Hailstones of varying sizes can fall at high speeds and damage roofs, break windows, and dent vehicles. The impact of hail can also strip away the protective outer layer of roofing materials and leave homes exposed to further weather-related damage.
- Wind – Hurricane and non-hurricane winds can reach destructive speeds that tear off roofing materials and topple fences. They can also send debris flying, which can break windows and damage exterior walls.
- Lightning Strikes – Lightning can directly strike a structure and cause immediate fire or electrical damage. It can also hit trees or other tall objects and cause them to fall onto nearby homes, which can lead to significant structural damage.
- Power Surges – Storms can disrupt electrical power lines and cause sudden power surges. These surges can damage or destroy electrical appliances and systems within the home, which can lead to costly repairs or replacements.
- Debris – High winds can pick up and hurl objects such as branches, signage, and small items, turning them into projectiles that can smash windows and damage exteriors.
- Falling Trees – Saturated soil and strong winds can cause trees to fall and crash into homes, damage roofs, and break through windows.
- Blowing Objects – Poorly secured outdoor items like patio furniture and garden tools can get swept up by storm winds, collide with homes, and cause cosmetic and structural damage.
- Wildfires – Lightning or downed power lines can ignite dry vegetation and cause wildfires that rapidly spread to residential areas and consume everything in their path.
It’s worth noting that your insurance policy might not cover all types of storm damage. One common exclusion is flooding, which typically requires a separate flood insurance policy. Similarly, damage from earthquakes or landslides, even those triggered by a storm, usually isn’t covered under standard homeowners insurance policies.
Additionally, some policies do not cover damage resulting from lack of maintenance, such as pre-existing leaks or old, worn-out roofing. If your property was already in poor condition before the storm, the insurer might deny coverage for these issues.
A lawyer can review your insurance policy, explain the limits of your coverage, and help you understand any exclusion. They can also advise you on possible legal actions or additional coverage options and advocate for your rights in case of disputes with your insurance company.
Insurance policyholders in Louisiana have numerous legal rights under the policyholder bill of rights enshrined in state law. These include the right to:
- Competitive pricing and truthful advertising from insurers
- Coverage from an insurance provider that is financially stable
- Fair treatment and freedom from deceptive practices by insurers
- Competent, prompt, and honest service and responses from insurance providers
- Written notices of cancellation or nonrenewal with at least 30 days’ notice
- Written explanations detailing the reasons for claim denials
- Cancel policies and receive refunds for any unearned premiums
- Payment for property damage claims with acceptable proof of loss within 30 days
- File complaints with the Department of Insurance against insurers
- Readable policy language and access to all policy documents as necessary
If a Louisiana insurance provider violates these rights while handling your claim, state law also gives you the right to demand legal remedies. If this happens, an ICHQ attorney can explain your legal options, represent your interests, and advocate for your right to a fair settlement.
