Wind Damage Attorney in New Orleans

Are you struggling to get fair compensation for your wind damage claim in New Orleans? Dealing with insurance companies after a storm can be frustrating, especially when all you get are delays, denials, or pennies-on-the-dollar offers. You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. Turn to a New Orleans wind damage lawyer from Insurance Claim HQ instead.

At ICHQ, our team has helped more than 70,000 property owners recover over $1 billion in settlements. That’s because we know the tactics insurance carriers use and have a track record of beating them. Our team also understands what residents of Louisiana and the Deep South are forced to endure when heavy windstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms touch down. Many of our lawyers call this area home, so you’re not just a client to us — you’re a neighbor who needs help. Trust us to provide it so you can move forward with rebuilding your property and your life.

Contact us at ICHQ today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing upfront, and there are no fees unless we recover compensation for your wind damage insurance claim.

How a New Orleans Wind Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Help with Your Case

Filing a wind damage claim after a storm in New Orleans can be a maddening process. Insurance companies often use various tactics to delay, minimize, or deny claims. For instance, they might argue that pre-existing damage, improper maintenance, or unrelated causes contributed to the damage. They could also request excessive documentation or insist that your repair costs are unreasonable as an excuse to drag their feet or undervalue your claim.

The New Orleans wind damage lawyers at ICHQ understand these tactics and how to address them. When you work with our legal team, we can step in to challenge lowball offers, push back against delays, and pursue the compensation you are owed. We’ll thoroughly review your policy, assess the damage, and handle communications with the insurance company while you get your property back in shape.

Our goal is to take the pressure off of you and get you fair compensation. If your insurance company refuses to cooperate, we are prepared to escalate the matter to litigation to protect your rights. We offer free consultations so you can get straightforward answers and discuss your options with zero obligation.

What Kinds of Damage Can Winds Cause?

Wind damage can result from various weather events, especially in places like New Orleans and across the Pelican State, where storms are frequent. Common causes of wind damage in New Orleans include hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and even strong gusts in non-storm conditions.

The following are common types of wind damage we at ICHQ often see after these kinds of extreme weather events:

• Roof Damage – Strong winds can tear shingles off a roof, leaving your home exposed to water leaks and further damage. In more severe cases, entire sections of the roof can come loose or collapse, requiring extensive repairs or a full replacement.
• Broken Windows – Wind can throw debris at windows with enough force to shatter the glass. Broken windows expose your home to the elements and can lead to water damage inside. Repairs might require replacing both the glass and sometimes the surrounding frame.
• Structural Damage – High winds can weaken or damage a building’s structural integrity. This includes damage to walls, foundations, and load-bearing beams. This type of damage often requires immediate attention to prevent the building from becoming unsafe.
• Fence Damage – Winds can easily knock over or destroy fences. Wooden fences can snap or break apart, while metal fences might bend or become uprooted. This can leave your yard vulnerable and require quick repairs to restore security.
• Garage Damage – Detached and attached garages are particularly vulnerable to wind damage. Doors can buckle under pressure, garage roofs can sustain damage, and the structure itself can shift or collapse if winds are strong enough.
• HVAC  System and Pipe Damage – Outdoor HVAC units and exposed pipes can sustain damage from strong winds and debris. Units can shift or break, and pipes can crack or disconnect, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
• Damage to Other Buildings on Your Property – Windstorms can cause damage to sheds, guest houses, and other structures on your property. Roofs can get torn off, siding can peel away, and doors or windows can break, leaving these structures in need of significant repair.

Why Would My Insurance Carrier Deny My Wind Damage Claim?

An insurance carrier might deny your wind damage claim for several reasons, often by citing policy exclusions or disputing the cause of the damage. One common reason is the argument that the damage resulted from poor maintenance or pre-existing conditions. If your roof or home was already in need of repairs, your insurer might claim that wind didn’t cause the damage but that wear and tear made your property vulnerable.

Insurers might also deny claims if they believe that the damage occurred gradually over time rather than as the result of a specific wind event. Other common exclusions include disputes over whether the damage resulted from wind or another event that your policy doesn’t cover. They could also deny your claim if you miss deadlines or lack sufficient documentation.

A New Orleans wind damage attorney from ICHQ can help you challenge a denied claim by reviewing your policy, gathering evidence, and pushing back against the basis of the denial.

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

Bad faith insurance practices occur when an insurance company fails to uphold its legal obligations to its policyholders. Louisiana’s policyholder bill of rights protects consumers from these practices. Under this law, insurance companies must act fairly and promptly when handling claims. Bad faith actions include denying claims unfairly, causing unreasonable delays in processing, or refusing to provide clear explanations for decisions. If an insurer violates these rights, they can face penalties under Louisiana law.

Your insurance company might act in bad faith by denying your wind damage claim without proper investigation or by offering a settlement that is far below the cost of repairs. They could also delay the process unnecessarily and allow further damage to your property. Some insurers might even misrepresent your policy’s coverage to avoid paying out what you are rightfully owed.

If you suspect bad faith, a lawyer from ICHQ can help you take action to protect your rights.