South Louisiana Hurricane Insurance Claim Lawyers

Here in South Louisiana, it’s important that homeowners be prepared for severe weather and storms, including devastating hurricanes. As a coastal state, we are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, and as a result, we have seen our fair share of damage from these detrimental natural disasters. The damage that can occur from hurricanes is extensive, as these storms can terrorize everything in their path. We’ve seen just how awful the aftermath of storms like Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ida, and Hurricane Laura has been in our area, for example. Aside from the catastrophic injuries and deaths that may occur, the property of home and business owners can be left in absolute destruction. Even with the ability to track these storms and predict the damages that may result, sometimes the only thing one can do is prepare for the worst. 

The best way to do that is to ensure hurricane damage is included in your insurance policy. Unfortunately, even by obtaining hurricane insurance, many businesses and homeowners do not receive the compensation they are entitled to after filing an insurance claim for their property damage following a hurricane. That’s where a Southeast Louisiana hurricane insurance claim attorney like those at Joubert Law Firm can help. Attorney John T. Joubert and his legal team are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve, whether that’s in a personal injury claim or a property damage insurance claim.

If you’ve been unfairly denied or underpaid for your hurricane insurance claim, contact us as soon as possible by calling (225) 777-8853 or completing our online intake form for a free consultation today.

How To Prepare for a Hurricane

Based on storm predictions, local authorities should inform residents of critical measures that must be taken to protect themselves and their property. Things like boarding up windows and doors, having emergency food and water supply, putting important documents (such as medical documents, passports, wills, etc.) in a safe place, and even evacuating the city are all common preparations that may be necessary to keep you and your property safe.

Of course, even by taking all the necessary precautions, there is no telling the extent of the damage that might ensue. After all, you can’t really prepare for or control what happens when a tree falls through your roof or your home floods. That’s why, aside from ensuring that you are in a safe place when the hurricane hits, one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family is make certain that your homeowner’s insurance policy covers hurricane-related property damage. Though that doesn’t always guarantee you will automatically receive a fair amount of compensation for your claim, hiring a Baton Rouge insurance claims attorney can help make sure you get the most out of your claim. 

What To Do After a Hurricane in South Louisiana

Not only is it important to know what to do before a Louisiana hurricane, it’s also important to take the necessary steps and precautions to protect yourself after the storm hits. Following the destruction of a hurricane, there are a few steps you can take to help strengthen your insurance claim. We’ll highlight a few of the most important things to remember following a hurricane below:

Gather Evidence of Property Damage

Once it is completely safe to do so, you should gather as much evidence as possible of the extent of the damage caused by the storm. The best way to do this is by taking photographs and videos of the damage to your property, including but not limited to damage to your home’s foundation, windows, roof, vehicles, front and backyard, personal items, and the inside of your home or business. NOTE: be sure not to do anything that might be dangerous in order to collect this evidence, such as standing on broken furniture, roofs, or in dirty flood water.   

Take Inventory of Damage to Your Property

Photographic evidence is incredibly important, but so is keeping a written record of all missing, damaged, or destroyed property and personal items. Sometimes photos are not enough to properly account for the extent of the damage. Be sure to take note of everything you can think of that you may have lossed in the storm. It can also be helpful to make an inventory BEFORE the storm hits, so that way you have a better picture of everything that may have been affected.  Again, make sure you do everything in your power to remain safe while taking inventory of your damaged items.

Protect Against Further Damage

Once you have as much evidence as possible to boost the validity of your claim, it is in your best interest to protect any exposed property and prevent further damage from occuring. This might include placing a tarp over your roof to prevent leaks or covering broken windows, for example.

File Your Claim ASAP

The next thing you’ll want to do is file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. There will more than likely be hundreds, if not thousands, of claims being filed at once, so the sooner you’re able to get your claim in, the better chance you have of not falling into the backlog of ever-increasing insurance claims. 

Hurricane Damage in Baton Rouge

Hurricanes are often incredibly powerful storms, and our location in Southern Louisiana makes us susceptible to severe property damage. There are several types of hurricane damages, including wind and flood damage, that can leave property owners with thousands of dollars in repairs. Below, we’ll cover the most common types of damage caused by such a disaster.

Wind Damage

Hurricanes and high winds go hand-in-hand. Some common types of damage caused by extreme winds may include:

• Lifting of shingles, gutters, fascia, and tiles
• Blown-out windows
• Fallen trees and branches
• Fallen powerlines
• Damage from flying debris

Flood Damage

Flood damage is another common occurrence with hurricanes. Some of the devastation that flooding might leave behind include:

• Roof leaks
• Structural/foundational damage
• Water and moisture damage
• Mold
• Water stains
• Caved-in or collapsed roofs
• Damage to furniture and personal belongings
• Damage or loss of vehicles, boats, landscaping, sheds, etc.

What Does a Hurricane Damage Insurance Lawyer Do?

The insurance claims process can be extremely complicated to handle alone, especially after such an extreme natural disaster as a hurricane. As such, there are a number of benefits that come with hiring an insurance claims lawyer during this time. An experienced attorney with a background in insurance law can examine your insurance policy and coverage to establish what your insurer owes you in total. They can help you file the necessary documentation and perform a thorough investigation of your home or business to provide proof of the extent of the damage. Your attorney can also assist you in navigating the claims procedure if your house is uninhabitable after the storm and you need to find temporary living while your home is being restored.

An insurance claims lawyer from Joubert Law Firm is ready to assist you in navigating the Louisiana property insurance claims process and to aggressively defend your rights, including by filing a bad faith lawsuit, while you are still trying to put your life back together following the devastation brought by a Louisiana hurricane. Our law firm is prepared to do everything possible to secure maximum compensation on your behalf, from gathering proof of the damage sustained and taking pictures of all losses to negotiating with all parties. If settlement negotiations fail, they will also put up an aggressive fight in court against your insurance provider until you get what you are entitled to under the law. 

Why You Need a Hurricane Damage Attorney

In the sheer wreckage left behind from these storms, policyholders often feel some sense of security knowing they should be covered by their insurance policies. Unfortunately, insurance companies are known to take advantage of property owners during the claims process, either by limiting the amount of compensation they receive or by denying their claims outright. When dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane, the last thing you want to also have to deal with is fighting with your insurance company.

That’s where we can help. Our hurricane damage insurance attorneys represent clients who are met with coverage disputes after filing insurance claims for damage to their homes or commercial properties. From the initial filing of the claim, negotiating with insurers, to even fighting in court to recover the appropriate amount of compensation for our clients, we work hard to make sure your legal rights are respected and you are treated fairly throughout the entire process.

In addition to fighting for compensation for repair and replacement damages, insurance claims attorneys can also help with business interruption claims as well as bad faith insurance lawsuits. If your home or business is covered by hurricane insurance and you are unable to receive the appropriate settlement to help with the costs associated with the damage, a Baton Rouge hurricane damage insurance lawyer like those at Joubert Law Firm can help.

FAQs About Hurricane Damage Claims

What should I do immediately after my home is damaged by a hurricane?

1. Ensure Safety: Check for any hazards and make sure you and your family are safe.
2. Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of the damage to your property and belongings. This documentation will be important for your insurance claim.
3. Report the Damage: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and begin the claims process.
4. Mitigate Further Damage: Take steps to prevent additional damage, such as covering broken windows or roofs with tarps. Keep receipts for any repairs or materials you purchase.
5. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all communications with your insurance company and any actions taken.

How does a contingency fee work for hurricane damage claim cases?

A contingency fee means that you only pay your attorney if they win your case or help you secure a settlement. The attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the settlement amount. If you don’t win your case or receive compensation, you owe nothing. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without upfront legal costs.

What can I do if my hurricane damage claim is denied?

1. Review the Denial Letter: Understand the reasons given for the denial. This will help you address specific issues.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant evidence, including photos of damage, repair estimates, and communication with your insurer.
3. Request a Re-evaluation: Contact your insurance company to request a review of your claim.
4. Consider Filing an Appeal: If the claim remains denied, you may have the option to formally appeal the decision.
5. Consult an Attorney: An experienced attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed and may help you with the appeals process.

Why did my insurance company underpay my hurricane damage claim?

Insurance companies may underpay claims for several reasons, including:

• Miscalculating the cost of repairs or replacement.
• Misinterpreting policy coverage limits or exclusions.
• Insufficient evidence provided by the policyholder.
• Adjuster errors during the evaluation process. If you believe your claim was underpaid, it’s important to review your policy and consult an attorney.

How can a lawyer help with a denied or underpaid hurricane claim?

A lawyer can assist in several ways:

• Evaluate Your Claim: They can review your case and identify areas where the insurance company may have erred.
• Negotiate with Insurers: Attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies and can advocate on your behalf.
• File an Appeal: If your claim is denied or underpaid, a lawyer can help you file a formal appeal and present the necessary documentation to support your case.
• Litigation: If negotiations fail, an attorney can represent you in court if necessary.

Can I appeal a denied hurricane damage claim?

Yes, you can appeal a denied hurricane damage claim. The appeals process typically involves submitting a written request to your insurance company, detailing why you believe the claim should be reconsidered. Include any supporting documentation to strengthen your case. It’s advisable to consult with an attorney to ensure the appeal is handled properly and to maximize your chances of success.

Call the Louisiana Insurance Lawyers at Joubert Law Firm For Your Hurricane Damage Claims Today

At Joubert Law Firm, we have years of experience helping residents of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the surrounding areas receive the compensation they deserve following the loss or damage of property to their homes and offices. Equipped with a thorough understanding of Louisiana law and the legal rights of business and homeowners during the insurance claims process, John T. Joubert and his dedicated legal team can quickly and efficiently help reach the most favorable solution in your case.

Need an experienced attorney to review your claim? Call the Joubert Law Firm right away at (225) 777-8853 for a free case evaluation. We look forward to helping you through the hurricane insurance claims process.