Louisiana has survived a number of severe hurricanes, including Laura, Ida, and Francine, all of which resulted in significant flooding and storm damage. Despite preparing for the worst, some storms leave a wake of destruction behind.
After experiencing damage to your home and other personal property, fighting to recover compensation for your losses may feel like an uphill battle with your insurance company.
At Galloway Jefcoat, we have the resources and staff to deal with insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve so you can begin to rebuild and move forward. Rely on our experienced hurricane and storm damage lawyers in Lafayette to help you.
We offer a free initial consultation, and there are no upfront costs if we represent you.
Galloway Jefcoat. Turning Wrong into Right. 337-984-8020
Who Pays Damages From a Hurricane or Storm?
Hurricanes and storms are generally considered natural disasters, so typically you may file a claim through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. There are some instances when other parties may bear some liability for damages after a hurricane, such as:
- Property owners, property managers, or landlords for inadequate hurricane preparation
- Construction companies for substandard building practices
- Neighbors who did not maintain their property, causing a neglected tree to fall on your home
- Government entities for negligent flood control management
- Businesses for improper handling of hazardous materials during hurricanes
Our Lafayette hurricane and storm damage lawyers can investigate thoroughly to uncover all potential sources of liability to help maximize your claim.
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Hurricane Damage Claim?
Whether you may have a valid claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your damage, the insurance coverage you carry, and the amount of your deductible.
Without knowing specific details related to your situation, you may have a valid case after a hurricane if you experienced any of the following:
- Property damage to your home, vehicle, or personal belongings
- Wind damage from hurricane-force gusts
- Flooding and water damage
- Mold growth resulting from prolonged moisture exposure
- Structural damage to buildings
You can also check to see whether FEMA has declared a disaster in the state of Louisiana or in your parish. If so, you may be eligible to recover federal assistance.
A qualified Lafayette hurricane and storm damage attorney at our firm is prepared to help you evaluate your situation. Once we have more information, we can determine the strength of your potential claim and other recovery options that may be available to you.
Call Galloway Jefcoat for legal help after a hurricane or storm
in Lafayette. 337-984-8020.
How Much Could My Claim Be Worth?
If your property sustained damage in a hurricane or storm, it is natural to wonder what your potential claim may be worth. Several key factors come into play when considering the value of a claim, including:
- Extent of Property Damage: How severe is the damage to your home or business? More extensive damage generally increases the value of your claim.
- Deductible: This is the amount you must pay up front before your policy covers anything.
- Coverage Purchased: Check to see what type of damages your policy covers.
- Actual Case Value vs Replacement Cost: Payment may be based on the actual cash value of your damaged property.
- Cost of Repairs or Replacement: This estimate considers the cost of fixing your property and/or replacing damaged items. Accurate assessments are vital for determining the value of your claim.
- Temporary Relocation Costs: If you have to find temporary housing, those expenses should be included in your claim.
- Policy limits: Insurance policies specify maximum limits you can be paid based on the coverage you purchased.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Hurricane or Storm in Lafayette?
Thinking about deadlines right after a disaster may feel exhausting, but you need to know this information.
Under RS 22:1264 in Louisiana, you typically have 180 days to file a claim – however, the clock may not start while your area is under a state of emergency. This is especially true if you are not allowed to return to inspect your property.
Who Determines When the 180 Day Period Starts Ticking?
The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) determines the official deadline after a natural disaster, deciding when the clock starts and when the 180-day period ends.
Missing this deadline may severely impact your ability to recover compensation. We strongly recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all necessary actions are taken within the required time limits.
What Should I Do First After a Hurricane or Storm in Lafayette?
Your first priority is to tend to your personal health and safety. If you had to evacuate, there may be downed lines or other hazards affecting your property or your ability to get to your property. Check to make sure officials have cleared you to return to your property.
Once you regain access to your property, it is important to do the following right away:
Assess Your Property for Damage
Examine the inside and outside of your property for visible damage. You may not be able to see some of the underlying damage, but you can at least begin by documenting what you can see, such as:
- Broken windows
- Damaged roofs/roof leaks
- Flood damage, both inside and outside your home
- Interior property damage, including furniture, appliances, flooring, etc.
- Structural damage that is visible, such as if a tree fell on your roof
Take Photos to Support Your Claim
Be sure to take photos of any damage you discover, capturing it at different angles to help show the damage as accurately as possible.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer?
You may be wondering if hiring a lawyer is necessary after a hurricane or storm. However, it can help give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on doing the day-to-day tasks.
If our firm manages your hurricane or storm damage claim, we are also prepared to help by:
- Assessing your hurricane-related damage to determine your claim’s value.
- Reviewing your insurance coverage and other sources of compensation to maximize your recovery.
- Meticulously documenting your claim, gathering the necessary evidence to support your case.
- Negotiating aggressively with your insurance company to advocate for your best interests.
- Guiding you through complex hurricane assistance programs, helping you access all available resources.
- Representing you in court if it becomes necessary and to protect your rights.
- Offering guidance on immediate recovery steps and long-term planning for your future.
- Connecting you with trusted contractors and hurricane recovery specialists to help you rebuild.
By shouldering the legal burden, our attorneys make it easier for you to begin rebuilding your life and community after a hurricane. The first step is finding out if you have a case. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Call Galloway Jefcoat today.
We help turn wrong into right. 337-984-8020.
How To Deal with The Insurance Company
After a hurricane, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially since insurance companies tend to prioritize their own financial interests. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Keep detailed records of all communications with the insurer
- Avoid giving recorded statements without first speaking with a lawyer
- Do not accept a quick settlement without getting a legal review
- Consider having a lawyer handle all insurance communications on your behalf
A skilled attorney working on your behalf helps to level the legal playing field by protecting your rights and best interests.
Is It Possible My Hurricane or Storm Claim Might Get Denied?
A denied claim is always a possibility, which is why having a knowledgeable attorney manage your claim could benefit you. Our firm will make sure that your claim is not denied for reasons such as missed deadlines or not having the right documentation.
Reasons Your Hurricane or Storm Claim Could Get Denied
When natural disasters occur and many policyholders are affected at the same time, it can create a huge financial pressure on the insurance company. To protect their bottom line, they will look for legal ways to limit the amount of money going out the door. So even though you may have paid your premiums regularly, insurers will first look to protect their bottom line.
Here are some of the reasons the insurance company may try to deny your claim:
- Your insurance policy does not provide the coverage you are seeking – it is a good idea to review the terms of your policy at least once per year to make sure your needs have not changed.
- The insurance company claims your property had pre-existing damage and is not eligible – taking photos or videos of your property before a storm can provide evidence to dispute this argument.
- The insurance company says you made no attempt to secure your property – Take steps to reduce the risk of damage to your property by investing in and installing hurricane shutters. Putting up plywood is a budget-friendly alternative that shows you attempted to mitigate any potential damage that might occur.
- You failed to provide sufficient documentation to support your claim: Find out first what documentation the insurance company requires. Take photos after the storm to compare them to the photos you took before there was any storm damage.
- You missed critical filing deadlines: Review your policy to determine the filing deadlines.
- Policy exclusions: Insurance companies often have exclusions defining what they do not cover. This information may be in small print, so be sure to go over these and other policy terms with your insurer. Make sure they cover any potential exclusions that could affect your ability to recover compensation from a claim.
Overwhelmed and need legal help after a hurricane or storm that has severely damaged your home or property? At Galloway Jefcoat, we have a reputation for turning wrong into right, and we have a history of getting results.
Call the Experienced Hurricane and Storm Damage Attorneys at Galloway Jefcoat
Our Lafayette hurricane and storm damage lawyers are ready to support you during this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve. There are always unexpected challenges that come with rebuilding after a devastating storm, but we have a deep commitment to our clients. We are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process. Call Galloway Jefcoat for legal help after a hurricane or storm in Lafayette.
We turn wrong into right. 337-984-8020
Lafayette Parish