If your home suffers hurricane damage in Louisiana, there are several important steps you can take to seek financial support, including:
- Reaching out to a Louisiana hurricane damage attorney
- Taking an inventory of your property losses
- Reviewing your existing insurance policies
- Filing a claim with your insurance provider
The hurricane damage claims process can be complex. There may also be an influx of claims being filed during this time, which could affect your ability to recover compensation in a timely manner. When you have a legal advocate on your side, they can fight for the insurance settlement you need to move forward.
Contacting a Louisiana Hurricane Damage Lawyer
Hiring an attorney in Louisiana after a hurricane can ease your stress and bring you peace of mind. Your lawyer can help you through the claims process from start to finish. For example, they can:
- Review your policies and explain what coverage is available
- Speak with the insurer on your behalf
- Calculate the value of your damages
- Prepare your claim and promptly file it with the insurer
Since others will likely be filing hurricane damage claims at the same time, you will want to get started on your case sooner rather than later. Once you have secured a hurricane damage attorney’s help, you can get a better idea of what your next steps should be.
Identifying Your Property Losses
Your next step should be to make a record of your property damage and losses. Begin by reviewing the exterior of your home and taking photos of any downed wires, external roof damage, broken windows, and other destruction the hurricane caused on the premises. Then, you can head inside to document any internal damage to the home. This might include roof leaks, sewer backups, cracked or broken drywall, and more.
Do not forget to document your personal property losses as well. This includes all of your personal items such as clothing, bedding, electronics, home furnishings, and anything else that was in your home and had value.
Note that if you can keep a running list of your property and its value before a hurricane hits, it will be easier to prove your case’s worth when you seek compensation through an insurance claim.
Reviewing Your Insurance Policies
Another important step to take after a hurricane hits is to review your insurance policies in detail. If you thought your homeowner’s insurance was enough to cover the hurricane damage in full, you may be surprised. This is because most homeowners insurance policies do not cover certain types of hurricane damage – such as flooding and damage to particularly valuable items.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) outlines that you must purchase additional policies for this type of coverage. If you did not purchase them, and your homeowner’s insurance policy does not include them, you may not be able to recover compensation through your insurance provider.
However, do not take the insurance companies’ word for it. You will need to carefully review your insurance policies to fully understand the insurance company’s contractual obligations. An attorney can also do this for you.
Filing a Claim With the Insurance Company
Once you have retained legal representation, taken an inventory of your property and personal losses, and reviewed your insurance policies in-depth, it is time to file a claim with the insurance company.
When you hire our firm, your hurricane damage lawyer will prepare the claim. We will ensure that your claim is filed completely and accurately, including all necessary documentation, such as:
- Photos of the property losses
- Photos of the damage to the property
- Photos of your personal property
- Video of the hurricane damage
- Receipts, invoices, and repair estimates
- Other financial records
What to Expect After Filing a Hurricane Damage Claim
Once your insurance company receives the claim, an adjuster will likely want to get your version of events before proceeding. Your attorney can help you prepare a statement to protect your claim. Then, the insurer will investigate your claim before offering a settlement.
Your attorney will be prepared every step of the way to ensure that the insurance company handles your claim fairly. If you have questions or concerns surrounding your hurricane damage claim, do not hesitate to contact our team to discuss your damages and insurance policies in further detail.
Meet With a Hurricane Damage Lawyer
If you need help dealing with the insurance company after a hurricane has damaged your home or other property, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can offer legal support, guidance, and resources. We are honored to serve those who suffered hurricane damage so they can get back on their feet. One of our attorneys can step in to handle the insurance company on your behalf.
When you are ready to get started on your claim, reach out for a no-cost, risk-free consultation by calling our office at 1-800-747-3733.
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