If your residential or commercial property was damaged due to Hurricane Ida, which struck Lafayette in 2021, our Lafayette insurance claims lawyer could help you get the compensation you need to start rebuilding your property and your life. Our team will go to work immediately fighting for your insurance policy’s monetary coverage and protecting you from shady insurance practices.
A Lafayette hurricane damage lawyer from our team can help you cope with the insurance company paperwork and details. Our legal team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers will start by reading and reviewing your policy.
Then, we can help you compile proof of your hurricane losses, including before-and-after photos of your property’s interior and exterior and inventory lists of your lost belongings. We’ll handle every aspect of your case, from compiling evidence to fighting for a fair financial settlement.
We Are the Hurricane Damage Attorneys You Can Count On in Lafayette
When we represent you, we’ll ensure your initial or resubmitted application is complete and submit it in a timely fashion. To make the recovery process easier for you, your Lafayette hurricane damage lawyer will also:
- Review your insurance policy and any riders or attachments
- Review your history of insurance claims and payouts
- Build a comprehensive and supportive evidence file
- File an appeal if your initial request is denied
Our team understands how insurance law works in Lafayette. We also know how difficult it can be to deal with insurance company forms, requests for information, and the red tape that typically accompanies requests for compensation. However, with our management and direction, you may compel your insurer to live up to the protections your policy should provide.
We Can Help You Combat Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Unfortunately, not every insurance company acts ethically, lawfully, and in your favor when you file a request for monetary compensation. Louisiana has laws in place designed to prevent bad faith insurance practices. Per RS 22:1973, your insurer owes you:
- A duty of good faith
- A duty of fair dealing
- Fair claims adjustments
We can help combat adverse responses to your application, including misrepresentation, failure to provide prompt payment after reaching an agreement, or altering an application or its facts.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientWe’ll Handle the Fine Points of Your Hurricane Damage Case in Lafayette
When a hurricane strikes, insurance companies and their representatives must juggle multiple claims at once. While our team understands the frustration this can lead to, it does not excuse mishandling or lowballing of your application. To ensure the insurance company handles your case correctly, we will:
- Itemize your hurricane damage
- Explain beneficial assistance programs
- Handle online, written, and verbal communication
- Take care of all the details involved in filing an appeal
We’ll help you document your hurricane losses and support you throughout your claim. In addition to offering attentive, responsive legal assistance, we’ll also work hard to provide ongoing support during a difficult recovery process.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientAssessing Your Interior and Exterior Hurricane Damages in Lafayette
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we aim to help victims of the recent hurricane in Lafayette get the insurance settlement they need to restore their property. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Hurricane Ida was one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. If the extreme winds and flooding damaged your home or business, our Lafayette hurricane damage attorneys may help you get recovery from your:
- Homeowners’ insurance provider
- Hurricane insurance provider
- Flood insurance provider
We’ll fight hard to help you get the most out of your policy. You are entitled to the insurance coverage you had the foresight to purchase — and our team will work hard to ensure you get it.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientInsurance Coverage Considerations After Hurricane Damage
It is important to consider whether your insurance coverage is enough to meet your needs. Remember, the insurance company is not required to cover your hurricane damages in full. The highest amount of compensation they may pay you is equal to the amount of coverage you purchased through your policy.
You should find out whether you purchased separate types of insurance coverage as required. For example, you might be surprised that your homeowners’ insurance policy does not cover flood damage. You would need a separate flood insurance policy for this.
If your hurricane damage exceeds the limits of your policy, you may be stuck with out-of-pocket expenses you need to cover on your own. Your policy may also have a deductible that you must pay before receiving assistance.
How Insurance Companies Pay Claims
The insurance company will only pay your claim after it has completed an investigation of your case. Once you have filed your claim, an insurance adjuster will be responsible for opening an investigation. They will need to review your claim and supporting evidence and potentially request further review of the hurricane damage before paying your claim.
Your hurricane damage losses may exceed the limits of your policy. If this happens, you must cover the remaining damages. However, do not be surprised if the insurance company argues that you did not purchase the right type of insurance coverage or you are otherwise not entitled to compensation through your claim.
Your attorney can handle the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on your property repairs and your family following the hurricane.
Legal Options If the Insurer Won’t Settle Your Claim Fairly
It is more common than you might think for insurance companies to deny claimants access to the compensation and benefits they are entitled to. The insurance company will lose money if they pay your claim, and insurance companies don’t like to lose money.
However, this should not be your problem. You have the right to compensation and benefits based on the terms of your policy, as long as you have paid your premiums. If the insurance company delays the processing of your claim or denies your right to benefits, your Lafayette hurricane damage lawyer can take legal action.
In many instances, we can simply provide the insurance company with additional records and supporting documentation or adjust any mistakes you may have made on your initial application to ensure the adjuster overturns your denial. However, your lawyer can bring your case to court should it become necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientIs There a Statute of Limitations for Hurricane Damage Insurance Lawsuits?
Generally, lawsuits related to hurricane damage insurance claims must be filed within two years of the incident, per RS 22:868. However, the exact amount of time you will have to file can vary widely depending on the circumstances of your case.
To ensure you do not face deadline issues or statute of limitations troubles for your hurricane damage claim, you may want to have a Lafayette hurricane damage lawyer working on your case.
Post-Hurricane Damages You Can Recover
Because a hurricane can create immediate panic and long-term emotional turmoil, taking stock of your damages and losses can be difficult. When we help you file your hurricane insurance claim or appeal a denied claim, we’ll carefully list your damages, which can include:
- Damage from falling trees and debris
- Power outages and roof damage
- Interior and exterior structural damage
- Foundation damage and total property loss
- Damaged and destroyed furnishings and appliances
Hurricanes can be dangerous and deadly. They can also cause devastating damage. So while you concentrate on making temporary accommodations for yourself and your family, our team will ensure you get the benefits of your insurance policy so you can start making long-term plans.
Our Lawyers Fight Hard for Every Client We Represent in Lafayette
Our law firm is dedicated to client satisfaction and ensuring our clients get the compensation they are entitled to. Some of the testimonials we’ve received from previous clients say:
- “At any time that I had a question or concern it was promptly answered. Furthermore, I also appreciated them updating me without being prompted to… To truly have someone explain the process to you is an added benefit. I would definitely return in the future.” – Colbe Mitchell
- “They are very organized and… returned our phone calls and emails in a very prompt and professional manner. We feel very safe and protected by them and give them our trust without hesitation. I thank all of the team at Laborde Earles for taking such great care of my wonderful wife.” – Christopher Vlahogeorge
- “I had the pleasure of dealing with Mrs. Kim Fontenot. She was very knowledgeable and also very kind while being professional. Everyone there was also kind and helpful. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for legal advice to give these guys a look.” – Jason Guilbeau
Choosing the right law firm is a critical part of the battle with your insurance company. Hearing from clients we helped with insurance company issues in the past can tell you a lot about working with our client-focused team.
Learn How We Can Help with Your Claim for Hurricane-Damaged Property in Lafayette
Your insurance company should not make the days and weeks after a Lafayette hurricane more stressful than they already are. So when you are ready to let our Lafayette hurricane damage attorneys handle the details and minutia of your insurance application, contact one of our team members at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers.
