On Wednesday, April 10, a severe storm system swept through Louisiana, unleashing tornadoes and causing extensive damage across the region, including in St. Landry Parish and Evangeline Parish, and across Central Louisiana and Acadiana.
The storms brought not only tornadoes but also significant wind, torrential rain, and hail, leaving hundreds without power and causing damage throughout the region. This resulted in widespread disruptions, from flooded streets and fallen trees to destroyed and damaged homes and businesses.
Widespread Storm Damage and Response
The severity of the storm system was felt across multiple communities. In St. Landry Parish, two EF-1 tornadoes touched down – one north of Washington and another north of Port Barre. Homes, power lines and trees were destroyed.
In addition to power outages and debris, areas like Opelousas and Port Barre were significantly impacted, with residents facing the immediate challenge of navigating their day-to-day lives amidst the chaos.
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.
ClientKnow Your Rights: Insurance Claims After Storm Damage and Tornado Damage
It’s crucial for residents affected by these storms and tornadoes to understand their rights regarding insurance claims. Many might face challenges in securing adequate compensation for their losses, including not receiving compensation for their damages within 30 days, receiving too little compensation (undervalued property damage) or getting their claim denied.
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 | ClientSteps to Take for Insurance Claims if Your Property Was Damaged by the Recent Storms in Louisiana
If your property was affected by the storms, here’s what you can do:
- Contact your insurance provider immediately to report the damage.
- Document the damage thoroughly through photos or videos.
- Record details of the event while your memory is fresh.
- Review your insurance coverage to understand what’s covered.
- Keep a record of all expenses related to repairs and replacements.
- File an insurance claim and provide all necessary documentation.
- Insist on appropriate relocation if necessary.
- Negotiate your settlement carefully; don’t accept the first offer without consideration.
- Be cautious of independent adjusters and door-to-door contractors who may not have your best interests at heart.
- Consider hiring a storm claims attorney, such as Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, if the insurance company is acting in bad faith or doesn’t pay you within 30 days. Experienced storm claim attorneys can ensure you get the money you deserve.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientStorm Damage Insurance Claims Timeline: What To Expect
If your home was recently damaged by the April 10th storm, it may be the first time you’ve ever needed to submit a claim for storm damage insurance. It’s important for you to understand the process so that you know what to expect and know when you might need to hire a storm damage insurance bad faith attorney.
Here’s what the storm damage insurance claims process looks like:
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- Document Damage: After the loss and damage to your home, make sure to document everything with a video and photographs, which you will then submit to your insurance company.
- Call Your Insurance Provider: Notify your insurance provider about the damage done to your home. You should also review your policy to better understand deadlines and the details of your coverage.
- Questions from Your Insurance Provider: Your insurance provider will then begin asking you for information about your claim. At this time, you will likely submit your photo evidence, Proof of Loss documents, estimates for repair, and any other documentation you have. They will also coordinate an independent adjuster to go to your home to review the damage done to your home and assess value.
- Insurance Coverage Decision: Your insurance company will reach a decision, whether that be a denial of coverage, or the value that they believe your damage is worth. If they do send you a denial, they should list reasons for that denial. Your carrier may also answer questions about the nature of the claim with an Examination Under Oath (UAO) if it is enacted by your insurance provider.
- Speak with an Attorney. If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith by incorrectly denying you of coverage, undervaluing your loss, or taking longer than 30 days to pay you, it’s important to contact a Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers storm claim bad faith attorney to hold them accountable. You can call us for a free case review today.
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.
ClientDoes Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?
Many homeowners insurance policies do cover damage caused by tornadoes under wind damage protection. This includes repairs to your home’s structure and replacing lost or damaged belongings. It’s crucial to check your specific policy for any deductibles, coverage limitations, and exclusions. Confirm these details with your insurance provider to fully understand your coverage in case of a tornado.
How Much Money Can I Be Compensated for Storm Claims?
The compensation for storm claims can vary greatly depending on the extent of the damage, your insurance policy terms, and the coverage limits. Typically, insurance policies will cover repair costs, replacement of damaged or lost items, and sometimes even temporary relocation expenses.
It’s important to review your policy to understand the maximum coverage limits and any deductibles that might affect your compensation. If you think your insurance company is acting in bad faith, undervaluing your property damage, denying your claim or delaying payments, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at 337-777-7777. We achieved the highest verdict in Louisiana for a storm claim and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Storm Damage?
If you’ve filed a storm damage claim and are facing issues with your insurance company, it might be time to consider legal assistance. Our team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers supports clients who encounter unexpected challenges due to insurance company interference. We can handle all aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on other important areas of your life, such as your job, business, education, or family.
Signs of Insurance Bad Faith
Insurance companies should act in good faith and fair dealing. After all, you have insurance for this reason – to pay for damage in an emergency. However, we have helped many clients whose insurance companies do not act in good faith and try to take advantage of the situation.
Here are some signs that your insurance provider may be acting in bad faith:
- Denied Claims: While not all claim denials are incorrect, some are made arbitrarily or through a misinterpretation of policy rules. If your claim has been wrongfully denied, an experienced storm claims attorney can help you challenge this decision and demand full compensation.
- Undervalued Damages: After a storm, insurance adjusters inspect the damage to properties. Dishonest adjusters may intentionally undervalue the extent of the damage, claiming that some damages were pre-existing or less severe than they actually are.
- Threats to Cancel Policy: Following severe weather events, some insurers may notify policyholders that their coverage will be canceled soon. This can be a strategy to avoid accountability fully and prevent policyholders from filing claims.
- Delayed Payments: Some insurers deliberately delay payments even after they have been approved, hoping policyholders will forget the payments they are owed. This tactic is considered a form of bad faith.
If you recognize any of these tactics from your insurance company, it’s important that you contact an experienced storm claims attorney who can help you secure the compensation you deserve based on the storm damage. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we secured the highest storm claim verdict to date in the entire state of Louisiana. Our attorneys can help keep your insurance company accountable to the money they owe you.
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for Free to Evaluate Your Insurance Bad Faith Claim
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our storm damage attorneys stand ready to assist you. Ensuring that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve from your insurance company is our priority. In fact, we achieved the largest storm claim verdict Louisiana has ever seen. We know how to assess how much you deserve from the damage in your home, and can hold the insurance companies accountable to paying you fairly.
Call us today at 337-777-7777 to learn how we can support your claim and help you rebuild your life with the financial security you need and deserve.
