Protecting your rights before the storm hits starts with knowing what to do before hurricane season begins. In Louisiana, strong storms can destroy homes, shut down communities, and lead to big insurance battles. That’s why understanding how to protect your property and your legal rights is so important.
Knowing how to protect your rights before a storm also means understanding your insurance policy, keeping records, and taking action early. Insurance claims after a hurricane can be complicated, frustrating, and delayed.
Our experienced Lafayette storm loss lawyer will guide you through it, especially if an insurance company has denied or underpaid your damages claim. You can learn more during a free consultation.
Why Preparing for a Storm Now Protects You Later
When a major storm, such as a hurricane, is on the way, it’s easy to panic or feel unsure about what to do first. But preparing early can make a big difference. Protecting your legal rights starts before the winds and rain arrive, not after.
You can take simple and smart steps now to look out for yourself, your home, and your ability to get help if something goes wrong. The tips below will help you stay ahead of storm damage, insurance problems, and missed deadlines.
By acting today, you’ll be in a stronger position to recover tomorrow.
Know Your Insurance Policy
Before a storm hits, take time to read and understand your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Look for these key parts:
- Hurricane coverage: Not all policies include damage from hurricanes or wind.
- Flood insurance: This is often separate and not included in a regular homeowner’s policy.
- Deductibles: Hurricane deductibles are usually higher than regular deductibles.
- Exclusions: See what’s not covered, such as mold or sewer backup.
If something is unclear, call your insurance company or ask a legal professional to explain it.
Document Everything Now
Having proof of what you owned before a storm can help make your insurance claim easier to file and faster to process.
Steps to take:
- Take photos and videos of your home, inside and out.
- Save receipts for big purchases like TVs, appliances, and furniture.
- Write down the serial numbers of electronics and other valuables.
- Store copies of these records in a safe place, like the cloud or a waterproof box.
Good documentation gives you a strong case if there’s any dispute later.
Secure Your Home and Property
Protecting your property also helps protect your rights when it’s time to file a claim.
Ways to prepare your home:
- Board up windows and doors.
- Bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside.
- Check your roof for weak spots and repair them.
- Trim trees and remove loose limbs.
Taking these steps shows the insurance company you acted responsibly, which helps if your claim is questioned.
Save Copies of Important Legal Documents
Make sure you can easily access your insurance policy, identification (ID), and other key paperwork.
Keep copies of your:
- Insurance policy and claim contact information
- Home title or lease
- Birth certificates and Social Security cards
- Medical records and prescriptions
Store these in a waterproof bag or upload them to a secure cloud account.
Don’t Wait to Ask for Help After a Storm
If your home has suffered damage, you may need legal help to get the money you’re owed.
Here’s when to get help:
- The insurance company denies, delays, or underpays your claim.
- The insurance company is asking for too much proof.
- You don’t know how to file or appeal a claim.
- You suspect bad faith from the insurance provider.
Our firm’s legal professionals will prepare your case, gather evidence, and fight for what you rightfully deserve.
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.
ClientLouisiana’s Deadlines Are Changing—Know Your Time Limits
In most cases, you now have two years to file a personal injury or property damage claim in Louisiana, per CC Art. 3493.1. Some claims may still have shorter time limits, so we encourage you to file as early as possible..
Talking to our personal injury lawyer in Lafayette early gives you the best chance to protect your rights and avoid missing any deadlines. We will file your case on time.
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 | ClientBe Cautious of Scams and Unlicensed Contractors
After storms, people commonly show up offering quick repairs. Some are honest, but others take advantage of those who are facing disaster after a devastating storm.
Protect yourself by:
- Asking for licenses and insurance.
- Avoiding paying large amounts up front.
- Getting everything in writing.
Don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand. If something feels wrong, trust your gut and check with our legal team before moving forward.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCreate a Storm Recovery Plan
A recovery plan helps you move quickly and safely after a hurricane. Knowing what to do and who to call can take pressure off when things are chaotic.
Make sure your plan includes:
- A list of emergency contacts (e.g., family, doctors, an insurance company, a lawyer, etc.)
- A safe place to go if you need to evacuate
- A backup plan if phone or internet service is down
- A checklist for documenting damage and starting a claim
Having a clear plan makes it easier to act quickly, and legally, after a storm hits.
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.
ClientKeep a Storm Diary
If your home is damaged, write down what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. A storm diary can support your claim and show the insurance company that you’re organized and credible.
Include:
- Dates and times of events (wind, flooding, power loss, etc.)
- Any communication with your insurance company or adjusters
- Steps you took to protect your home before the storm
- Photos or videos of damage with timestamps
Even short notes can help later if your claim is delayed or challenged.
Call Us to Learn How to Protect Your Rights Before a Storm Hits
Talking to an experienced legal team can help you protect your rights before a storm hits your area. At Laborde Earles, we’ve been helping Louisiana families for 30 years. We’ll walk you through what to do now, so you’re not left struggling after the storm.
Our Louisiana attorneys have recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients, and we bring more than 350 years of combined experience to your case. We prepare claims, gather evidence, and handle tough negotiations with insurance companies.
We only get paid if you win. Call today for a free consultation and learn how our team can help you protect your family, your home, and your peace of mind. We are here when you need us most.
