When Insurance Companies Fall Short: Hurricane Litigation in New Orleans

After a devastating hurricane, New Orleans residents turn to their insurance companies for help rebuilding their lives. Unfortunately, many find that their insurers are not always willing to hold up their end of the bargain. When this happens, our New Orleans hurricane litigation lawyers can be valuable allies in the fight for fair compensation.

The Importance of Insurance Coverage

For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect this investment in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane. However, insurance policies can be complicated and difficult to understand, leaving many homeowners unsure of what is covered and what is not.

Common Insurance Company Tactics After New Orleans Hurricanes

When a hurricane strikes in New Orleans, insurance companies are often inundated with claims. In an effort to minimize payouts, some insurers may resort to tactics such as:

Denying Claims Outright

One of the most frustrating tactics that insurance companies may use is denying claims outright. This means that they simply refuse to pay for the damages, even if the policyholder has a valid claim. The insurance company may give various reasons for the denial, such as claiming that the damage is not covered under the policy or that the policyholder did not follow the proper procedures for filing the claim.

For example, after a hurricane, a homeowner may file a claim for wind damage to their roof. However, the insurance company may deny the claim, stating that the damage was actually caused by flooding, which is not covered under the standard homeowners insurance policy. This can leave the homeowner in a difficult position, as they may not have the funds to repair the damage on their own.

Undervaluing Damages

Another common tactic used by insurance companies is undervaluing damages. This means that they offer a settlement amount that is far lower than the actual cost of repairs or replacement. The insurance company may use various methods to justify this lower amount, such as claiming that the damage is not as extensive as the policyholder claims or that certain items can be repaired rather than replaced.

For instance, after a hurricane, a homeowner may file a claim for damage to their kitchen, including the cabinets, appliances, and flooring. The insurance company may offer a settlement that only covers the cost of replacing the cabinets, claiming that the appliances and flooring can be repaired. However, the homeowner may find that the cost of repairs is actually higher than the cost of replacement, leaving them with out-of-pocket expenses.

Delaying Payment

Insurance companies may also delay payment on valid claims, leaving policyholders in a difficult financial position. The insurance company may claim that they need more documentation or that they are still investigating the claim, even if the policyholder has provided all of the necessary information. This delay can be especially problematic for homeowners who need the funds to begin repairs or to pay for temporary housing.

For example, after a hurricane in New Orleans, a homeowner may file a claim for damage to their home and personal belongings. The insurance company may acknowledge that the claim is valid but may delay payment for several months, claiming that they need more time to process the claim. In the meantime, the homeowner may be forced to pay for repairs and replacement items out of their own pocket, causing financial strain.

Requiring Extensive Documentation

Insurance companies may also require extensive documentation from policyholders before agreeing to pay a claim. This can include receipts, photographs, and other evidence of the damage and the cost of repairs or replacement. While it is reasonable for insurance companies to require some documentation, they may use this as a tactic to delay or deny claims.

For instance, after a hurricane, a homeowner may file a claim for damage to their roof. The insurance company may require the homeowner to provide multiple estimates from licensed contractors, photographs of the damage from various angles, and proof that the damage was caused by the hurricane and not by any pre-existing issues. This can be a time-consuming and frustrating process for the homeowner, especially if they are dealing with other challenges in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Interpreting Policy Language in Their Favor

Finally, insurance companies may interpret the language of their policies in a way that is favorable to them rather than to the policyholder. Insurance policies can be complex and difficult to understand, with many clauses and exclusions. The insurance company may use this complexity to its advantage, arguing that certain types of damage are not covered or that the policyholder did not follow the proper procedures for filing a claim.

For example, after a hurricane in New Orleans, a homeowner may file a claim for damage to their fence. The insurance company may deny the claim, citing a clause in the policy that excludes coverage for “detached structures.” The homeowner may argue that the fence is not a detached structure but rather an integral part of their property, but the insurance company may stand firm in their interpretation of the policy language.

The Role of Our New Orleans Hurricane Litigation Lawyers

This is where our New Orleans hurricane litigation attorney can help. Our experienced New Orleans hurricane litigation lawyers can review your insurance policy, assess your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If necessary, we can also file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.

Why Egenberg Trial Lawyers?

At Egenberg Trial Lawyers, we have over 100 years of combined experience representing clients in legal cases, including hurricane litigation. We have recovered over $200 million for our clients and have helped over 25,000 people get the justice they deserve.

Our team understands the challenges that New Orleans residents face in the aftermath of a hurricane. We know that dealing with an insurance company can be overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with so much. That’s why we are dedicated to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to each and every one of our clients.

Our attorneys know how to hold insurance companies accountable for their bad faith actions and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.

Reach Out to Our New Orleans Hurricane Litigation Lawyers for Help

Dealing with hurricane damage is never easy, but it can be made even more difficult when insurance companies fail to hold up their end of the bargain. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a New Orleans hurricane litigation lawyer for help.

At Egenberg Trial Lawyers, we have the experience, knowledge, and dedication needed to take on the insurance companies and fight for your rights. Contact us at (504) 229-5700 for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.