Hurricane Ida made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Louisiana on August 29, 2021. Ida brought with her catastrophic winds, rain, tornadoes, and flooding, which led to at least 28 deaths in Louisiana as well as untold amounts of property damage. At Mansfield Melancon, our attorneys assist businesses that have suffered property damage from Hurricane Ida recover what they are owed from insurance companies that resist honoring their policies in full.

Tips for Recovering for Hurricane Ida Property Damage in Louisiana

Filing a claim for property damage to a business or residence following a hurricane can be an arduous procedure. The following tips are helpful for business owners and individuals going through this process.

#1 Review Your Policy

The first step in knowing what can be recovered for damages caused to a business or home from Hurricane Ida is to review the insurance policy terms. It is not uncommon for these policies to have exclusions for some damages caused by a hurricane, including flooding. The policy may also have special provisions for the deductible required for hurricane damage. The business owner must be familiar with all of these terms and conditions to ensure they recover the full amount they are due.

#2 Collect Evidence

The key to recovery is providing the evidence needed to prove the damages that are being claimed. There are multiple ways to do this, from taking pictures to filming videos. Photographic evidence can help dispute any assertions by the insurance company that the damages are not as severe or extensive as the claim states they are.

#3 Determine Estimates

To be paid the total amount owed for the damages sustained, it is necessary to know how much it will cost to repair the damaged property. After a hurricane, prices of materials may escalate, so having estimates performed by professionals is essential to recovering the full amount owed.

#4 File Immediately

After a catastrophic event such as Hurricane Ida, it is necessary to file a claim as soon as possible after the event occurs. There will be multiple property owners seeking restitution, and it could take months for a claim to be paid. Therefore, the sooner the claim is made, the better.

#5 Do Not Settle for a Lowball Offer

Even if the insurance company does agree to pay a claim for damages incurred by Hurricane Ida, they will likely attempt to force a lowball offer. Remember, the insurance company's goal is to pay as little as possible to settle any claims made under policies it has issued. Therefore, it is important not to accept this initial offer and hold the insurance company responsible for the full amount due under the policy terms.

Contact a Louisiana Hurricane Ida Property Damage Lawyer

If you are a business owner or homeowner who suffered property damage or loss from Hurricane Ida, and the insurance company is dragging its feet to honor your claim, you need to speak with an attorney who can help. To schedule your appointment, call us at 888-601-0127 or contact us via our contact page.