Hurricane Laura Claims

About Hurricane Laura

The National Hurricane Center urged many Louisiana residents to evacuate before Hurricane Laura. The hurricane brought storm surges, flooding rains, strong winds, and tornadoes. Some roads were flooded before the hurricane even hit. After landfall, over 600,000 Louisiana residents were without power, tens of thousands lacked drinkable water, and officials in the hardest-hit Parishes of southwestern Louisiana (Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes) began assessing the damage. A chemical manufacturing facility in Westlake, Louisiana suffered a chlorine leak and a chemical fire, emitting toxic fumes into the air.

Once Laura weakened to a tropical storm, flash flood warnings remained in effect, with the storm’s center approximately 50 miles east southeast of Shreveport, Louisiana. Much of the storm damage was caused by fallen trees, even though Hurricane Laura was one of the strongest storms ever to hit Louisiana.

At least 6 people died during the storm, and 4 were killed by falling trees. Commercial buildings were peeled apart, vehicles were flipped, power lines felled, billboards punched out, and trees snapped in half. Winds of up to 150 mph ripped away roofs and shattered windows, and toppling trees destroyed roofs, cars, and living rooms.

One month later, Louisiana residents are still suffering from devastation. Buildings in the affected areas have extensive water damage and roof damage, and some are beginning to mold. Some residents are still without power and clean water. As one Lake Charles homeowner explains:

“Twenty-six days without drinkable water, and at my house, 18 days without electricity.”

Survivors of Hurricane Laura are working on rebuilding, and many home and property owners are turning to insurance policies to do so.

With joint representation, our firm and Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, LLC in Lake Charles, Louisiana can help those hardest-hit by Hurricane Laura. Let our firms help you rebuild your home or business.

What To Expect From Your Insurance Company

Louisiana residents with flood and wind insurance are starting to make claims related to Hurricane Laura. When you look at your insurance policy, remember that flood insurance and wind insurance are often different. Flood insurance, like policies offered through the National Flood Insurance Program, may only cover damage below the flood’s water line and will only cover mold damage if homeowners follow EPA guidelines for removing, and preventing the growth and spread of, mold.

In any case, you should expect your insurance adjuster to be in touch soon after your claim. Once you report your loss to an insurance agent, you should receive instructions on how to document your loss. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many insurance adjusters are working remotely, so you may be responsible for taking photos and videos, preserving samples of carpets, drapes, upholstery, and other building materials; and taking measurements.

If you follow the instructions you receive from your insurance company and communicate your needs, you should receive coverage according to your policy.

If you do not, you have the right to sue – and our Louisiana hurricane damage lawyers can help.

Filing a Lawsuit Against Your Insurance Company

When your insurance company fails to uphold the terms of your policy, you are entitled to legal recourse. Whether your insurer uses confusing language, delays investigating or responding to your claim, or uses some other unsavory tactics, you still deserve the coverage you paid for.

The Voorhies Law Firm, along with our partners, Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, LLC, can help you get it. We have a history of compassionate care and assistance, and as lawyers local to the Lake Charles area, we understand working with insurance companies. Our legal team has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, and we can help you get the insurance money you are entitled to.