Recently Hurricane Laura damaged and/or destroyed tens of thousands of homes and businesses in Texas, and even more in Louisiana. During past hurricanes, Lindsay, Lindsay & Parsons was very active in assisting hundreds, if not thousands, of families to ensure that they were treated fairly and properly compensated. We are local attorneys from Beaumont who have successfully fought against insurance companies for compensation on behalf of individuals and businesses who have suffered losses due to storms in Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Harvey and other named and unnamed storms. It is possible that our firm has represented you or your family, friends and neighbors on past insurance claims or other legal matters.
At this time, and during what has been a challenging year of 2020, our firm is now representing individuals and companies/businesses that were affected by Hurricane Laura.
If you had damage or know someone that had damage and who is not being treated by the insurance company in a fair manner, we would like to meet with you/them to review your insurance policy, damages and payment for your claim . Please call us at 409 833-1196 immediately to discuss your claim and find out how we can help you review your insurance claim and obtain the highest amount of compensation possible for your losses.
Many times insurance companies refuse to pay or underpay for STORM damages (to the home/building, contents and additional living expenses (ALE)).
If this sounds like how your storm loss is being handled by the insurance company or you find yourself in a similar position, please call us immediately to set up a consultation so we can advise you of your legal rights. You can reach us at (409) 833-1196.
If you have received an insurance payment, or settlement offer and you have questions about the payment we would be pleased to review these items. Additionally, you may have questions about your insurance policy, including amounts of coverage, how much is owed to you, reimbursement and depreciation questions. We can review all of these matters with you as well.
Prior to hiring an attorney to handle your claim, you should contact your local insurance agent. Your insurance company has several responsibilities to you, the policyholder. Among these, they have a responsibility to timely and fairly evaluate your damages. It can be helpful for you to contact a local contractor and obtain an estimate to repair your home while your insurance company is evaluating your claim. If you feel you have not been treated or compensated fairly, you should contact an attorney to represent you and protect your legal rights.
Additionally, we think it is important to keep in mind and do the following:
- Give timely notice of your claim to your insurance company. Call your insurance company or your insurance agent and file the claim. The insurance company has to be put on notice of the insurance claim in order to be able to adjust the loss. Describe the damage you have seen to your property and let the insurance company know there is likely additional damage as well.
- Inspect your property and document everything by taking notes of the damage you see as well as photographing all damage. This should include any damage to the roof, missing shingles (which you may be able to find in your yard or surrounding yards), interior and exterior damage.
- Keep any damaged property and document the damage by taking pictures. Allow the insurance adjuster to see the damaged property and point out the damaged property during the inspection. We would even advise you to hold onto the damaged property, if feasible, until you are satisfied with how the claim was handled, or until you speak with an attorney (who can better advise you on what to do next).
- Make a LOG of your additional living expense (ALE)…..if you are in a hotel, etc., track the amounts paid to the hotel, additional amounts spent on food, and additional amounts spent on fuel/gas. If you pay by check, keep copies of the checks. If you pay by credit card, keep copies of your credit card statements.
- Make temporary repairs to protect your property. Document the amounts spent on these repairs and keep all paperwork so you can provide to the insurance company when they request it.
Remember, if you are not being treated fairly by your insurance company, we can help. Call us for a free, no obligation consultation at (409) 833-1196.
