After a hurricane devastates your home or business, you should be able to rely on your insurance company to help you rebuild. Too often, that is not what happens.
Insurance companies routinely deny valid hurricane damage claims, delay payments for months, and offer settlements that cover only a fraction of your actual losses. At Pichon Law Firm, we have been fighting insurance companies on behalf of Louisiana homeowners and business owners since Hurricane Katrina — and we have recovered millions of dollars for clients whose claims were denied, delayed, or underpaid.
Your claim review is free. You pay us nothing unless we win.
📞 Call 24/7: (504) 576-0440 💬 Text: (504) 291-7000 ✉ Email: jeremy@pichonlawfirm.com
Has Your Hurricane Insurance Claim Been Denied or Underpaid?
If your insurance company has told you any of the following, call Pichon Law Firm immediately:
- Your claim has been denied entirely
- Your settlement offer is far below what your repairs actually cost
- The insurance company is blaming your damage on flooding rather than wind — or vice versa
- Your claim has been delayed for months with no explanation
- The adjuster says your damage was pre-existing
- Your business interruption claim has been denied
- You have received a lowball offer and been pressured to accept it quickly
- Your insurer has stopped returning your calls
These are tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying what they owe. They are counting on you to be overwhelmed, exhausted, and desperate enough to accept less than you deserve. Pichon Law Firm knows these tactics — and we know exactly how to fight back.
Louisiana Hurricane Insurance Law — What You Need to Know
Your Rights as a Louisiana Policyholder
The Louisiana legislature has enacted some of the strongest policyholder protection laws in the country. Under Louisiana R.S. 22:1892, insurance companies are required to:
- Initiate loss adjustment within 30 days of receiving notice of a claim
- Pay undisputed portions of a claim within 30 days of satisfactory proof of loss
- Pay the full amount due within 45 days of satisfactory proof of loss
If your insurance company fails to meet these deadlines without a valid reason, they may be liable for penalties of 50% of the amount owed plus reasonable attorney fees under Louisiana’s bad faith insurance statute.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurance company unreasonably delays, denies, or underpays a valid claim. Common examples of bad faith conduct by insurance companies in Louisiana include:
- Denying a claim without conducting a proper investigation
- Misrepresenting the terms of your policy to avoid paying
- Offering a settlement so low it bears no reasonable relationship to the actual loss
- Delaying payment without a legitimate reason
- Canceling your policy after a storm to avoid paying your claim
- Failing to communicate with you about the status of your claim
- Using biased or unqualified adjusters to minimize your loss
If your insurance company has acted in bad faith, Louisiana law entitles you to additional penalties on top of the full value of your claim. Pichon Law Firm has the experience and resources to prove bad faith and hold insurers accountable.
The Difference Between Wind Damage and Flood Damage
One of the most common tactics insurance companies use after a hurricane is to classify damage as flood damage rather than wind damage — or to argue that the damage occurred before the storm. This distinction matters enormously because:
- Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover wind damage
- Flood damage is generally covered only by separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by FEMA
- Insurance companies know that if they can classify your damage as flood rather than wind, they may be able to shift or deny the claim entirely
Pichon Law Firm works with experienced engineers, meteorologists, and damage assessment experts who can document exactly what caused your damage and hold your insurance company to the correct coverage under your policy.
Our Experience With Louisiana Hurricanes
Pichon Law Firm has represented Louisiana homeowners and business owners through some of the most devastating storms in American history.
Hurricane Katrina — 2005 Hurricane Katrina was the costliest natural disaster in United States history. In the aftermath of Katrina, insurance companies across Louisiana engaged in widespread bad faith claims handling — denying, delaying, and underpaying billions of dollars in legitimate claims. Pichon Law Firm fought back and recovered millions for clients who had been told no by their insurers.
Hurricane Rita — 2005 Just weeks after Katrina, Hurricane Rita struck southwestern Louisiana, causing catastrophic wind and storm surge damage across Lake Charles and surrounding areas. We represented policyholders throughout the affected region.
Hurricane Gustav — 2008 Hurricane Gustav made landfall near Cocodrie, Louisiana, causing widespread wind and flooding damage across the state. Our firm handled numerous claims for homeowners and business owners across Orleans, Jefferson, and surrounding parishes.
Hurricane Isaac — 2012 Hurricane Isaac moved slowly through Louisiana, producing days of heavy rainfall and wind that caused extensive flooding and structural damage across the Greater New Orleans area. We recovered significant sums for clients whose claims were disputed.
Hurricane Laura — 2020 Hurricane Laura struck southwestern Louisiana as one of the strongest storms ever to hit the state. Lake Charles and surrounding communities suffered catastrophic wind damage. We handled claims for policyholders across the affected region.
Hurricane Ida — 2021 Hurricane Ida made landfall in Lafourche Parish as a Category 4 storm and moved directly through the Greater New Orleans area, causing catastrophic wind damage, flooding, and widespread destruction from Houma to New Orleans. Ida generated hundreds of thousands of insurance claims — and insurance companies responded with mass denials, delays, and lowball offers.
Pichon Law Firm was on the front lines fighting for Louisiana policyholders after every one of these storms. If your claim from any of these hurricanes — or any other storm — has been denied, underpaid, or is still unresolved, call us today.
Types of Hurricane Damage Claims We Handle
Residential Property Claims
- Wind damage to roofs, walls, siding, windows, and doors
- Fallen tree damage to structures and vehicles
- Water intrusion caused by wind-driven rain
- Total loss residential property claims
- Partial loss and repair disputes
- Additional living expenses (ALE) while your home is uninhabitable
- Personal property damage claims
- Pool and outdoor structure damage
Commercial Property Claims
- Wind and water damage to commercial buildings
- Inventory and equipment loss
- Business interruption claims for lost revenue during forced closure
- Extra expense coverage disputes
- Commercial tenant disputes
- Multi-family housing and apartment complex claims
- Restaurant and hospitality industry claims
Specialty Claims
- Condominium and HOA disputes
- Flood insurance disputes under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Landlord claims for rental property damage
- Agricultural property and crop damage claims
- Marine and vessel damage claims
- Builder’s risk policy disputes
The Insurance Company’s Playbook — And How We Counter It
Insurance companies use the same tactics over and over after every hurricane. Knowing what to expect is the first step to fighting back.
Tactic 1 — The Quick Settlement Offer Within days or weeks of a hurricane, your insurance company may call you with a settlement offer that seems reasonable. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, many homeowners accept these offers — only to discover months later that the actual cost of repairs is two or three times what they accepted.
How we counter it: Once you sign a settlement release, you generally cannot go back for more. Never sign anything without speaking to Pichon Law Firm first. We will have your damages properly assessed by independent experts and fight for the full value.
Tactic 2 — Blaming Flooding Instead of Wind Your standard homeowner’s policy covers wind damage. Your insurer may try to classify as much of your damage as possible as flooding — which falls under a separate flood policy — to reduce what they owe under your homeowner’s policy.
How we counter it: We retain independent meteorologists and structural engineers who can definitively determine the cause of your damage and document it in a way that holds up in court.
Tactic 3 — Pre-Existing Damage Insurance companies frequently send adjusters who report that damage was pre-existing — meaning it existed before the storm — to avoid paying for it. This claim is often made with no legitimate basis.
How we counter it: We obtain pre-storm photographs, satellite imagery, building inspection records, and expert testimony to prove the true condition of your property before the storm.
Tactic 4 — Lowball Estimates Insurance company adjusters are employed or hired by the insurance company. They have an incentive to estimate repair costs as low as possible. Their estimates frequently fail to account for contractor availability, material cost increases after a disaster, and the full scope of damage.
How we counter it: We retain independent licensed contractors and public adjusters who provide accurate, comprehensive damage assessments that reflect the true cost of restoring your property.
Tactic 5 — Delay, Delay, Delay Insurance companies know that time works in their favor. The longer they delay your claim, the more desperate you become — and the more likely you are to accept a low offer just to move forward.
How we counter it: Louisiana law imposes strict deadlines on insurance companies. We send formal demand letters that put the insurer on notice of those deadlines and their potential liability for bad faith penalties if they fail to comply.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful hurricane insurance claim or bad faith lawsuit in Louisiana can recover:
Policy Benefits
- The full replacement cost or actual cash value of your damaged property as specified in your policy
- Additional living expenses (ALE) if your home is uninhabitable
- Business interruption losses if your business was forced to close
- The cost of debris removal and emergency protective measures
- Personal property replacement costs
Bad Faith Penalties If your insurance company acted in bad faith under Louisiana R.S. 22:1892:
- Penalties of up to 50% of the amount found to be owed
- Reasonable attorney fees
- Court costs
Additional Damages
- Consequential damages caused by the insurer’s failure to pay
- Damages for mental anguish in egregious bad faith cases
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a hurricane insurance claim in Louisiana? Under Louisiana law, you generally have two years from the date of the hurricane to file a lawsuit against your insurance company for a disputed claim. However, your policy may contain shorter notice and proof of loss deadlines. Do not wait — contact Pichon Law Firm immediately so we can review your policy and protect your rights.
What if I already accepted a settlement? If you accepted a partial settlement but did not sign a full release, you may still have options. If you were misled or pressured into accepting a settlement, there may be additional remedies available. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need a public adjuster or an attorney? Public adjusters can be helpful in documenting and quantifying your damage. However, only an attorney can file a lawsuit, pursue bad faith penalties, and represent you in litigation against your insurance company. If your claim has been denied or you believe you have been significantly underpaid, you need an attorney — not just a public adjuster.
What if my claim is with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)? NFIP claims are governed by federal law and have different procedures and deadlines than standard insurance claims. You generally have 60 days from the date you receive a written denial to file a proof of loss, and one year from the date of the denial to file a lawsuit. These deadlines are strict. Call us immediately if you have an NFIP dispute.
My insurance company says my damage is below my deductible. What can I do? If you believe the adjuster significantly underestimated your damage, you have the right to challenge that assessment. We can have your property independently assessed and, if warranted, dispute the insurer’s estimate. Many policyholders have successfully recovered far more than the initial adjuster’s estimate after obtaining an independent assessment.
What if my insurance company canceled my policy after the storm? Policy cancellation after a storm loss is a serious matter and may itself constitute bad faith conduct under Louisiana law. Contact Pichon Law Firm immediately — the Louisiana Department of Insurance has specific rules about when and how insurers can cancel policies.
Can I still file a claim if the hurricane was years ago? Depending on the circumstances, you may still have options even if some time has passed. The statute of limitations and any applicable policy deadlines will determine what is possible. Call us immediately so we can evaluate your situation before any remaining deadlines pass.
What to Do After a Hurricane — Step by Step
Immediately after the storm:
- Document all damage before any cleanup — photograph and video every damaged area inside and outside your property before anything is moved or repaired. This evidence is critical to your claim.
- Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage — you have an obligation to mitigate further damage, but save all receipts for emergency repairs. Your insurer is required to reimburse reasonable emergency repair costs.
- File your insurance claim immediately — contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm. Note the date, time, and name of every person you speak with.
- Get a copy of your complete insurance policy — if you do not have a copy, request one from your insurer in writing. Understanding exactly what your policy covers is essential.
- Do not sign anything from your insurance company — do not sign any releases, waivers, or settlement agreements without speaking to Pichon Law Firm first. Once you sign, you may give up your right to additional compensation.
- Keep all receipts and records — document all expenses related to the storm including hotel bills, restaurant meals, temporary repairs, and anything else caused by your displacement.
- Call Pichon Law Firm — the sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your claim will be. Call us at (504) 576-0440 — free and available 24 hours a day.
Helpful Resources for Louisiana Hurricane Claimants
| Resource | Link | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Department of Insurance | ldi.la.gov | File a complaint against your insurer |
| LDI Consumer Complaint Form | ldi.la.gov/complaint | Submit a complaint online |
| Louisiana Bad Faith Statute | R.S. 22:1892 | The law protecting Louisiana policyholders |
| FEMA Flood Insurance | fema.gov/flood-insurance | National Flood Insurance Program information |
| Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance | lacitizens.com | State insurer of last resort |
| NOAA Hurricane Center | nhc.noaa.gov | Official hurricane track and intensity data |
| Louisiana Legislature | legis.la.gov | Full text of Louisiana insurance laws |
Recognition and Awards
- ⭐ Super Lawyer — 2020-2026
- ⭐ Super Lawyers Rising Star — 2016-2019
- 🏆 National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 — 2017
- 📰 Times-Picayune Top Lawyers in New Orleans — 2016
- 🎖 Retired Army Major — 25 Years of Distinguished Service
- 🇺🇸 Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran
- 💰 $100M+ Recovered for Louisiana Clients
Contact Pichon Law Firm for a Free Hurricane Claim Review
If your hurricane insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid — or if you are not sure whether you are being treated fairly by your insurance company — call Pichon Law Firm today. Your claim review is free. You pay us nothing unless we win.
We have been fighting for Louisiana policyholders through every major storm since Hurricane Katrina. We know Louisiana insurance law. We know the tactics insurers use. And we know how to win.
The insurance company has a team of lawyers working for them from day one. You deserve the same.
📞 Call 24/7: (504) 576-0440 💬 Text 24/7: (504) 291-7000 ✉ Email: jeremy@pichonlawfirm.com 📍 Office: 365 Canal Street, Suite 1490, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
OUTBOUND LINKS TO ADD ON THIS PAGE
| Anchor Text | URL |
|---|---|
| Louisiana R.S. 22:1892 | https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=86110 |
| Louisiana Department of Insurance | https://ldi.la.gov/ |
| LDI Consumer Complaint Form | https://www.ldi.la.gov/onlineservices/ConsumerComplaintForm |
| FEMA Flood Insurance | https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance |
| Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance | https://www.lacitizens.com/ |
| NOAA Hurricane Center | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/ |
| National Flood Insurance Program | https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance |
| Louisiana Legislature | https://legis.la.gov/ |