As a Louisiana business owner, you’re savvy enough to know that it’s important to protect your commercial property with a robust insurance policy. Hurricanes can strike the Gulf Coast hard, and when they do, you want to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
What you might not be prepared for is when the insurance company denies or attempts to underpay your claim. When that happens, our hurricane damage lawyers in Lake Charles can help. We’re ready to fight on your behalf so your business can come back stronger than ever.
Our team at Barcus Arenas, PLLC, has nearly two decades of combined experience battling for the rights of Louisiana property owners. Call today for a free consultation to find out how our insurance claims lawyers in Lake Charles can help with your hurricane damage claim.
What Does a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Do?
Our firm helps business and commercial property owners recover fair compensation from insurance companies after suffering losses caused by hurricanes and other disasters. While every case is unique, some of the things we may be able to do to help you include:
Evaluate Your Insurance Policies
Our hurricane damage attorneys in Lake Charles can review your insurance policy to identify what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how to maximize your claim. We’ll help you understand complex policy language and spot potential coverage issues before filing.
Document and Assess Damage
Our hurricane claims lawyers can help gather detailed documentation of all hurricane-related damage by working with trusted experts. This ensures no damage is overlooked, including structural issues or hidden problems, so you can pursue the full value of your property and restoration needs.
Handle Insurance Claims
Our hurricane attorneys will manage your claims process, from filing paperwork to communicating with the insurance company. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that deadlines are met and claims are submitted correctly to avoid delays or denials.
Dispute Denied or Underpaid Claims
If your insurer denies or underpays your claim, we’ll step in to help you challenge it. We can investigate potential bad faith practices, gather supporting evidence, and fight against unfair treatment to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.
Negotiate or Litigate for Compensation
Our hurricane lawyers negotiate directly with insurers to achieve a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, we are ready to take your case to court to protect your rights and help you get the compensation needed to repair your property.
For a free legal consultation with a hurricane damage lawyer serving Lake Charles, call (800) 941-1041
What are Common Commercial Property Exclusions?
Commercial property insurance policies often include exclusions that limit what types of damage they cover. This is important to understand when filing a claim. Common exclusions that might apply after a hurricane include:
- Flood Damage: This includes water damage from rising water, storm surge, or heavy rain that enters from outside the building. Businesses in flood-prone areas like Louisiana usually need a separate flood insurance policy.
- Mold, Fungus, or Rot: Most policies exclude damage caused by mold, fungus, or rot, especially when it results from long-term leaks or poor maintenance. Insurers view these as preventable conditions rather than sudden or accidental losses.
- Power Failure: Losses caused by a power outage originating off the property are generally excluded. If the outage halts operations, the damage usually won’t be covered unless you’ve added a specific power failure or spoilage endorsement.
- Business Interruption: Business losses such as lost income due to a temporary closure are not automatically covered. You must have a specific business interruption policy or endorsement.
Insurance companies sometimes use exclusions to unfairly deny valid claims. Our Lake Charles hurricane damage lawyers are ready to fight back and hold them accountable so they honor the full terms of your policy.
Lake Charles Hurricane Damage Lawyer Near Me
(800) 941-1041
What is Bad Faith Insurance?
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company fails to uphold its legal obligation to deal fairly with policyholders. This can happen when the insurer unjustly denies a valid claim, delays payment without reason, underpays on purpose, or refuses to communicate honestly.
Under Louisiana RS 22 §1892, insurers are legally required to act in good faith when processing claims. If they violate this duty, policyholders may have grounds for a bad-faith lawsuit.
Our attorneys can determine if you’ve experienced bad faith with your hurricane damage claim and take action if necessary.
Click to contact our Insurance Claims Lawyers in Lake Charles today
Get Help From a Hurricane Damage Attorney in Lake Charles
Hurricanes aren’t just a possibility on the Gulf Coast; they are a certainty. The only questions are where, when, and how bad. A solid commercial property insurance plan means you are ready when disaster strikes, and you can get your business up and running again.
Even so, dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane is never easy, especially when the insurance company doesn’t honor your policy or looks for ways to underpay your claim. Our hurricane damage attorneys in Lake Charles will work to make sure you get the payout you are owed.
Our team at Barcus Arenas, PLLC, is dedicated to fighting for your rights and obtaining the settlement you need to restore your commercial property or business. Contact us today for a free consultation and share your story. We’re ready to help you move forward.
Call or text (800) 941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
