Meteorologists have estimated that Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana as the most powerful hurricane the region had seen in more than 150 years. The widespread devastation left behind suggests the meteorologist estimations are accurate. Hurricane Delta following immediately after added to the mass destruction.
More than a dozen deaths have been attributed to the hurricane and the complications it caused later, such as knocking out power for thousands. An unknown but assumedly high number of structures have been totaled or significantly damaged by Hurricane Laura, too. Drones have been used throughout the state to survey the devastation.
To make the situation even worse, people now need to file property damage claims with their insurance providers who might not take each claim seriously. Historically, survivors of devastating hurricanes and powerful storms have encountered resistance from insurance providers due to the sheer number of claims filed in a brief period of time.
Insurers can be tempted to deny, undervalue, or delay claims to try to save their bottom line with so many pending claims. This is where The Chopin Law Firm LLC can step in and stand up for your rights as someone who has already lost too much in Hurricane Laura to also have to deal with insurance company interference as well.
We are proud Louisianans with an office in New Orleans but who provide legal representation to homeowners and business owners throughout our great State. Allow us to use our insight and experience to properly manage and progress your Hurricane Laura damage claim.
We are currently hearing from clients from some of the most damaged towns and regions, such as:
Call (504) 475-2429 or Contact us online now if your home or business has been devastated by Hurricane Laura and you now need to file a property damage insurance claim.
Hurricanes are some the most destructive storms, leaving heavy damage and devastation to cars, homes, and other valuable property in their wake. Whenever one of these mega-storms rips through an area, insurance companies are swarmed with claims as everyone tries to have their valuables repaired or replaced in the aftermath.
Because of this, it’s important to closely track your claim and make sure your insurance company is handling it properly. If you don’t, you may experience unnecessary delays in receiving your payout to get your home fixed, or perhaps only receive a portion of what your company should be required to pay.
Here are six things you should do in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane to make sure your claim is properly handled and your repairs are done quickly:
When it comes to an insurance claim, photographic evidence is perhaps the most valuable tool you have at your disposal. Pictures can tell a story far better than words in many situations, and the more you are able to take, the better prepared you will be to pursue the full value of your home insurance claim.
Make sure you thoroughly document all damage, including any lost property. While going through the damage in your home, take a running inventory of the damages as well—you will need it when you file your claim and throughout the process after. This includes your contents. Photograph all of your contents so you can prove the damages later.
A home that’s damaged in a hurricane may sustain additional damage in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Things such as roof damage, holes in walls, and flooding can continue to wear and eat away at the structure of your home, form mold, and more.
This means you should do what you can to stop any of these immediate threats and prevent further damage from adding to your woes. Be careful though, you don’t want to repair too much on your home or you will risk potentially de-valuing your claim and your home won’t get repaired properly.
Wait until your insurance company sends out an adjustor to see what happened before you start your cleanup efforts in earnest.
Do you have an inventory of what you have in your home, such as:
If not, you should really consider making one, keeping it updated regularly, and storing it in a safe place.
In the event of a major disaster, such as a hurricane, your homeowners’ insurance company will want to know what possessions you’re listing as part of your claim, and having this list ready and up-to-date can ensure your claim is handled quickly and that you don’t accidentally leave out anything valuable you might have lost. Having receipts or the proof of value of those items with that list is also a good idea.
If your home is uninhabitable, you’ll need to find somewhere to go where your family can live. If that means finding a nearby hotel, that might be what you have to do. Most homeowners’ insurance policies include “loss of use” in their coverages, and they will typically help pay for lodging, provided the damage is part of your hurricane claim.
Check your policy and make sure you have this coverage, and let your insurance company know where you are staying, how much it will cost, and that you are requesting temporary financial assistance with these costs while your home is uninhabitable.
Have you looked in detail at what’s in your homeowners’ policy? If not, you might be unpleasantly surprised to learn that some of your damage isn’t covered. The big culprit when it comes to hurricane damage isn’t always the wind or debris, but water damage.
Floods are particularly devastating to homes; but homeowners’ policies don’t actually cover flood damage. Make sure you have a flood policy. Finally, make sure you have this far in advance, as well; some insurance policies have a mandatory 30-day waiting period before filing flood damage claims.
Some insurance companies work on a first-come, first-serve basis and assign adjustors and agents to claims as they come in. If you submit your claim after the majority of other people have done so, you’ll probably be forced to wait a while for the ball to get rolling on your claim.
Therefore, it’s in your best interests to file your claim as soon as possible. However, if you can provide a little bit of extra information when filing your claim, your adjustor’s inspection will probably go more smoothly and your claim will proceed faster.
Hurricane deductibles are also another big surprise when it comes to storm victims. Hurricane deductibles are the amount you are required to pay out of pocket before your insurance company will start contributing for repairs, and can typically be about 5% of the total value of your home, meaning you might be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars!
Know your financial responsibilities when it comes to your policy and you’ll be ready in the event you have to file a claim.
If your home has been damaged by a hurricane and you feel your claim is not being handled properly, contact a New Orleans property damage attorney for legal assistance. Call us at (504) 475-2429 now for a free consultation.
Property damage claims are practically designed to not be easy for the policyholder. In the wake of a hurricane as powerful as Hurricane Laura, matters are likely to be even more complicated when filing a property damage claim.
Give yourself a break from all the busywork and stress by allowing our Hurricane Laura damage lawyers to manage your claim for you.
Give yourself a break from all the busywork and stress by allowing our Hurricane Laura damage lawyers to manage your claim for you.
When we represent you, we would be happy to do the following and more:
Start your Hurricane Laura damage claim today by calling (504) 475-2429 and arranging a no-cost initial consultation with The Chopin Law Firm LLC in Louisiana today.
Great Attorney for your needs I find Justin to be a very personable attorney that has your best interests in mind at all times. He is honest, up front, and diligent. I would definitely recommend him! After an accident, Justin mediated between the insurance companies involved, stayed on top of the case, and worked toward […]
ShalomJustin Chopin is a great attorney and an even better man. He is one of the highest professional and personal integrity. I would not hesitate to hire Justin for again and again, he is truly a lawyer’s…
SalWe needed ALOT of help Starting up a Micro Brewery required more legal help than we could have ever anticipated. At first we hired Justin Chopin to incorporate our business with the state but we we soon realized that was only the beginning. We needed help researching and trademarking names. He helped write and negotiate […]
Brewing CompanyHe did the hard part for us In 2013 I began the process of closing down a business I had spent 10 years building. It was emotionally difficult and I didn’t know where to begin. Mr. Chopin took the time to explain the process to me and even checked back in with me at the […]
Beehive Hair StudioAn excellent attorney “Prompt, effective, focused! Personal injury suits, like the one that was against my company, are a risk for every business. However, Mr. Chopin successfully defended the law suit against my company and quickly had the case dismissed, with minimal expense and with zero payout. I highly recommend Mr. Chopin.”
NicholasDiligent and Knowledgeable Lawyer I was anxious calling initially, as are most people when they need to call a lawyer, but as soon I talked to Justin about my case, I felt at ease. I was involved in an auto incident. In short form, Justin worked diligently to get a favorable outcome under the circumstances […]
Mr A.Amazing attorney When I called Justin I was worried at first. We were looking for a knowledgeable and experienced attorney. He took on our very detailed child custody/visitation case without hesitation. He handled this case with the love a care as he would of if it we’re his own family. He was always professional and […]
Wyman3 for 3 wins Once again Chopin Law Firm came through with another WIN ! “He who represents himself in lieu of Chopin Law has a fool for a client.” Nick Burtchaell
NicholasWe lost our home in hurricane Ida. I came across Justin Chopins info while researching help with insurance companies. Justin immediately called me back. He sent over an amazing adjuster to be there to represent us during the initial walk through by our insurance company. The adjuster was knowledgeable and extremely thorough. Justin and his […]
Sunny B.I had a great experience with the Chopin Law Firm. I emailed them and quickly received a response from an attorney at the firm, Adam Sanderson. I was really surprised get an attorney so quickly. Adam and the rest of the Chopin law firm were kind and thorough. And during a stressful time, they were […]
Chris B.Awesome team thanks Mr. Phill & team really appreciate y’all started off stressful with me trying to find a new doctor told him about it he handled everything and been in communication checking on me and so on since really appreciate y’all.
Shalisa C.My attorney name was Mark. He was excellent, always returned my calls in a timely manner. He was very respectful and helpful. Most attorneys think you work for them, not the other way around. The Chopin Law Firm is not like that. I highly recommend them and I would hire them again if necessary.
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Clinton S.Chopin law firm was the best, they treated me like royalty. I would admonish anyone to this firm to serve their family Leagal needs!
Cornelius J.The Chopin Law Firm LLC is the best personal injury law firm to work with when going through the adversities that come with being injured, trying to recover, and survive. From our first meeting, the entire staff that I met (including Michael (Mike) Letourneau, Justin Chopin, Richard Chopin, and Brenna Martin) were very welcoming, knowledgeable, […]
Sonya S.They care deeply about their clients.
Stephan N.Great TEAM of attorneys at the Chopin Law Firm!!!! Very professional and at no time did I ever not have 100% confidence in their work.
Pat L.The Chopin Law Firm was an excellent group to work with. They successfully resolved my legal issue.
Mark R.Very professional! Knowledgeable on all areas of law!
Maureen S.Mr Justin Chopin has been of a great help. He communicated clearly and in timely manner. I strongly recommend The Chopin Law Firm for their excellent services.
Tsvetomir T.Justin took on our very detailed child custody/visitation case. He handled this case with the love and care as he would of if it we’re his own family. He was always professional and straight to the point. He didn’t sugar coat anything which was refreshing because we never we’re surprised. Justin can do wonders with […]
Wyman W.They really helped us with our Hurricane Ida claim! Highly recommend!
LaSalle S.Chopin Law firm has been utilized for personal and business for years. The staff has continuously surpassed our expectations. Can’t say enough good concerning Chopin Law Firm !
Nick B.We chose Chopin law because of their experience in personal injury law. This highly qualified team took on our case and got us a huge settlement. ..over half a million in 7 months… unbelievable but 100% accurate. Thank you very much Chopin & Chopin
Benjamin C.Attorney, Ashlee Adams, represented her client very professionally. She is pleasant to work with.
Jackie C.The were the most acomadating team I could have ever had the fortune of representing me in a personal injury case . They communicated every step and truly worked to help get me the medical support I needed during the litigation. I highly recommend Chopin Law Firm if your serious about your case being handled […]
Dejohn S.My husband and I reached out to Justin Chopin for help with a breach of the lease by the tenant at our rental property in New Orleans. Justin spent time to ensure he understood all aspects of the issue, gave us different choices we could pursue, but told us what he would strongly suggested do […]
Sara M.First of all, I would like to say thank you so much for handling my daughter’s case. You were very professional and I appreciate how hard you worked on her case. Mr. Lorio always communicated and always felt that he had my daughter’s best interest at heart. I highly recommend Chopin Law Firm.
Cindy S.The Chopin Law Firm is one you don’t run past that often. Phil Lorio is one of the best, he’s very kind, attentive, trust worthy and gets straight to the point. The law firm as whole was very quick and on their feet with absolutely everything. Everyone in the office was of help to me […]
LeeAndre S.We knew we needed help with our Hurricane Ida claim and were so pleased to have attorney Philip Lorio handle all the difficult details and negotiations with our insurance company. Phil is very personable, capable, professional and thorough, traits which made a positive difference in the outcome of our claim. Thank you so much, Phil!
Barbara G.The Chopin Law Firm represented me recently in a personal injury case. Being a visitor to the New Orleans area from across the country, I really didn’t know what options I had. How fortuitous I got a recommendation for the Chopin Law Firm! Justin Chopin did such an EXCELLENT job in his counsel and representing […]
MicksterThe experience that I had with mr Phil was amazing he took care of everything from start to end! He’s a wonderful guy.
Shawn J.Chopin Law Firm and all of their associates were ideal professionals. Any communications via email, text, are phone were promptly addressed. Chopin Law firm was the sunshine that took over the dark part of my life. The law group was empathetic to my needs, and settled an arduous journey which resulted in a much deserved […]
Sonya S.A huge THANK YOU goes to Justin Chopin for taking a chance on a case that seemed doubtful to others, and for trusting Phil Lorio to deliver outstanding results. Phil’s professionalism, expertise, and personable nature put me completely at ease throughout the entire process and produced results that were beyond my greatest expectations. I will […]
Holly N.The Chopin Law Firm is awesome. My experience was a great one. The team was very professional, respectful and helpful. They worked very hard on my case and I am very pleased and satisfied with the outcome. I would highly recommend The Chopin Law Firm to everyone. Mr. Justin and Mr. Adam you guys rock!
Darlene M.Adam Sanderson at Chopin Law Firm exceeded my expectations. My settlement was double my initial expectations. He communicated with me every step of the way and let me know what to expect for each proceeding. Adam responded promptly every time I reached out to him. It was obvious how diligently he worked on my case […]
Claire J.I had a great experience with the Chopin Law Firm. I emailed them and quickly received a response from an attorney at the firm, Adam Sanderson. I was really surprised get an attorney so quickly. Adam and the rest of the Chopin law firm were kind and thorough. And during a stressful time, they were […]
Chris B.Mr. Chopin is kind and professional. He is a fantastic lawyer.
Claire G.I used the Chopin Lawfirm for my Ida claim and a medical coverage dispute and could not have been happier with the outcomes.
Michael N.I really appreciate Phil and his team working with and for us. He worked with the insurance company to pay us a fair amount after the hurricane.
Jennifer W.My experience with Chopin Law Firm LLC was outstanding. Phil was beyond professional and helpful from the beginning of my case. I received my settlement very fast, they were even able to get my hospital bills paid out to me after my settlement was already signed being that the health provider failed to send my […]
Mr P.I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney than Mr. Phil! He worked so hard on my husbands lawsuit. Very kind and professional. He worked weekends, nights he made sure we knew and understood everything he was doing with our case. He stayed in constant contact with us. We are so grateful for him and […]
Kacee F. W.Excellent firm, always available when questions arise. Don’t hesitate to call on Chopin Law Firm.
Dianne S.My Attorney Phil Lorio and his adjuster George Montgmry. Mr. George Montgmry has came out to my home (3) times to document what was damaged and how it happened. As the insurance company sent their adjuster. Later I received a letter stating that they would not pay for any repairs. This was before I met […]
Tali K.Justin was amazing and very attentive to my case. I love the fact they stay in contact with you and you’ll never have to guess what’s going on. I will recommend him to everyone!
Ira F.We felt so distraught and powerless after hurricane Ida with misdirection and misinformation given to us by the insurance industry. Hiring Chopin Law Firm was the best decision we ever made. They help us take back control of the situation and walked us through every step to get a positive outcome. We are now back […]
Sarah N.Thrilled by the results of this firm. After a thorough online search, contacting several and denied, I was referred to Chopin Law Firm. 🙏Very thankful for Chopin Law Firm, specifically my attorney Mr. Phil D. Lorio and his associates, all of whom were very respectful, informative, and honestly settled for more than I ever expected!!! […]
Donovan S.I was very impressed with The Chopin Firm. My lawyer always took my calls, explained everything that was happening and he was a bulldog in the courtroom, which I appreciated. I would definitely refer friends and family.
Maximo B.I want to start this off by saying, when browsing through 30+ firms in my area, I came back to Chopin 3 times before making my final decision. I am very happy that I made that decision. From the initial contact to the end result, Mr. Lorio and the rest of the team were nothing […]
Quentin N.My experience with Justin Chopin was the best experience I’ve had. He and his team Worked hard in my case for years , making sure I was well taken care of. Also help me get the most out of my settlement .
Greg L.My wife was in a car accident (not her fault) and Justin Chopin took our call and case directly. It was a minor accident and ultimately not a big case or even a promise of a big payout. But Justin and his team treated it with what I feel would have been the same rigor, […]
Cooper J.Justin Chopin provides exceptional client service and keeps his clients in the loop at all times. This is hard to find in a law firm.
Steven P.This guy is amazing! Highly recommend! Probably one of the smartest people I know.
Fred B.He is friendly; personable; easy to get along with; and he gets the job done
Kelly B. R.5 stars Great team, thanks for everything.
Spynn D.Adam Sanderson at Chopin Law Firm exceeded my expectations. My settlement was double my initial expectations. He communicated with me every step of the way and let me know what to expect for each proceeding. Adam responded promptly every time I reached out to him. It was obvious how diligently he worked on my case […]
Claire Z J.This whole firm did a great job any question you needed to ask was answered very quickly They were all business didn’t take any crap for the other attorney. I would take this law firm over Morris Bart and Gordon McKernan Trust me this is the law firm you can trust to get the job […]
Pat L.The Chopin Law Firm did a great job for me! When I was unable to get my insurance company to pay for the damage to my home due to a storm, they came through for me! They are an awesome firm! I would recommend them to anyone needing help!
Don W.The Chopin Law Firm LLC is the best personal injury law firm to work with when going through the adversities that come with being injured, trying to recover, and survive. From our first meeting, the entire staff that I met (including Michael (Mike) Letourneau, Justin Chopin, Richard Chopin, and Brenna Martin) were very welcoming, knowledgeable, […]
Sanders C. S.The Chopin Law Firm is comprised of some of the best lawyers I have ever encountered. I have worked with each of the lawyers on individual matters and the results have been beyond my expectations.
Keegan C.My company U.S. Gold and Silver, Inc. used the Chopin law Firm. They were very professional at all times. They kept me in the loop throughout the process. I was amazed at how quickly they were able to settle my case. I would “highly” recommend this firm to anyone who wants good representation and keeps […]
J. Rainer, CEO of U.S. Gold and Silver, Inc.I was anxious calling initially, as are most people when they need to call a lawyer, but as soon I talked to Justin about my case, I felt at ease. I was involved in an auto incident. In short form, Justin worked diligently to get a favorable outcome under the circumstances we had to work […]
Former ClientI was very pleased with the services provided to my mother and I by Justin Chopin. He was very responsive, and we felt that he had our best interests at heart.
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