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Hurricane Damage Insurance Claims Attorney

When hurricanes cause damage, homeowners don’t have to accept lowball offers or outright denials from insurance companies. A hurricane damage claim is supposed to cover costs for repairs, property loss, and additional living expenses. Unfortunately, insurance often responds with denials, delays, or underpayments.

It’s frustrating to deal with insurance companies that don’t meet their obligations. A strong hurricane damage attorney can offer legal support to hurricane victims in many ways. If your claim has been mishandled, your legal counsel will fight for you to receive fair compensation.

If your homeowner’s insurance claim for coverage to pay for damage caused by a hurricane has been wrongfully denied or unreasonably reduced or delayed, you can come to Brasher Law Firm, PLLC for help. Our Texas and Louisiana bad faith insurance attorneys have more than 20 years of combined experience and have a proven track record of success in fighting for our clients’ rights.

With distinctions such as membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum and inclusion in the Super Lawyers list, we have established ourselves as being among the leading plaintiff’s attorneys in Texas and Louisiana, and we are ready to fight to help you recover just compensation.

Call us today or fill out a form for a consultation.

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Why Let Brasher Handle Your Hurricane Damage Claim?

A hurricane claims lawyer offers more than just legal representation. They give peace of mind to homeowners, ensuring that their cases will be handled with care and proficiency. 

At Brasher Law Firm, our hurricane claims lawyers will:

  • Review your policy to determine coverage
  • Put together a damage assessment to document every loss
  • Prepare and file your hurricane claims to increase your chances of approval
  • Negotiate with the insurance company
  • Represent you in court if necessary
  • Offer ongoing advice and guidance so your claim is handled correctly

With our proven results, awards, and recognitions like inclusion in the Super Lawyers list, we’ve established ourselves as leaders in the field. If you’ve suffered property damage due to a hurricane, we’re in your corner and here to help you recover every dollar you’re owed.

What Does a Hurricane Claims Lawyer Do for Your Case?

A hurricane claim lawyer at Brasher Law Firm will handle every aspect of your claim from start to finish, allowing you to focus on rebuilding your life while we handle the legal complexities. 

Our process involves:

  • Reviewing your insurance policy to identify coverage limits
  • Making sure all damages are accounted for
  • Meticulously preparing and filing your claim to avoid mistakes that lead to delays or denials
  • Negotiating directly with the insurer to ensure you get a fair settlement

If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, we’ll take your case to court. Our goal is to help you recover the maximum amount possible under your policy.

Types of Property Damage Frequently Caused by Windstorms and Hurricanes

Hurricanes can cause major damage to properties and leave homeowners to deal with the aftermath of severe structural and personal property losses. Common types include:

  • Roof Damage: High winds tear off shingles, tiles, or metal sheets, leading to partial or total roof failure
  • Water Damage: Heavy rain and storm surges cause severe water and structural damage and mold growth
  • Window and Door Damage: Windows can shatter, and doors may be torn off in high winds
  • Foundation Damage: Flooding and soil erosion can weaken or shift foundations
  • Electrical System Damage: Water can lead to short circuits and other electrical problems

Any damage can greatly impact your home’s safety and value. To get your full payout, you’ll need to properly document everything that happened to the property.

What You Can Do to Get Your Full Insurance Benefits After a Storm

To make sure you get the full benefits from your hurricane insurance claims, follow these steps:

  • Familiarize yourself with the specifics of your hurricane coverage
  • Take detailed photos and videos of all damage immediately after the storm
  • Create a list of personal property that has been destroyed or damaged
  • Get professional estimates for the cost of repairs
  • Hire an experienced attorney to help you deal with your insurance company

Being proactive can help you avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your case. A thorough record of your damages, along with professional support, puts you in the best possible position to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.

What Constitutes “Bad Faith” Actions by an Insurer?

“Bad faith” actions happen when an insurer intentionally mishandles a claim and doesn’t act in the policyholder’s best interests. Common bad-faith tactics include:

  • Failing to process or investigate your claim within a reasonable time
  • Offering a settlement far below what’s needed
  • Refusing to pay a valid claim without a good reason

If your insurer is doing any of this, you have the legal right to challenge them.

Understand Your Hurricane Coverage

What Should I Do if My Home Has Been Impacted by a Hurricane?

First, ensure you and your family’s safety. Then, start documenting the damage with photos, videos, and notes. Contact your insurance provider to start your claim, and read through your policy to understand what’s covered. Hiring a hurricane damage attorney can help you avoid any pitfalls.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?

Most standard homeowners insurance covers wind-related damage caused by hurricanes. However, coverage for flooding is often excluded unless you have a separate flood policy. Know the specifics of your coverage, and if you’re not sure, a lawyer can help you interpret your policy.

What Is a Hurricane Deductible?

A hurricane deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. It differs from your standard policy deductible and is usually a percentage of your home’s insured value. Depending on the terms and your location, hurricane deductibles can range from 1% to 5% of that value.

Does Flooding Count as Hurricane Damage?

Flooding is one of the most destructive aspects of a hurricane, but it’s usually not covered under standard policies. Homeowners need a separate flood insurance policy through programs like the National Flood Insurance Program.

What Happens if My Claim Was Denied?

You still have options. If your claim is denied, ask for a written explanation from the insurer. From there, talk to a hurricane lawyer to understand the reason for the denial and how to dispute it.

Why Do Hurricane Insurance Claims Get Denied?

Ideally, you would always be able to file a successful claim if your home was damaged by a hurricane. However, there are unfortunately several reasons why hurricane insurance claims might be denied, including:

  • Insufficient documentation or evidence of the damage
  • Your filing the claim too late
  • Exclusions in the policy that limit coverage for specific types of damage
  • The insurer claiming the damage was pre-existing and not caused by the storm

Understanding why your claim was denied is the first step toward appealing the decision.

How Can I Appeal a Denied Storm Damage Claim?

In the event of a denial, you have the right to appeal. Read the denial letter and collect any additional evidence that supports your case. You can then submit a formal appeal to your insurance company. 

It helps to have a hurricane insurance lawyer assist with the process to make sure everything is done right and presented in the strongest possible light.

What Are My Rights if the Insurance Adjuster Misses Obvious Damages?

You can still dispute their findings. Have your own documentation to support your claim and ask for a reinspection or hire a public adjuster for an independent evaluation. An attorney will make sure your rights are protected and the insurance company is held accountable for any oversight.

Recent Destructive Hurricanes

Hurricanes have caused a lot of damage over the years to homes, businesses, and entire communities. Some of the more notable hurricanes of the past couple of decades include:

  • Hurricane Beryl (2024): Made landfall in the U.S. as a category 1 storm before soon reaching category 5, causing nearly $7 billion in damage — it also produced the most tornado warnings ever in a day
  • Hurricane Ida (2021): Struck as a powerful category 4 storm in Louisiana and caused flooding and power outages well into the northeast, with damages exceeding $75 billion
  • Hurricane Laura and Delta (2020): Laura brought widespread destruction as a category 4 in Louisiana; Delta followed just weeks later in the same area
  • Tropical Storm Hermine (2016): Affected the Gulf Coast of Florida, causing moderate wind and flood damage but leaving a significant impact on local communities
  • Hurricane Irene (2011): Struck the eastern U.S. and brought widespread flooding and wind damage from North Carolina to Vermont, with damages estimated at over $15 billion
  • Hurricane Dolly (2008): Made landfall in south Texas as a category 2, causing severe flooding and wind damage
  • Hurricane Ike (2008): A massive category 4 storm that hit Texas; caused extensive damage along the Gulf Coast and over $30 billion in damage

Besides these infamous storms, other notable recent disasters include Hurricanes Helene, Harvey, and Ian.

The Impact of Recent Hurricanes

The devastation left by hurricanes is immense, and hurricane insurance claims in Texas and Louisiana reach into the billions. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hurricanes cause an average of $22.8 billion in damages annually in the United States.

The region is regularly hit by storms that strike in the Gulf of Mexico. In some cases, the federal government will declare an area that has been devastated by a hurricane as a natural disaster zone, and homeowners may be eligible to receive limited governmental funding to repair and rebuild.

Unfortunately, insurance companies will typically do everything they can to avoid paying out more than necessary on a claim for hurricane damage. They’re not required to pay on every single claim they get, but if yours is valid, you have a right to receive fair treatment and full payment.

Don’t let the insurance company shortchange you. Call Brasher Law Firm at (888) 989-2889 or fill out our online form to get started on your case.