When Insurance Companies Fail Responsible Homeowners
You do everything a responsible homeowner should do—from boarding up windows during hurricane season to trimming trees, maintaining your yard, and following city ordinances. You also carry homeowners insurance to protect your property if disaster strikes.
Then you file a claim—and your insurance company pushes back. Delays, denials, or low settlement offers can leave you frustrated and wondering what went wrong.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we have little patience for insurance companies that mislead or mistreat policyholders. For more than 35 years, we have dealt with insurers who refuse to honor valid claims. You upheld your end of the bargain. Now, the insurance company must uphold theirs.
Learn how a New Orleans hurricane claim lawyer can help. Call (504) 525-5211 for a free claim review.
Trust Our Property Damage Team to Protect Your Rights
Louisiana law provides important protections for policy holders. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 22:41—also known as the Policyholders Bill of Rights—outlines what insurance companies must do.
Under the law, you have the right to:
- Fair treatment without deceptive practices
- Hones, trained, and competent insurance representatives
- Clear explanations of policy exclusions
- At least 30 days’ notice before policy cancellation
- File complaints with the Louisiana Department of Insurance
- Fair payment for covered losses up to policy limits
You also have the right to hire an attorney if an insurer refuses to act in good faith.
When you work with our firm, we review the dispute and attempt to resolve it directly with the insurance company. However, if the insurer refuses to cooperate, we can file a lawsuit for breach of contract and pursue full accountability.
How We Handle Homeowners Insurance Claim Disputes
You purchased homeowners insurance for peace of mind. Unfortunately, some insurance companies delay or deny claims to avoid paying what they owe.
To justify underpayment or denial, insurers may try to:
Claim You Failed to Mitigate Damage
An insurer may argue that you did not properly protect your property before or after a storm. We counter these claims by showing that you took reasonable steps and still deserve full compensation.
Argue the Damage Is Not Covered
Insurance companies often claim the damage did not result from a covered event. For example, homeowners insurance may not include flood coverage unless you purchased it separately. We review your policy carefully and explain exactly what coverage applies.
Offer an Unreasonably Low Settlement
In some cases, insurers approve a claim but offer far less than the damage is worth. Under Louisiana law, they must justify their settlement offers. They cannot simply choose a number and refuse to explain it.
These tactics are common—but they are not acceptable. If your claim stalls or feels unfair, contact Cueria Law Injury Lawyers at (504) 525-5211 for a free consultation.
Seeking Full Compensation for Property Damage
Louisiana does not require homeowners insurance, but most mortgage lenders do. Depending on your policy, coverage may include:
- Structural repairs to your home
- Replacement of damaged personal property
- Additional living expenses, such as hotel stays
- Loss-of-use costs when your home becomes unlivable
- Coverage for valuables like artwork, jewelry, or collectibles
Flood and hurricane coverage often require separate policies. If you are unsure what your policy covers, we can help.
Our New Orleans insurance dispute lawyers break down complex policy language into clear terms. That way, you know what is covered—and what the insurer must pay.
Time Limits for Filing an Insurance Dispute Lawsuit
Louisiana law limits how long you have to file an insurance dispute lawsuit. In most cases, the deadline is one year. However, certain factors may affect that timeline.
Because deadlines vary, acting quickly matters. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can protect your claim and build the strongest possible case.
What to Do While Your Insurance Claim Is Pending
Every situation is different. If your home is unlivable, focus on keeping your family safe and stable. If you can remain in your home, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as placing a tarp over roof damage.
You should also:
- Save all written communication with your insurer
- Take photos and videos of all damage
- Keep receipts, repair estimates, and invoices
- Avoid accepting a low settlement too quickly
Speak With a New Orleans Insurance Dispute Lawyer Today
If your home suffered damage from a hurricane, flood, fire, or another covered event, you deserve the benefits you paid for.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we put your needs first. While you focus on rebuilding, we focus on holding the insurance company accountable.
Call 504-525-5211 today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help.
