New Orleans Hurricane Damage Lawyer | Daly & Black, P.C.
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Bourbon street after a hurricane with damage, Hurricane Damage Lawyer

Fighting for Homeowners & Businesses After Hurricane Devastation

When a hurricane strikes, the damage can be catastrophic—roofs torn off, floodwaters destroying homes, businesses left in ruins. You’ve paid your insurance premiums for years, trusting your policy would protect you when disaster hit. But now, when you need them most, the insurance company is dragging its feet, denying your claim, or offering a lowball settlement that won’t even come close to covering your losses.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of the best New Orleans hurricane damage lawyers Louisiana has to offer. At Daly & Black, P.C., we don’t let insurance companies take advantage of policyholders. We’re aggressive, relentless, and ready to go to war to make sure you get every dollar you’re owed. If your hurricane insurance claim has been wrongfully denied, delayed, or underpaid, we’re here to fight for you.

Your insurance company isn’t looking out for you—but we are. Let’s take the fight to them.

Have You Been Unfairly Denied or Underpaid on Your Hurricane Damage Claim?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been hit with excuses, delays, or outright denials from your insurance company. You’re not alone. Insurance companies have a playbook for disasters like hurricanes—they know the stakes are high, and they use every trick in the book to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.

Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

  • They may have intentionally undervalued your damage.
  • They could be wrongfully denying valid claims.
  • They bank on policyholders giving up or accepting less than they deserve.

If you’ve received a lowball settlement offer or your claim has been delayed or denied, don’t let the insurance company dictate your future. Daly & Black knows their tactics—and we know how to fight back. We will expose bad faith practices, hold them accountable, and make sure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Don’t let them get away with it. Call us today for a free case review.

 

Why Choose Daly & Black?

When it comes to battling insurance companies, you need a legal powerhouse that’s ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. Daly & Black brings unparalleled firepower to your fight, ensuring you’re not outmanned or outgunned when it matters most.

Unmatched Experience

We’re not just any law firm—Daly & Black is a 4-time Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year nominee and the 2022 winner. With Super Lawyers recognition and a track record of success, we don’t just talk—we deliver.

Aggressive Legal Representation

Insurance companies respect strength. We’re not here to negotiate on their terms—we’re here to litigate, to fight, and to win. If they refuse to pay what you’re owed, we’re ready to take them to court.

No Fees Unless We Win

We believe in our ability to win, so much so that you won’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation for you. No upfront costs, no financial risk—just committed advocacy.

Client-Focused, Results-Driven

We treat our clients like family, offering personalized attention and relentless support throughout your case. Your fight becomes our fight, and we don’t back down until you get justice.

You need a firm that’s ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. Ready to fight back? Call now!

Understanding Hurricane Damage Insurance Claims

In recent years, hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta, and Ida collectively caused an estimated $579 million in losses to Louisiana’s fishing industry alone. Hurricane Katrina remains one of the most devastating, with damages totaling approximately $125 billion.

Key Areas of Coverage in Your Hurricane Insurance Policy

It is paramount that you know what can be claimed for under your policy should you find yourself suffering the brunt of a hurricane in Louisiana.

Wind Damage

Hurricane-force winds can tear off roofs, shatter windows, and compromise the structural integrity of homes and businesses. 26,965 residential structures in Louisiana were damaged solely as a result of high winds during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, accounting for about 14.3% of the state’s residential buildings at that time.

Water Damage

Water intrusion is one of the most misclassified and contested aspects of hurricane insurance claims. Most recent estimates predict that Louisiana’s coastal communities could face $5.5 billion in annual storm surge and flooding damages.—double the $2.7 billion estimated in preceding studies of a similar nature.

Personal Property Losses

Beyond structural damage, hurricanes often destroy personal belongings, including furniture, appliances, electronics, and valuables. Recent hurricane seasons have seen Louisiana policyholders file more than 300 000 claims resulting in total payments exceeding $8 billion per year.

Temporary Living Expenses

Most homeowners’ insurance policies include Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, which helps cover hotel stays, transportation, and meals when a home becomes uninhabitable due to a disaster. Policy limits vary, typically capping expenses by dollar amount or duration. Understanding these limits is crucial for ensuring sufficient coverage during displacement.

Business Interruption Losses

For business owners, hurricane damage can extend beyond physical repairs—it can bring operations to a grinding halt, leading to lost revenue, payroll disruptions, and ongoing operational expenses. Data from the Louisiana Department of Insurance indicates that business interruption claims accounted for a significant portion of the $10.6 billion in insured losses caused by hurricane Laura.

Hurricanes can leave a trail of destruction across multiple states. If you own property in both Louisiana and Texas, our Houston hurricane damage lawyers are ready to handle your Texas claim while our Louisiana team fights for your compensation locally. With offices in both states, Daly & Black ensures that every property damage claim is pursued aggressively, maximizing your recovery.

How Insurers Try to Shortchange You

Insurance companies don’t make profits by paying out fair claims. Instead, they use a variety of tactics to limit their payouts, including:

  • Delaying payments – Hoping policyholders will get desperate and accept less.
  • Underestimating damage – Sending out adjusters who lowball repair costs.
  • Denying claims on technicalities – Misinterpreting policy language or blaming “pre-existing damage.”
  • Pushing lowball settlements – Offering a fraction of what you actually need to rebuild.

How Daly & Black Fights Back

We won’t let them get away with it. Our team:

  • Conducts a detailed policy review to determine the full scope of your coverage.
  • Works with independent appraisers and contractors to assess the real cost of repairs.
  • Challenges insurance company tactics through negotiation and, if necessary, litigation.
  • Holds insurers accountable for wrongful denials and underpayments.

Call us today. You’ve paid your premiums—now it’s time for the insurance company to pay what they owe.

The Insurance Company is Not Your Friend

Many homeowners and business owners make the mistake of trusting their insurance company to act in their best interest. But make no mistake—insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Avoid Paying You

Claiming pre-existing damage

Insurers may argue that the damage existed before the hurricane, shifting responsibility away from themselves.

Blaming construction defects

Some companies will claim poor construction, not the hurricane, is the reason for the damage.

Arguing that damage isn’t covered

They may claim your policy excludes certain types of damage, even if that’s not entirely true.

Using delay tactics

They may request excessive paperwork, fail to return calls, or take months to process a simple claim.

Legal Recourse for Bad Faith Insurance Practices

When an insurance company acts in bad faith, they are violating the law. You may be able to take legal action if they:

  • Unreasonably deny a valid claim without proper investigation.
  • Delay payments without justification despite clear coverage.
  • Offer significantly less than the true cost of repairs and refuse to negotiate.
  • Fail to communicate or provide a clear explanation for their decision.

At Daly & Black, P.C., we hold insurers accountable for their dishonest practices. If your claim has been mishandled, you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond your initial policy limits.

Get in touch with one of our experienced New Orleans hurricane damage lawyers to insure that you don’t suffer at the hands of an insurer acting in bad faith

Steps to Take After a Hurricane to Protect Your Claim

After a hurricane, taking the right steps early can make or break your insurance claim. Insurance companies look for any reason to minimize or deny payouts, so it’s critical to document everything and act quickly.

Immediately Document the Damage

  • Take photos and videos of all damage, both inside and outside your home or business.
  • Include close-up and wide-angle shots to capture the full extent of the destruction.
  • Keep records of damaged personal belongings—furniture, appliances, electronics, and valuables.

File Your Insurance Claim as Soon as Possible

  • Most policies have strict deadlines for filing claims. Don’t wait.
  • Keep a detailed record of all communication with your insurer, including emails and phone calls.
  • Avoid giving recorded statements to adjusters without consulting a lawyer.

Get a Second Opinion on the Damage

  • Don’t rely solely on the insurance adjuster’s estimate—they work for the insurance company, not you.
  • Hire an independent contractor or public adjuster to assess the true cost of repairs.
  • Compare estimates to make sure your insurer isn’t lowballing your claim.

Talk to a Lawyer Before Accepting a Settlement

  • Insurance companies pressure policyholders to settle for less than they deserve.
  • A lawyer can review your policy and claim to ensure you’re getting every dollar owed.
  • If the insurance company delays, denies, or underpays, an attorney can fight back aggressively on your behalf.

The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Contact Daly & Black today for a free consultation.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If your insurance company is underpaying, delaying, or denying your hurricane damage claim, you could be entitled to significant compensation. The amount depends on the extent of the damage and the insurance company’s handling of your claim.

Types of Compensation Available

  • Full Repair Costs – Covers structural damage to your home or business, including roofing, foundation, windows, and interiors.
  • Personal Property Losses – Reimbursement for damaged or destroyed furniture, electronics, appliances, and valuables.
  • Temporary Living Expenses – Covers hotel stays, rental housing, and other costs if your home is uninhabitable.
  • Business Interruption Losses – Compensation for lost revenue, payroll expenses, and operational costs for businesses affected by hurricane damage.
  • Additional Damages for Bad Faith Insurance Practices – If your insurer is acting in bad faith, you may be entitled to further compensation, including punitive damages.

At Daly & Black, P.C., we fight to ensure you receive every dollar you’re owed—not just what the insurance company wants to pay.

The Daly & Black Difference

When you hire Daly & Black, P.C., you’re not just hiring lawyers—you’re choosing a firm that goes ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. Insurance companies don’t play fair, and we don’t expect them to. That’s why we don’t negotiate from a position of weakness. We fight to win, not just to settle.

We Play to Win—Not to Settle for Less

Most law firms play by the insurance company’s rules—negotiating within their framework, accepting their timelines, and settling when the numbers look “good enough.” That’s not how we operate. If your insurance company refuses to pay what you’re owed, we take them to court. We thrive in litigation, and we’re not afraid of a fight. Other firms may fold under pressure—we double down.

We Know the Insurance Industry’s Playbook

Insurance companies exist for one reason: to protect their bottom line. They deny valid claims, delay payouts, and send adjusters who underestimate damages—all in the name of saving themselves money. But we know their playbook. We don’t rely on their estimates or their assessments. Instead, we bring in independent adjusters, appraisers, and engineers to evaluate the real cost of your damages. When insurers try to lowball you, we expose their tactics and hold them accountable.

We Take the Stress Off Your Shoulders

After a hurricane, you’ve already lost enough. You shouldn’t have to fight a legal battle on top of everything else. That’s where we come in. From the moment you call us, we take over the fight. No more chasing down adjusters, no more waiting on endless emails, no more fighting through red tape—we handle every single step, keeping you informed and in control without making you do the heavy lifting. You focus on rebuilding. We’ll take care of the rest.

We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do

Justice shouldn’t be reserved for those who can afford to fight. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs. No hidden fees. Just relentless legal advocacy, backed by results. We don’t make empty promises—we make insurance companies pay.

That’s the Daly & Black difference. If your insurance company is playing games with your future, it’s time to fight back. Call one of our Louisiana hurricane damage lawyers now.

Take Action Today—Don’t Let the Insurance Company Win

The insurance company isn’t on your side—but we are. They’ll try to wear you down, delay your claim, and pressure you into settling for less than you deserve. That’s how they protect their profits. We’re here to protect you.

Daly & Black is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. When we take on an insurance company, we fight with everything we’ve got. We don’t just settle cases—we win them. If your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, it’s time to fight back.

Call us now for your FREE consultation. Our New Orleans hurricane damage lawyer will take the fight to the insurance company and get you the compensation you deserve.

FAQ

How long does an insurance company have to settle a hurricane claim in New Orleans?

In Louisiana, insurance companies are legally required to acknowledge, investigate, and either approve or deny a hurricane damage claim within 30 days of receiving ‘proof of loss’. However, insurers often delay the process using various tactics, such as requesting unnecessary paperwork or offering lowball settlements. If your claim is dragging on beyond the legal timeframe, you may be dealing with bad faith insurance practices—and Daly & Black is ready to hold them accountable.

What are the damages of a hurricane?

Hurricanes cause widespread destruction, leading to massive financial and personal losses for homeowners and businesses. Common hurricane-related damages include:

  • Structural Damage – Roof destruction, foundation issues, and broken windows.
  • Water Damage & Flooding – Mold growth, soaked interiors, and electrical hazards.
  • Personal Property Losses – Furniture, appliances, electronics, and valuables.
  • Business Interruption – Lost revenue, payroll expenses, and rebuilding costs.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing the cause of the damage, especially when differentiating between wind and flood-related losses. Daly & Black fights to ensure you receive every dollar you’re owed under your policy.

How much does it cost to hire Daly & Black?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to make top-tier legal representation accessible to everyone—so whether you’re dealing with a delayed claim, a denial, or a lowball offer, you have nothing to lose by calling us today.