The threat of storm damage never really stops in Louisiana, and wind damage claims can be particularly devastating for homeowners. Not only is there the immediate stress of triaging the damage at your home, but there is also the ongoing anxiety and challenges that accompany filing a wind damage claim with your insurance provider.
To ease some of this burden and help ensure you receive the correct amount of compensation for your claim, it can be beneficial to partner with public adjusters and attorneys. Here are some things to know about how these two professionals can assist you if you need to file a wind damage claim in Louisiana.
Policyholder Representation
Both public adjusters and attorneys work on behalf of the policyholder (you). Insurance companies already have their own team of lawyers; hiring a public adjuster and/or an attorney is one way you can level the playing field.
Until recently, property insurance companies in Louisiana were able to prevent their policyholders from hiring public adjusters, but that is no longer the case. Effective August 1, 2023, Senate Bill 156 was signed into law. The law prohibits insurers from inserting anti-public adjuster clauses into property insurance policies.
What is the Role of a Public Adjuster?
Public adjusters work on behalf of the policyholder by handling the claims process for them. This includes gathering all the necessary documentation and submitting the claim on their behalf. Most public adjusters charge a flat rate or by the hour in Louisiana.
Public adjusters are experts in insurance policies, claims processes, and the valuation of damages, which can make their services particularly valuable to the average homeowner. Their process includes thoroughly assessing your damage, documenting the losses, and submitting the documentation to your insurer. Working with public adjusters generally helps policyholders earn a higher payout than they otherwise would.
What is the Role of an Attorney?
Insurance law attorneys step in when negotiation is needed or when there are legal disputes with their insurance company, including denied claims, bad faith claims, and underpayment issues. Attorneys provide legal advice, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court if necessary.
Contact Us at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie with Questions
Both public adjusters and insurance law attorneys can be invaluable resources for policyholders dealing with wind damage insurance claims in Louisiana, and frequently they work hand-in-hand on insurance claims. Understanding the differences between these professionals can help you decide where to start based on your specific situation and needs.
If you have questions about any aspect of insurance law in Louisiana or what steps to take first when filing your claim, contact our New Orleans office to speak to one of our claims advisors at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie Law.
