Water is one of your worst enemies if you own property in Louisiana. While it might seem harmless enough at first blush (after all, how bad can a small drip really be?), water damage is often far more extensive than it appears and can cause major nightmares for homeowners dealing with its aftermath.
To make matters worse, if your water damage insurance claim was denied, you may be struggling to know where to turn next. Rest assured, you have options and we are here to help. If you believe your water damage claim has been wrongfully denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Here are some steps you’ll need to take.
How to Appeal a Water Damage Insurance Claim Denial in Louisiana
If you plan to appeal an underpaid or denied claim denial in Louisiana, contact our team of experienced insurance law attorneys and prepare to take the following steps:
First, review the denial letter.
Included in your insurance company’s denial letter should be clear and specific reasons for denying your claim. If not, you need to ask for a detailed explanation for the denial and get it in writing. Once you know why they rejected your claim, you can start building your case for an appeal.
Next, gather evidence.
Collect all relevant paperwork and evidence related to your water damage claim. This includes photos, videos, receipts, estimates, and any correspondence with the insurance company. It’s also a best practice to obtain a competing estimate from a professional contractor or other expert to support your claim. Gathering a competing estimate will give your appeal legs to stand on and further documentation to support your case.
Share the estimate with your insurance company.
Give the estimate to your insurance provider and offer them the opportunity to compare the estimate with their settlement. Point out discrepancies and note the qualifications of the professional who completed the estimate. After reviewing, the insurance company should answer for their shortcomings. If they don’t, another option for property owners is to take the claim to appraisal. During the appraisal process, an impartial party will work to settle the claim fairly out of court. For more about how the appraisal clause works in Louisiana, be sure to read this post.
Seek legal assistance.
An insurance claim appeal is an opportunity to recover your rightful claim amount. You don’t want to make any mistakes during the process. To ensure you are putting your best foot forward, we advise speaking with a Louisiana insurance law attorney. They have extensive experience with the appeals process in the state and can help you build the strongest case for your situation.
Contact us at KK&P Law Firm to Discuss Your Options
Insurance appeals can be a lengthy process and they require persistence and follow-up. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to contact professionals like our experienced legal team at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie. We are here to help you get relief if your insurance company tries to deny or underpay you for your water damage claim. Contact us today to speak to one of our New Orleans claims advisors to discuss your questions and concerns.
