​Do I Need an Attorney for My Homeowner's Insurance Claim?

According to J.D. Power 2020 survey, homeowner's insurance claims satisfaction is higher than ever - a total of 88% - are satisfied with how their insurance underwriters handled their property insurance claims. The information above should read as great news for homeowners, but unfortunately, it is not 100 percent.  There are so many ways things can go wrong during a homeowners' insurance claim, and worse yet, there are dishonest tactics used by some insurers to try to sway an adjuster filing away from the homeowners' favor.
 
To keep your homeowner's claim on-track and under control, you may want to consider working with an insurance claims attorney from the start. 
 
An insurance claims attorney can help you with:
 
Expediting processes
Some insurance companies knowingly delay processing your claim.  This strategy is an attempt to wear on your patience with the process and perhaps encourage you to take a lower-settlement amount rather than delay payment by challenging the assessment.  A knowledgeable insurance claims attorney has countermeasures to encourage an insurer to act in a timelier manner.  Most notably, suggesting the use of litigation often puts the process back in motion.

Appealing denials
Homeowners' insurance claims are wrongfully denied and routinely.  Sometimes denial is based on bad or insufficient information, and other times it is the first defense of a bad faith insurer.  While you may challenge a denial by yourself, an experienced trial attorney will challenge the denial with an informed appeal, noting the potential of a lawsuit if the underwriter acts in bad faith.
 
Negotiating settlements
If you have done a little homework on replacement value, you will probably notice a lowball settlement offer.  Insurance companies will often propose a settlement below the claim's value, hoping you will accept it out of fear of receiving nothing at all or ignorance.
An experienced insurance claims attorney will know what a claim is worth and will act on your behalf to ensure your settlement is commensurate. 
 
Knowledge is key to success
Insurance companies expect layman not to know much about insurance claims process.  Surprise them by being prepared for the process should a dispute arise.
 
The first step is to discover the primary cause of the dispute by reviewing your initial claim and your insurer's responses.  Have copies of all relevant email communication, paperwork, and statements in chronological order.
 
Consult with an attorney as early in the insurance claims process as possible. 
An experienced Lake Charles insurance claims attorney can tell you whether you need assistance or not.  If you do need assistance, you will be glad you retained one early.  

If you have a substantial claim, as is usually the case with hurricane and flood damage, you will want a lawyer leading the way, especially if your insurer is offering a value substantially lower than your calculations.  Now, if the settlement is relatively close to the replacement value and you can afford to make up the difference, you may want to consider accepting the settlement to save time and begin the recovery process.   

If your home was severely impacted by Hurricane Laura call the insurance claims attorneys at Lundy Lundy Soileau & South for a free initial evaluation.  We have successfully settled hundreds of business and home insurance claims for Lake Charles residents during Hurricane Rita.

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