Houma Homeowners Insurance Lawyer

Homeowners Insurance Attorney in Houma, LA

Owning a home can be one of the most rewarding and momentous events of your life. You should do whatever you can to make sure it goes smoothly. Investing in home ownership can be especially complicated for a first-time buyer, and you don’t want to be left financially vulnerable. Purchasing comprehensive homeowners insurance is a legal requirement in Louisiana. A Houma homeowners’ insurance lawyer can help you learn more.

The legal team at Hammond Law Firm, LLC knows how hard it can be to navigate a homeowner’s insurance claim if you’ve never had to do it before. Your priority should always be self-preservation and the prevention of fraud, both of which a Houma homeowners insurance attorney can help you with. You should have someone in your corner who understands the state’s homeowners’ insurance laws and how they may apply to your specific situation.

What Does a Homeowners Insurance Lawyer Do?

Primarily, a homeowners’ insurance lawyer helps policyholders navigate complex legal disputes with their insurance companies. They can analyze and translate policy language, negotiate on behalf of their clients, and even litigate for homeowners who may be struggling to get reimbursed for losses. Homeowners in Louisiana pay an average of $609 a month for homeowners’ insurance, making it one of the most expensive states in the country.

If your homeowners’ insurance claim in Houma, LA ends up going to court, your case will most likely take place at the City Court of Houma on Main Street. This is the court that handles smaller, local claims. If you have a larger claim, it may be decided at the 32nd Judicial District Court, as that serves as the official district court for Terrebonne Parish.

When to Hire a Homeowners Insurance Lawyer

It’s recommended that you hire a homeowners’ insurance lawyer when you are having problems with your insurance carrier. These problems can manifest in different ways, such as bad faith claims, lowball offers, or even an outright denial of your claim.

Homeowners insurance in Louisiana represents almost 4% of the state’s entire median household income, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute. Here are some key situations for an insurance lawyer to handle:

• Denied claims. The entire reason you purchase homeowners’ insurance is to be financially protected in the event of damage to your home. When your insurance carrier refuses coverage without a clear justification or tries to claim the damage was pre-existing, you may not be aware of your options. A homeowners’ insurance lawyer can act as a buffer between you and the insurer and help you get your claim approved.
• Lowball settlement offer. Your insurance company might offer you a settlement amount that is insultingly low or doesn’t cover your repair costs. In these cases, you may want to bring in an insurance lawyer to negotiate a better settlement on your behalf. For example, hurricane damage is frequent in Louisiana, with over 5,000 homes fortified against future damage in 2024. A lowball offer after such damages would be offensive.
• Bad faith actions. The last thing you want is for your insurance carrier to act in bad faith. This occurs when the insurer violates the terms of your policy, misrepresents your coverage, or refuses to acknowledge what your policy entails. A Houma insurance lawyer can bring legal action against your insurer, build a strong case, gather evidence, and represent you in court if it comes to that.

FAQs

How Do I Argue a Homeowners Insurance Claim?

If you want to argue a denied or low homeowners insurance claim, you should contact a homeowners insurance lawyer to help. A lawyer can review your policy, help you document the damage to your house, and send a formal appeal to your insurer that includes comprehensive evidence of your position. Without a lawyer’s help, the insurer may not budge on its position, leaving you without options.

Can You Pursue Legal Action Against Your Homeowners Insurance Company?

Yes, you can pursue legal action against your homeowners’ insurance company. If your insurance company violates the terms of your policy, engages in bad faith practices, or wrongfully denies your claim without a valid reason, you are well within your rights to pursue legal action. You should contact a homeowners’ insurance lawyer to help you build a strong case and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If it goes to court, they can litigate for you.

How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, insurance companies generally have to settle a claim and pay out a settlement within 30 days after receiving satisfactory proof of loss. They then have 30 days after an agreement has been reached to mail you the payment. If they fail to comply within the time limit, the insurance company may be found to be in violation of state law, leading to fines or additional legal action. More complex cases can result in delays.

Should I Hire an Insurance Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire an insurance lawyer. Navigating homeowners’ insurance claims on your own can be overwhelming, confusing, and stressful. In the end, you may not even achieve what you wanted, and the insurance company still won’t pay out what you were owed. With a lawyer’s help, you can make sure your needs are met, your settlement offer is acceptable, and nobody takes advantage of you.

Reach Out to a Homeowners’ Insurance Lawyer Today

The wisest move you can make when dealing with your insurance company is to hire an experienced homeowners’ insurance lawyer. They can oversee, monitor, and handle your case on your behalf.

The legal team at Hammond Law Firm, LLC has decades of experience helping our clients determine the right course of action for their case, whether that’s against an insurance company or in a personal injury situation. We can help you, too.

At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, we can review your insurance policy, gather evidence of any misconduct, and document your damages. We can represent your interests through negotiation, mediation, and even litigation if it comes to that. Contact us to speak to someone on our team who can help you.