If you live in New Orleans, hurricanes aren’t just a distant threat but a part of life. According to the National Weather Service, Louisiana experiences a hurricane every 2.8 years. With its low elevation and proximity to the Gulf, New Orleans is especially vulnerable to these powerful storms.
While hurricane season officially spans from June 1 to November 30, locals know that severe weather doesn’t always follow a schedule. Intense flooding, wind gusts topping 100 mph, torrential rain, and airborne debris are just some of the dangers residents face.
Even one hurricane can devastate thousands of homes and businesses in New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods, from Gentilly to Mid-City to Algiers. In recent memory, Hurricane Francine (2024) made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, echoing the devastation Hurricane Ida caused New Orleans in 2021.
Why You Need a Hurricane Insurance Lawyer in New Orleans
After a hurricane, dealing with your insurance company can be nearly as stressful as the storm itself. Claims are often delayed, undervalued, or denied outright, leaving property owners without the support they were promised. Navigating this process alone can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover and rebuild.
That’s where Morris Bart comes in. With over 40 years of experience advocating for Gulf Coast residents, we know how to hold insurance companies accountable. We’ve helped thousands of New Orleanians fight for the compensation they need to repair their homes, restore their businesses, and move forward with confidence.
How a Hurricane Attorney Can Help
Insurance companies have teams of professionals working to protect their bottom line, and you deserve someone just as experienced on your side. Here’s how working with a hurricane claims attorney can make a difference:
- Claim Evaluation: We’ll carefully review your policy, assess your damages, and determine the full compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
- Negotiation & Mediation: From start to finish, we handle communication with the insurance company, push for timely responses, and fight for a fair settlement so you don’t have to.
- Filing Appeals: If your claim has been denied or underpaid, we’ll gather the necessary evidence, build a strong appeal, and challenge the insurer’s decision.
- Litigation: If your insurer refuses to settle fairly, we’re ready to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys will advocate aggressively on your behalf.
- Identifying Bad Faith: Louisiana has bad faith laws to protect homeowners against unfair practices by insurance companies. These can include unreasonably delaying payments, failing to investigate claims, and unfairly denying claims.
For a free legal consultation with a Hurricane Claims lawyer serving New Orleans, call 800-537-8185
What Damages Can You Claim After a New Orleans Hurricane?
After a storm, it’s not always obvious what your insurance policy includes or what it leaves out. Understanding the damages you can claim is the first step in ensuring you’re fully compensated for your loss. Here’s a breakdown of common damages that hurricane victims in New Orleans can claim, both obvious and hidden.
Structural & Exterior Damage
- Foundation cracks or shifts
- Wall and framing damage
- Roof damage (including shingles, flashing, underlayment, and gutters)
- Broken windows, doors, garage doors, and storm shutters
- Siding, stucco, or brickwork damage
- Detached or damaged porches, carports, decks, or fences
Interior Damage
- Ceiling collapse or water stains
- Damaged flooring (hardwood, carpet, tile)
- Soaked drywall or insulation
- Interior water intrusion from roof or window failure
- Electrical or plumbing system damage
Water & Flood Damage
- Flooding from storm surge or overwhelmed drainage systems
- Water damage to walls, floors, and built-in cabinetry
- Mold, mildew, and bacterial growth from standing water
- Damage to HVAC units or ductwork due to water exposure
Important: Flood damage often requires separate flood insurance (NFIP or private), but we can help you navigate which policies apply to your situation.
Personal Property Loss
- Furniture and appliances
- Electronics and home office equipment
- Clothing, linens, and personal items
- Inventory or equipment for small businesses or home-based businesses
- Art, collectibles, or heirlooms (often subject to special policy limits)
Additional Costs That May Be Covered
- Temporary housing or loss of use expenses while your home is uninhabitable
- Debris removal and tree cleanup
- Board-up services or emergency tarping
- Permits or code upgrades required during the rebuild
- Business interruption losses for commercial property owners
What To Do If You Have Been Affected by a Hurricane
In the aftermath of a hurricane, it can be hard to know where to start. Taking the right steps early can protect your claim and help ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Here’s what you should do:
- Document the Damage: As soon as it’s safe to do so, assess the damage and carefully photograph and video all damage to your home, structures, and personal belongings. Make a detailed inventory of damaged items, including descriptions and approximate values. Don’t throw away any damaged or waterlogged furniture before thoroughly photographing and documenting it. Thorough documentation strengthens your claim and is critical evidence during negotiations with your insurer.
- Secure Your Property: Take steps to prevent further loss. This may include boarding up broken windows, covering roof damage with a tarp, shutting off utilities, and drying out carpets and furniture to help prevent mold and mildew. Be sure to save all receipts for expenses related to securing your property, such as purchases of tarps, plywood, or tools, as these may be reimbursable under your policy. Taking these precautions not only protects your property, but it also helps prevent your insurance company from denying your claim based on additional, avoidable damage.
- Consult an Attorney: Insurance adjusters represent the insurance company, not you. A hurricane insurance lawyer like Morris Bart can help you understand your rights, evaluate the full scope of your damages, and file a strong, well-supported claim. With experienced legal counsel on your side, you’ll have someone fighting to hold your insurer accountable and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Click to contact our New Orleans Personal Injury Attorneys today
What If My New Orleans Business Was Damaged?
At Morris Bart, we handle both residential and commercial hurricane claims, including business interruption claims for companies forced to shut down temporarily.
Whether you run a music venue on Frenchmen Street or a boutique on Magazine Street, we understand how vital every dollar is when it comes to rebuilding. Our team will help you pursue compensation for physical damage, lost inventory, lost income, and any ongoing disruptions to your operations.
Don’t Miss Important Deadlines!
Property owners in Louisiana have a limited window to file a claim, and missing a deadline could mean missing out on compensation entirely. For most property insurance policies, claims must be filed within 180 days of the hurricane. If you have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy, the deadline is even shorter, just 60 days from the date of the storm.
Because of these tight timelines, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after securing your property. A hurricane insurance lawyer can help you meet every deadline, properly document your damages, and avoid costly delays or mistakes in the claims process.
Why Choose Morris Bart for Your New Orleans Hurricane Claim?
With deep roots in New Orleans and decades of experience holding insurance companies accountable, we know how to fight for what you’re owed. From navigating complex claims to pushing back against delays or denials, we’re committed to getting you the compensation you need to move forward.
Call us at (504) 323-6398 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Questions?Call us, Louisiana.
800-537-8185
