Unprecedented flooding in Louisiana has killed 13 and displaced thousands from their homes. According to the Washington Post, more than 100,000 residential properties were affected by the torrential downpours – and their combined value exceeds $21 billion.
More than half of the homeowners affected by the flood do not have insurance to pay for damages. Many face overwhelming debt and do not know where to turn. One mayor in Louisiana is hoping that a lawsuit could bring some much-needed relief to the battered state.
If you are facing a financial crisis after the floods in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC. We will evaluate your situation and explain your legal options. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal-injury lawyer in Alexandria.
Walker Mayor Prepares for Lawsuit against DOTD
Mayor Rick Ramsey claims that a design flaw on Interstate 12 contributed to the devastating floods in Walker, Louisiana. According to Ramsey, a barrier that was put in place to prevent head-on accidents created a dam between the west- and east-bound lanes.
According to The Advocate, Ramsey blames the Department of Transportation and Development for the destruction in his community. The mayor asserts that the DOTD ignored the lessons of Katrina and previous storms, and more drains were needed to direct water flow.
Ramsey hopes that his lawsuit will force authorities to accept responsibility for the water damage in nearly 60 percent of the city. However, DOTD officials claim that extra drainage would not have helped the situation.
Ramsey claimed that he requested additional drainage underneath the interstate more than three years ago. He asserted that Walker was unaffected by another major flood in 1983, when the barriers were not in place. His request for extra drainage was not granted.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Record-Setting Floods Cause Financial Crisis in Louisiana
Walker residents aren’t the only ones dealing with the financial impacts of the recent floods. More than 280,000 people live in areas that were affected by the downpours, and more than 7,000 businesses are in flooded regions.
According to CNN, the economy in the state of Louisiana was already on the rocks. The last few months have seen a drop in oil prices, which contributed to the loss of more than 2,000 jobs in the oil and gas industry. Louisiana’s employment rate reached 6.3 percent – the fourth-highest rate in the nation.
The floods have compounded Louisiana’s financial predicament. Although the total cost of damages is still hearsay, the final bill will likely exceed $3 billion. In addition to reconstruction, the floods have destroyed many businesses and forced others to close for several weeks or months. According to the Red Cross, this is the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
If you are facing a financial crisis after the flooding in Louisiana, turn to Morris Bart, LLC. An injury attorney in Alexandria will evaluate your case to determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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