On September 11^th, 2024 Hurricane Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish as a Category 2 hurricane. While it had weakened to a tropical depression by the next morning, the storm tracked onward through Louisiana bringing flood-level rainfall and prompting flood alerts for nearly 10 million people, according to CNN.

Though winds may not have posed a major threat for many home and business owners, the heavy rains associated with the storm have been much more significant. Flooding has been reported at roughly 350 structures in St. Charles Parish according to Francesca Holt Blanchard, a parish spokesperson. These numbers are also anticipated to grow, as the storm clears and property owners are able to survey the damage left behind. Flood damage, in particular, can be tricky for those looking to recover financial compensation for their damages after a hurricane, as they may only have 60 days to do so.

I Have Been Affected by Hurricane Francine. What Should I Do?

If your home or business has been damaged by Hurricane Francine, you may be unsure of what to do. Navigating the recovery process after significant storm damage can be daunting, but you do not have to do so alone. Either way, it is very important that you take immediate action to protect your property and legal rights.

Mitigate the Damage

The very first step in recovery after a hurricane is precautionary measures and prevention of further damage to the property, but only where it is safe to do so. Broken windows should be boarded up, and any compromised roofing should be tarped over to prevent any further damage or leaking. Keep in mind that while these steps will help prevent the damage caused to the property from becoming more significant, these steps will also act as a defensive measure to discourage insurance companies from denying claims on the grounds that more damage has occurred after the fact.

Document the Damage

After (or during) your efforts to mitigate damage to the property, you will want to take steps to properly document the extent of the damage that has occurred to your property and personal items on the property. By taking photos and videos that clearly show the affected areas, you will have a clear reference to the damage that occurred.

Additionally, you’ll want to begin to write down a list in one safe place of all damaged items. It may be helpful to do this on the notepad in your phone so that you can easily email or text a copy for safekeeping. This step also allows you to correctly document the damage while your mind is fresh to help you avoid forgetting or omitting damage that would prevent you from being compensated for your full losses.

Review the Damage

For this next step, it is highly recommended to speak with and get the assistance of a legal professional. When you assess the extent of the damages you’ve experienced from Hurricane Francine, an experienced claims lawyer will be able to help you properly evaluate your claim and educate you on what legal options and avenues are available to you.

Beyond just providing some piece of mind, a Hurricane Lawyer will know the best way to navigate the legal and insurance obstacles to create the best odds for receiving the maximum amount of compensation while avoiding the evasive tactics that insurance companies often employ.

What if my Business was Damaged by Hurricane Francine?

While damage to business-linked property can potentially add an extra layer of difficulty to hurricane recovery claims, the Morris Bart law firm has seasoned commercial hurricane claims lawyers on staff and ready to help you with business insurance claims. Depending on what coverage you have, you may also be eligible for business interruption compensation.

What Kind of Damages Might Be Covered After a Hurricane?

Hurricanes are most often characterized by high winds, flying debris, and flooding from the storm surge. Below are just a few of the most common types of damages that can be covered by your policy.

Flooding: Storm surges, low elevation, or poor drainage can lead to flooding. Once the water clears, water damage, mold, and mildew may remain.
Roof damage: High winds can put strains on a building’s roof and create a lift pressure effect. This can result in tiles being torn off or entire portions of roofing coming away from the structure.
Broken windows: Even shuttered or boarded windows can be damaged by strong enough winds, flying debris, or falling trees.
Damaged doors: High winds can pull on your home’s doors. Garage doors, due to their large surface area and unique function, can be particularly vulnerable. Glass sliding doors are also susceptible to damage from wind and flying debris.
Contents damage: If damage occurred to your home or business, whether from flooding or wind, the contents of your property could also have undergone damage that may be covered under your policy.
Structural damage: In worst cases, the structure of your home or business might have been compromised by the high wind speeds and flying debris.

While it seems the most common form of property damage that has occurred from Hurricane Francine has been flooding, and water damage, any form of damage that was caused by the hurricane may be covered. If you have experienced any of the above property damage due to Hurricane Francine or other damage not listed, call our Hurricane Francine claims attorneys today for a free consultation.

What if My Hurricane Francine Claim Has Already Been Denied?

If you have submitted a claim for damages to your home or business due to Hurricane Francine and your insurance company has denied it or is not offering you fair compensation for your damages, you may still have options.

The experienced hurricane claim attorneys at the Morris Bart law firm can help you review your policy and explain what legal options may be available to you with a free case consultation and policy review. Call us now to get started.

Filing a Claim for Hurricane Francine Damages

If your home or business has been damaged as a result of Hurricane Francine, it’s more important now than ever to fully understand your legal rights. As local Louisianians, we understand the challenges and difficulties you may face in the aftermath of a hurricane. It’s also a good idea to take action as soon as possible, as you may only have as long as 60 days to submit a claim.

We can also handle your claim and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your damages. Call us today at (504) 613-4771 for a free consultation with a New Orleans Hurricane Francine claims attorney. We can discuss your case and help you understand what legal options are available to you.