Louisiana Property Damage Lawyer

When disaster strikes your property, it can cause extensive damage. The damage is emotional, disruptive, and often overwhelming, whether caused by hurricane damage, water damage, smoke damage, or other unforeseen events. We’ve stood alongside homeowners, business owners, and property managers across our great state, helping them navigate the legal system and recover what they’re owed.

You might feel like you’re facing an uphill battle with your insurance company, or you’re unsure of how to start your insurance claim. At Larry Moskowitz, PA, our goal is to guide you through this process with clarity, confidence, and compassion. The right legal team can make all the difference when dealing with a Louisiana property damage claim.

The Importance of Legal Assistance in Property Damage Claims

Filing a property damage claim may seem straightforward, but in practice, it rarely is. Insurance companies are businesses, and like all businesses, they focus on minimizing expenses. Unfortunately, that often means offering you less than what you truly need to rebuild and recover. 

Larry Moskowitz, PA will be your advocate. We don’t work for insurance companies; we work for our clients, regardless of the unique challenges they may be facing with their property damage claim. Whether you’re dealing with a hurricane damage claim, roof damage, burst pipe, storm damage, or a structure fire, we ensure that every part of your claim is properly documented, deadlines are met, and your legal rights are protected. We will fight to get the compensation you deserve. 

Common Scenarios Requiring Legal Intervention

You might be surprised at how often insurers delay, deny, or underpay valid claims, often leaving policyholders feeling powerless, frustrated, and uncertain about what to do next. When your home or business is damaged, the last thing you need is to be caught in a bureaucratic tug-of-war with your insurance company. Yet, it happens far too often in Louisiana, especially in the wake of natural disasters, when insurers are overwhelmed with claims.

Claim Denied Without Explanation

One of the most common and demoralizing situations is receiving a denial letter with little or no reasoning behind it. At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we’ve worked with homeowners who meticulously followed their policy’s procedures, submitted all documentation, and still had their claim flat-out rejected. When this happens, we dig deep into the policy language, challenge vague denials, and force insurers to justify their decisions, or reverse them entirely.

Payout Falls Far Short of Repair Costs

Imagine being told you’ll receive $8,000 to repair a roof that will cost over $20,000 to fix. Unfortunately, lowball offers are more common than people realize. Insurance companies often use proprietary software to generate estimates that underrepresent the actual market cost of materials and labor. At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we work with independent contractors, appraisers, and estimators to paint a more accurate and defensible picture of what your repair will truly cost, ensuring that your property damage claim is fairly evaluated.

Blame Shifting and Exclusions

Insurance companies may avoid responsibility by blaming the damage on something excluded in your policy. For instance, they might say wind damage was actually due to flooding, or fire damage stemmed from “negligent maintenance” rather than the event. This finger-pointing can leave you in limbo and may cause severe emotional distress. Our experienced attorneys counter these tactics with expert testimony, detailed evidence, and legal arguments grounded in Louisiana law and precedent.

Delays That Drag On for Months

By law, insurers in Louisiana are required to respond to claims within specific time frames. But some insurance companies act in a way to stall the process, hoping you’ll give up or settle for less out of desperation. If your adjuster keeps pushing back inspections, requesting “additional documents,” or going silent, it’s time to bring in legal backup. Our insurance attorneys track every communication, hold the companies to deadlines, and escalate when necessary.

Excessive or Redundant Documentation Requests

While some documentation is standard, there’s a point where repeated requests become a delay tactic. Our law firm’s role is to resist unreasonable demands and ensure the focus stays on resolving your claim, not playing games.

These are just a few examples, but the underlying theme is that insurance companies do not always act in your best interest. That’s why having a skilled Louisiana property damage lawyer on your side can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your claim. We handle the communication, the negotiation, the legal pressure, and when needed, the litigation, so you can focus on rebuilding your home and your peace of mind.

Understanding Louisiana Insurance Law

Every state has its own set of laws governing insurance policies and claim handling. Louisiana’s legal framework is especially unique due to its civil law system, hurricane history, and flood-prone geography. That makes it even more important to work with an attorney familiar with local laws and regional challenges.

Key Statutes and Policy Considerations

The Louisiana Department of Insurance oversees Louisiana’s insurance regulations. Some of the key statutes you should be aware of include:

• La. R.S. 22:1892 & 22:1973: These statutes outline the insurer’s duty to settle claims fairly and promptly. Violations can lead to penalties and attorney fees.
• Bad Faith Claims: If an insurer knowingly fails to pay a claim within the required time frame or acts in bad faith, they can be held financially accountable.
• Proof of Loss Requirements: Many policies require a formal proof of loss within a certain timeframe. Missing this can jeopardize your claim.

In Louisiana, homeowners are often required to carry separate flood insurance (typically through the National Flood Insurance Program), as most standard policies exclude flood damage. Understanding these distinctions is critical to ensure you file the right claim with the right coverage.

Types of Property Damage Claims We Handle

We have extensive experience working with clients who have faced devastating losses due to property damage. From families forced to flee their homes during hurricanes to small business owners watching years of work go up in smoke. 

No two property damage claims are alike, which is why we offer a free case evaluation to learn about your specific needs as a property owner. If you’ve suffered property damage, we are here to help you rebuild, recover, and be treated fairly by the insurance companies that you’ve been paying into for years. Some of the most common types of damage that lead to claims, whether a personal injury claim or a commercial property damage claim, are:

Hurricane and Storm Damage

If you live in Louisiana, you’re no stranger to natural disasters. The storms of the past weren’t just weather events, but were life-changing disasters that ripped roofs off homes, uprooted trees, flooded entire neighborhoods, and left families displaced for weeks or even months.

When clients come to us after a storm, they’re often overwhelmed. They may be facing structural issues, water damage, electrical problems, mold growth, and much more. Even if they have storm coverage, the insurance company might try to argue that the majority of damage came from flooding (which often isn’t covered under a standard policy) rather than wind (which usually is). That’s where things get technical.

We work with independent adjusters, roofing experts, and engineers to determine the true cause of damage. We document everything meticulously because you, the policyholder, bear the burden of proof. Whether it’s missing shingles or a collapsed structure, we go toe-to-toe with insurers to demand the fair compensation you deserve.

Flood and Water Damage

Water damage is one of the trickiest claims to navigate in Louisiana. It comes in so many forms, and not all of them are covered.

A burst pipe? Usually covered. Sewer backup? Depends on your policy. Storm surge? Likely not covered unless you have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). And here’s where it gets even murkier: if a hurricane causes both wind damage and flooding, insurers may try to attribute more damage to the uncovered event.

Insurance companies often try to deny compensation by blaming roof damage on “pre-existing conditions” or improper maintenance. 

Water damage often comes with further property damage by introducing mold into your home. Left untreated, even small leaks can lead to dangerous mold growth, which insurers often try to exclude. Working with an experienced property damage lawyer increases your chances of fair compensation.

Fire and Smoke Damage

There’s nothing more jarring than a fire. Whether it’s caused by faulty wiring, lightning, an appliance malfunction, or even wildfire, fire damage can be both physically and emotionally devastating. We’ve worked with families who’ve lost their homes, heirlooms, and sense of security in a matter of minutes. The road to recovery can be long and complicated even after the flames are extinguished. 

Insurance companies are often quick to send adjusters out after a fire, but their initial estimates are almost always too low. They may only account for visible damage, ignoring lingering smoke and soot residue that can ruin furniture, electronics, HVAC systems, and more. And then there’s the temporary relocation costs: hotel stays, food expenses, clothing, and other essentials. These are sometimes overlooked, even though most homeowners’ policies offer loss of use coverage.

We help you by itemizing contents losses (everything inside the home), calculating structural repair costs, working with licensed restoration experts, and compiling proof-of-loss documentation that matches the full scope of damage. If your home is deemed uninhabitable, we will help you seek reimbursement for all reasonable living expenses until it’s safe to return.

Fallen Trees and Debris 

Hurricane damage can be extensive. During a storm, fallen trees can wreak havoc, crushing vehicles, damaging roofs, tearing down fences, or even blocking entryways. Whether your policy covers the removal of trees and debris depends on how and why they fell. We help clients interpret these policy terms and recover the cost of removal and repairs.

Sinkholes and Foundation Shifts

In some parts of Louisiana, especially those with a high water table or older infrastructure, sinkholes and foundation movement are real threats. These damages are often excluded under basic policies unless you carry additional riders. We assist clients in reviewing their coverage, appealing denials, and exploring alternative paths to compensation.

Commercial Property Damage

Small businesses suffer from property damage, which can lead to lost income, disrupted operations, and unhappy customers. We represent commercial clients with business interruption coverage and help them claim not only physical damage but also revenue loss and extra operational expenses. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, retail operator, or landlord, we know how to present a claim that accounts for the true scope of your losses.

The Property Damage Claims Process in Louisiana

Understanding the property damage claims process can help you avoid missteps that could delay or hurt your case. 

Document the Property Damage

We always advise taking photos and videos immediately of any personal property damage. Save all receipts related to repairs or temporary housing. Be sure to keep a log of who you speak with and when. The documentation that you are able to collect will help our insurance attorneys with your property damage claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require prompt notification after a loss. When filing an insurance claim, it is best to do it in writing with as much information and detail as possible. An experienced attorney will help you gather the information needed for a solid insurance claim.

Submit a Proof of Loss

This is a sworn statement outlining the extent of the property damage and the value of your loss. Your insurer may provide a form, but we always recommend reviewing or drafting it with legal oversight. 

Independent Inspection

The insurer will typically send an adjuster to inspect the property. You’re allowed to bring in your own experts, and in many cases, you should. We coordinate with engineers, contractors, and forensic accountants when needed.

Negotiation

Once the adjuster provides an estimate, the insurer will make a settlement offer. If it’s fair, you should accept it. If not, we will work directly with the insurance company or escalate to settlement negotiations or litigation if necessary.

Legal Action (If Needed)

If the insurance company fails to honor your policy or acts in bad faith, we’ll file a lawsuit to pursue full compensation. Our law firm has a long track record of standing up to big insurance companies.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Waiting too long to file a claim.
• Incomplete or vague documentation.
• Making recorded statements without legal advice.
• Accepting a low settlement too quickly.
• Not reviewing your policy in detail.

The earlier you involve a property damage attorney, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Legal Options and Support for Louisiana Property Owners

When dealing with property and hurricane damage claims, you may feel as if you are on your own, but with Larry Moskowitz, PA, you have our property damage lawyers on your side. There are other resources available to help you with your insurance claim and protect your rights:

• Louisiana Department of Insurance: Offers public resources and consumer complaint tools.
• The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): Provides flood-specific coverage options.
• Public Adjusters: Can offer independent damage assessments, though they often charge a percentage fee.
• Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services: In some disaster areas, property owners can receive free legal help.

That said, there’s no substitute for having a dedicated attorney on your side who understands not just the law but your lived experience. When you hire us, you’re getting more than legal expertise; you’re getting an ally.

Why Clients Choose Our Team

Our firm doesn’t take on cases just to settle quickly. We represent real people who have suffered real losses, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our team brings decades of combined experience in Louisiana property law, insurance negotiations, and litigation strategy.

We’re not afraid to compete with big insurance companies because we’ve done it successfully time and time again. More importantly, we treat every client like a person, not a case file.

• Transparent communication.
• Free case evaluation. 
• No upfront fees—we work on contingency.
• Aggressive representation inside and outside the courtroom.
• Deep knowledge of Louisiana-specific insurance laws.

When you contact us, you’ll speak to a real attorney who is ready to listen and take action.

Take Control of Your Property Damage Claim

Property damage is stressful enough without having to fight your insurance company. Whether you’re facing hurricane losses, water damage, smoke damage, commercial property damage, or fire destruction, you deserve fair treatment and full compensation under the law.

Don’t let adjusters undercut your claim or delay the process. Contact a Louisiana property damage lawyer who knows how to get results. With the right legal support, you can challenge lowball offers, navigate complex policy language, and avoid costly missteps. Your recovery deserves an advocate who will fight as hard as you do.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. We have extensive experience handling all the unique challenges that home and business owners face following severe property damage. Call today for a free consultation. Let’s rebuild your home after personal property damage together.