Home » Areas of Practice » Houma Hurricane Lawyer

Need a Hurricane Lawyer in Houma, LA?

It’s not uncommon for a severe hurricane to wreak havoc along the East Coast of the country, causing billions in damage from the Pelican State all the way up to New York. Unfortunately, some people who have survived one of these terrifying tropical storms have filed a hurricane insurance claim only to find that their insurance company is unwilling to compensate them fairly for damages they’ve incurred, meaning they’re out thousands of dollars. If this situation sounds like something you’re going through right now, seeking help from a knowledgeable hurricane lawyer might be just the thing you need to convince your insurer to pay what they owe you.

When you’re recovering after a natural disaster, the last thing you want to do is fight with insurance companies. Hiring a qualified attorney can speed up the process and make it less stressful, giving you more time and energy to take care of getting your life and property back in order.

Why You Should Consider Hiring Blaine

You’ve probably noticed the incredible number of ads that pop up for hurricane lawyers after a powerful storm, and it’s no secret that there are plenty of attorneys in LA to choose from. But when you’re dealing with something as stressful as the aftermath of a hurricane, you don’t want to pick a lawyer from the first commercial you see – you want to find a law firm that has your best interests at heart.

So what makes Blaine different from the other lawyers out there, and why should you hire him?

The Details Matter

Minor details can make or break any case or insurance claim. Blaine will help you piece together evidence that proves your version of events down to the last detail.

Call Us Anytime 24/7/365

Our phone lines are open every day of the week, 24 hours a day. No matter when you call us, you’ll speak to a real person – not a machine.

"You're Going to Talk to Me"

When you talk to Blaine, you’re dealing with a neighbor and fellow Louisiana native, not an out-of-towner who sees you as just another client.

The Damages of Hurricane Ida

Hurricane Ida is one of the costliest storms to hit the US, causing an estimated $27 billion to $40 billion in damages to properties in LA, Mississippi, and Alabama alone. Some of these damages will be covered by insurance companies, but up to $19 billion worth may be uninsured. Hurricane damage to residential and commercial property often includes:

Roof or window damage caused by heavy winds
Flooding damage caused by storm surges and heavy rains
Interior damage caused by water, wind, and wind-swept projectiles

Not even the Houma-Terrebonne Airport managed to escape Hurricane Ida’s wrath, sustaining extensive damage to airplanes, hangars, and other structures.

Additionally, tens of thousands of people in Houma, LA, and the surrounding areas were left homeless, and those who were already unhoused before the storm were left even worse off. The Bunkhouse, a Houma homeless shelter, is now facing a costly roof repair bill in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

Even those who were able to remain in their homes were left without basic necessities such as:

Access to the 911 system
Electricity
Running water
Cell phone service

Fortunately, Houma, LA is resilient, as its residents are proving; as the city works to recover after Hurricane Ida’s destruction, people are coming together to offer necessities such as food, water, and diapers. Local Houma artist Amanda Percle-Stevens and her husband, Chris Stevens, have even gifted the city a hopeful mural as a symbol of the community’s recovery.

Do I Need a Hurricane Lawyer?

If your home in Houma, LA has sustained hurricane damage from a recent storm, you’ll want to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. In most cases, you do not need a hurricane lawyer in order to file an insurance claim, but it’s a good idea to speak with one the second you run into any problems with your insurer.

If you encounter any of the following after filing your insurance claim, call a local hurricane lawyer right away to discuss your situation to make sure that the insurance company is acting in good faith.

There is a question of coverage, such as:
- whether water damage is covered by hurricane vs. flood insurance
- the insurance adjustor misrepresents what your policy covers
The insurer refuses to pay or pays too little
The insurer asks you to sign a release
Your insurance check says “full payment”
You’ve gone as far as possible with negotiations on your own
The insurer hasn’t paid within the required timeframe of 30 days

Hurricane damage comes in many forms: water damage from storm surges and inland flooding, extreme wind damage, and even tornadoes. An experienced hurricane lawyer can help you make sense of your hurricane damage and present a compelling case to your insurer so they understand the full extent of the repairs needed and compensate you fairly. They’ll also be able to help you understand the terms of your insurance policy so that there’s no question about what is and is not covered.

Hurricane Resources in Houma, LA

When disaster strikes, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and alone, wondering when life will ever return to normal. But fortunately, between local and federal governments, and the wide network of private volunteer organizations throughout Pelican State and the country, residents in Houma, LA have access to many resources that can help them get through the worst of the crisis and back on their feet. Below are just a few of the many hurricane resources available in and near Houma, LA.

Louisiana 211 Statewide Network

Call Louisiana 211 Statewide Network any time day or night to find information about health and human services available in your community. During natural disasters such as hurricanes, 211 can connect you with:

Food, shelter, and clothing
Physical or mental health resources
Employment or childcare support
And much more

211 services are also available for the hearing impaired and speakers of other languages.

Louisiana Services Network Data Consortium (LSNDC)

LSNDC helps homeless individuals in LA find the resources they need, including:

Shelters
Food pantries
Permanent housing
Jobs

If you need help, contact them for resources near you.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The federal government sometimes issues a Major Disaster Declaration in LA after a destructive hurricane, and will provide aid to qualified residents. They may be able to help you with damages not covered by your insurance as well as connecting you with local disaster assistance.

Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (TOHSEP)

TOHSEP plans to open and manage temporary shelters for category 1 and 2 storms, so Houma, LA, residents may want to bookmark this website to have on hand for future storms. During a storm categorized as Category 3 or greater, the office plans to arrange evacuation assistance for individuals needing transportation from the pickup point of H.L. Bourgeois High School.

Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)

The GOHSEP website contains numerous preparedness tips and resources that Houma residents can take advantage of before and after large storms. The wealth of resources includes shelter information, roadside closure notifications, and emergency alerts.

Were You Denied Coverage for a Recent Hurricane?

Blaine Barrilleaux grew up not far from Houma, LA, and he’s seen firsthand the level of destruction hurricanes can bring. As a hurricane lawyer with decades of experience, he also knows how difficult it can be to get fair compensation from insurance companies after a severe hurricane.

If your insurance company hasn’t been treating you fairly, let Blaine fight them on your behalf. Contact us any time for a free consultation so we can discuss your situation and see about getting you the money you deserve.