Tropical Storm Bertha is moving through the Gulf and is expected to make landfall near southeast Louisiana this week, bringing storm surge, heavy rain, and the risk of flash flooding to communities across the region. For homeowners and business owners in Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes, storms like Bertha are a reminder that property damage can happen fast, and how you respond in the days and weeks afterward can make a real difference in what you recover from your insurance company.
At Dejean Law Office, we’ve spent years helping Louisiana property owners navigate the aftermath of storm damage. Here’s what you need to know before and after Bertha passes through.
Before the Storm: Document Everything
If Bertha is heading your way, the best thing you can do right now is document the condition of your property before any damage occurs.
- Take photos and video of your home or business, inside and out
- Note the condition of your roof, siding, windows, and any existing wear
- Keep copies of your insurance policy and contact information handy
- Store important documents somewhere safe and accessible
This documentation becomes critical evidence if you need to file a claim later. Insurance companies will sometimes try to attribute damage to “pre-existing conditions” rather than the storm itself, and having a clear record of your property’s condition beforehand helps protect you from that tactic.
After the Storm: What to Do First
Once it’s safe to do so, assess the damage and start the claims process as soon as possible.
- Take photos and video immediately. Document everything before you begin any cleanup or repairs.
- Make temporary repairs only. You’re expected to prevent further damage, like covering a hole in the roof, but avoid permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the property.
- Keep all receipts. Any money you spend on temporary repairs, hotel stays, or emergency supplies may be reimbursable.
- File your claim promptly. Most policies have deadlines for reporting damage, and waiting can hurt your case.
- Be cautious with what you say. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that can minimize your claim. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the cause or extent of the damage.
Why You May Need an Attorney
Filing a claim doesn’t guarantee a fair outcome. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. Common tactics include:
- Delaying the claims process
- Undervaluing repair costs
- Denying valid claims outright
- Attributing storm damage to unrelated causes like age or neglect
If your claim has been delayed, denied, or you feel the settlement offer doesn’t reflect the true cost of repairs, that’s when an attorney can help. At Dejean Law Office, we work to hold insurance companies accountable and fight for the compensation our clients are actually owed, not just what the insurance company is willing to offer.
Bertha Is a Reminder, Not an Exception
Louisiana has already seen two named storms this season, and hurricane season runs through the end of November. Whether or not Bertha causes significant damage in your area, now is a good time to review your insurance policy, understand your coverage, and know who to call if you need help.
If Bertha does affect your home or business, you don’t have to face the insurance company alone.
Call Andy Dejean at (225) 344-Andy for a free consultation.
Dejean Law Office represents property owners throughout Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes in property damage and insurance claim disputes.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every insurance claim and property damage situation is different, so please contact Dejean Law Office directly to discuss the specifics of your case.