Insurance Claims in New Orleans, LA
What Are Insurance Claims?
Filing an insurance claim in New Orleans, Louisiana can be a stressful process. Every policy is different, and insurance companies may not pay you what you deserve. In some cases, hiring an insurance claim attorney is necessary. This page breaks down the nuances of different types of insurance claims.
What Is a Property Insurance Claim?
A homeowner’s insurance policy is an agreement to protect the home from damage under specific occurrences. When you as a policyholder suffer a loss, you should find a dedicated New Orleans, Louisiana property insurance lawyer. Your legal advocate works on your claim to ensure that you receive the benefits necessary to repair or rebuild your property.
If the insurer denies coverage or delays, policyholders should consult a property insurance attorney about a bad faith claim. If your claim goes to court and you win, you can often recover your court costs, attorney fees, and coverage benefits. There is also the possibility of recovering more money depending on the state laws under which you file your claim.
What Types Of Damage Claims Apply to Property Insurance?
Specific geographic regions impact the design of insurance policies. For example, Florida property insurance policies have more provisions for hurricanes versus earthquakes.
Hurricanes loom large for many coastal states and cities, and there is possibly no greater past trauma with storms than those residing in New Orleans and what they went through with Hurricane Katrina. A hurricane resource center is provided by the Louisiana Department of Insurance that provides preparedness tips and educates the populace on how to handle insurance claims. Property claims resulting from storms are very common in New Orleans, with damage coming from hail, high winds, and flooding from storms. Storm damage is also responsible for sending debris into the homeowner’s property.
How to File a Property Insurance Claim in New Orleans, Louisiana
After you suffer a loss, you must contact your insurer as soon as possible. Taking this step begins the insurance claim process and gets things moving along. You need to notify your insurance company in writing or over the phone. From there, your insurer appoints a claim representative.
What to Expect Afterwards
WalletHub confirms that insurance companies are not under any set timeframe or constraints when it comes to settling a claim. However, once a claim is settled, the insurance company, by law, has to pay the claim within 30 days. Still, there are fraudulent actors, or what are known as bad faith actors, that attempt to take advantage of situations for their own financial benefit. Catholic News Agency reports that the Archdiocese of New Orleans recently agreed to pay $1 million to settle fraudulent claims resulting from Katrina.
If you believe your insurance company is attempting to drag out the payment process in New Orleans, you should consult with an experienced attorney. People have a habit of forgetting about their insurance until they need it. But you are encouraged to check in on your policy, to know what it covers and what it does not.
What Is an Auto Insurance Claim?
Auto insurance claims involve requesting compensation from an auto insurer after an accident. Car accidents are incredibly stressful, especially if there are uncooperative responsible parties. However, your insurer’s job is to work on your behalf to secure compensation for repairs, injuries and other expenses.
What Do You Do After a Car Accident?
If you are involved in an auto accident in New Orleans, you should pull your car to the side of the road and remain on the scene. According to the Louisiana State Police, you have to report any accident, but especially if there has been a physical injury or property damage occurring as a result of the crash. Check yourself and others for injuries, and then exchange information with everyone involved in the crash. You should also see if you can get information from any witnesses who may have seen the crash.
Wait at the scene until a member of law enforcement arrives, generally a member of the New Orleans Police Department. Give your statement, but do not admit fault. Fault is a matter for the courts. Once you’ve given your statement, contact your insurance provider and alert them to the crash. Share any information you gather with your insurance agent.
Auto Claims Adjuster
Your auto insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your claim report. Your adjuster acts as your representation in any mediation between you and all other involved parties. This insurance representative bears responsibility for investigating the claim and seeing that you receive compensation for any repairs or injuries.
Whether there are repair claims, personal injury claims, or you are dealing with someone who does not have insurance, your auto insurance adjuster should see you through the process. Your claims adjuster may recommend a garage to handle your vehicle repairs. They may also make arrangements for a rental vehicle if required. The most important thing to note is that your auto claim adjuster is your primary point of contact regarding the status of your claim in New Orleans.
Health Insurance Claims
New Orleans, Louisiana policyholders file health insurance claims when they seek reimbursement for medical services or treatments. When you obtain a medical service from a provider, your health insurance carrier should become notified directly. If there are any discrepancies in your claim, consider hiring a health insurance claim specialist attorney.
How Do You File a Health Claim in New Orleans, Louisiana?
There are two ways to file a health insurance claim on your behalf. The first is the medical facility notifies your insurer for you. You may be able to walk out of the facility without spending anything, but that depends on your policy. The other way is to file a health insurance claim yourself. Taking this route can occur when a health provider you use is not in your provider network. The facility may still file the claim on your behalf, but you may need to file it yourself.
Residents of New Orleans that are seeking to file a healthcare claim on their own behalf can use the template provided by the Louisiana Department of Health. You may have to file a healthcare claim on your own behalf, even if the provider files one for you, if the services and treatments you received are outside of your network. In addition, certain employers are attempting to put financial pressure on employees whose spouses remain unvaccinated against Covid-19. FOX 8 reports the Ochsner is attempting to fine employees for the increasing costs of healthcare if their spouses do not receive vaccination.
Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in New Orleans, Louisiana.
If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified New Orleans insurance claim attorney’s help. An insurance claim attorney can help if you have been improperly denied coverage or sent a bill for a service you never received. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Louisiana state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
