When a tornado tears through your neighborhood, the physical destruction is only the beginning. What comes next, the process of claiming for the damages you have suffered can be a tiring struggle. If you’re battling to get fair compensation after tornado damage, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter.
A New Orleans tornado damage lawyer at Daly & Black, P.C. is waiting in the wings to help you navigate the claims process and recover what is rightfully covered in your policy. Our team is battle-tested, relentless, and ready to take on any insurance company that tries to shortchange you.
Schedule a free consultation with Daly & Black today and get started on the road to recovery.
Tornado Risks and Insurance Claims in New Orleans: An Underestimated Danger
On average, Louisiana experiences about 55 tornadoes annually, a notable increase from the average of 17 per year reported between 1950 and 1973. In recent years, New Orleans neighbourhoods like Arabi and Gentilly have experienced catastrophic tornado events.
On March 22, 2022, a powerful EF-3 tornado tore through Arabi with wind speeds reaching up to 160 mph, cutting an 11.5-mile path across the area. The storm damaged over 200 structures, caused an estimated $30 million in losses, and tragically took one life while injuring several others (ASCE, WWLTV).
Earlier, on February 7, 2017, another EF-3 tornado struck the New Orleans East area—including parts of Gentilly—with estimated winds of 150 mph. This storm injured 33 people, destroyed homes, and carved a 10.1-mile path of destruction.These storms show that tornadoes are not just rare anomalies in New Orleans—they’re real threats that leave real devastation.
Staying informed about this threat and prepared for its consequences is critical—not only in terms of physical safety, but also financial protection. That includes making sure your insurance policy fully covers tornado-related damage and understanding your legal rights when your insurer claims it doesn’t.
At Daly & Black, P.C., we represent homeowners and business owners who’ve been blindsided twice: first by the storm, and then by their insurer. We fight tooth and nail to ensure that our clients have the resources to rebuild should their lives be upended by a Louisiana tornado.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?
In most cases, yes—homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage caused by tornadoes. But that doesn’t mean your claim will be paid in full or on time. Policies can include exclusions, coverage caps, and fine print that insurers use to minimize payouts.
Wind-Related Structural Damage
Most homeowners insurance policies do cover structural damage caused by tornadoes. This includes roofing failures, shattered windows, collapsed walls, and other wind-driven destruction. However, insurers may still try to reduce payouts by blaming damage on wear and tear or prior conditions. That’s why it’s critical to have your own experts document the full extent of the damage.
Water Intrusion Through Wind-Damaged Openings
If wind from a tornado compromises your home—say, by tearing off part of the roof or breaking a window—resulting rainwater damage may be covered. But this depends on how your policy is written.
Some insurers argue water damage is secondary or unrelated. A detailed policy review and proper framing of the claim can be the difference between full reimbursement and partial denial.
Flood Damage and the Need for Separate Coverage
While tornadoes are primarily associated with wind, they are often followed by heavy rains especially if they are part of a supercell system.
If flooding occurs from rising water or overburdened drainage systems those losses usually require separate flood insurance through the NFIP or a private provider. This requirement is consistent with FEMA and Louisiana Department of Insurance guidelines.
Insurers often exploit the confusion between wind-driven water and floodwater to deny claims.
At Daly & Black, we step in to cut through the ambiguity and make sure our clients get the full protection their policies promise.
What To Do After a Tornado Damages Your Property
Tornadoes hit hard—and the aftermath can feel overwhelming but the steps you take in those first hours and days matter.
At Daly & Black, P.C., we’re here to guide you through it.
Step 1: Prevent Further Damage
Once the storm passes and it’s safe to re-enter your property, take immediate steps to prevent further loss. These protective actions can not only safeguard your home or business but also strengthen your insurance claim:
- Tarp over exposed roof sections or compromised walls
- Board up shattered windows and secure entry points
- Remove loose debris and anchor movable items
- Shut off utilities (gas, water, electricity) if structural damage is suspected
Insurers often look for any reason to reduce or deny payment—especially if they believe the damage worsened due to inaction. Showing that you acted responsibly goes a long way.
Step 2: Document Everything
Take comprehensive photos and videos of the damage—both inside and out. Create a written inventory of everything affected, including personal belongings, fixtures, and finishes. The more detail, the better. Organized documentation is your strongest defense in claim negotiations.
Step 3: Contact a Lawyer Who Knows How to Handle Tornado Claims
Don’t let the insurance company dictate what your claim is worth. The sooner you contact an experienced tornado damage lawyer, the better your chances of recovering the full value of your loss. We’ll help you:
- Assess policy coverage and exclusions
- Coordinate with independent adjusters and inspectors
- Ensure every category of loss is documented and pursued
At Daly & Black, we do more than advise—we advocate, investigate, and litigate when necessary. We don’t just aim for fair compensation. We pursue every dollar you’re owed.
What If You Were Injured in a Tornado?
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt during a tornado—whether due to structural collapse, flying debris, or a preventable safety hazard—you may have a separate legal claim for personal injury.
In some cases, injuries are linked to landlord negligence, faulty construction, or unsafe business premises.
Our trial lawyers at Daly & Black, P.C. also represent tornado-related injury victims in pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
What Property Damage Can You Claim After a Tornado?
Tornadoes can cause widespread destruction that extends well beyond broken windows and roof shingles. Your homeowners or commercial property insurance policy may cover a wide range of losses—if you know how to demand it.
Common tornado-related damages that may be eligible for compensation include:
- Roof and structural damage from wind uplift or airborne debris.
- Window and door failures, including shattered sliding glass or garage doors.
- Interior water damage caused by breaches in the building envelope.
- Mold or mildew developing from residual moisture if repairs are delayed.
- Destroyed personal property inside the home due to exposure or collapse.
Even if your policy seems comprehensive, insurers frequently understate the extent of interior damage or deny coverage for secondary effects like mold.
Tornado Damage to Your Business?
Commercial properties are often hit hardest by tornadoes—and the claims process is even more complex. In addition to physical repairs, you may also be eligible for compensation under business interruption coverage. We help New Orleans business owners:
- File comprehensive property damage and business interruption claims
- Evaluate time-sensitive losses like lost revenue and operational delays
- Push back when insurers delay or deny what’s owed
Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, Daly & Black is ALL IN for you. From the moment the winds die down to the day your claim is paid, we stand beside you—relentless, strategic, and ready to fight.
The Daly & Black Difference
At Daly & Black, P.C., insurance litigation isn’t just part of what we do—it’s what we do best. Recognized by Super Lawyers and honored within the industry for our results, our reputation is built on precision, power, and persistence. When insurers push back, we push harder—because we don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t back down.
We understand the emotional and financial pressure that follows a tornado. That’s why our approach is rooted in both strategy and strength. You’ll never be left wondering where your case stands. You’ll never feel like just another claim number. And you’ll never face your insurer alone.
We’re ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. For you, your home, and your future.
FAQ
What steps should I take after tornado damage in New Orleans?
Ensure your safety first. Once it’s safe, document all visible damage with photos and video. Secure your property to prevent further damage and report the loss to your insurer promptly. Then, contact an experienced tornado damage lawyer to ensure your claim is handled properly.
Why might a tornado damage claim be delayed or denied?
Insurance companies may question the cause of damage, dispute the scope of repairs, or argue that the damage was pre-existing. Some simply delay responses in the hopes you’ll give up or accept a lowball offer.
What can a New Orleans tornado damage lawyer do for me?
A tornado damage lawyer can interpret your policy, gather independent damage assessments, handle communications with your insurer, and pursue legal action if necessary. Our goal is to secure the full compensation you may be entitled to—without delay.
Get Help From a New Orleans Tornado Damage Lawyer Today
Don’t let your insurance company dictate the outcome. If your tornado damage claim has been delayed, underpaid, or denied, contact Daly & Black, P.C. today. Our New Orleans tornado damage lawyers are ready to evaluate your case and fight for what you’re rightfully owed.