When a windstorm strikes New Orleans, the physical damage is often just the beginning of your problems. Roofs ripped off. Windows shattered. Interiors ruined by rain driven through broken structures. The emotional toll is heavy, but the financial stress can be even worse when your insurance company refuses to pay what you’re owed.
At Daly & Black, P.C., we understand the frustration and devastation property owners face after severe windstorm damage. Our New Orleans windstorm damage attorneys are here to help you recover the full compensation your policy promises. If your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, we’re ready to go ALL IN for you and your family.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward getting what is owed under your policy.
Understanding Windstorm Damage Insurance in New Orleans
Windstorm damage refers to property loss caused by high winds, often unrelated to flooding. This includes torn shingles, collapsed walls, shattered windows, and even structural instability. In New Orleans, windstorms aren’t limited to hurricanes. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds can cause catastrophic damage just as quickly.
The Rising Cost of Windstorms and Insurance Claim Denials in Louisiana
Research by LSU’s AgCenter, in partnership with Louisiana’s Office of Homeland Security and NOAA, estimates that wind-related losses cost Louisiana approximately $1.2 billion per year.
Additionally, the frequency of billion-dollar weather disasters is rising nationwide. From 1980 to 2024, the U.S. averaged about 9 major events per year. By contrast, between 2020 and 2024, the average has climbed to 23 per year, indicating a significant uptick in both storm frequency and severity.
In addition to this trend, a report by Weiss Ratings illustrated that 41.9% of homeowners insurance claims nationwide were closed without any payment in 2024, up from 25.8% in 2004. In Louisiana, the rate is even higher—44.6% of claims were closed without payment.
With all of the above considered, it is critical for policyholders to protect their rights to fair treatment by involving experienced legal counsel early in the claims process. Working with Daly & Black helps ensure you aren’t left vulnerable to unfair denials or underpayments.
Does Homeowners Insurance in New Orleans Cover Windstorm Damage?
Most Louisiana homeowners insurance policies include some form of windstorm damage coverage. However, policies often have specific exclusions or high deductibles for Named Storms or Wind/Hail Damage. These special deductibles can dramatically reduce your payout.
For properties located in high-risk coastal zones, private insurers often refuse to write policies that include wind coverage. When this happens, homeowners may have no choice but to turn to the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Louisiana Citizens), the state’s insurer of last resort.
To qualify for Louisiana Citizens coverage, property owners must meet specific requirements:
- The property must be located in Louisiana.
- Applicants must demonstrate that they were unable to secure comparable insurance through the private market after making a good-faith effort.
- The property must meet basic underwriting standards related to maintenance and safety.
Being insured through Louisiana Citizens often entails higher premiums and less favorable terms compared to private insurance. Additionally, policyholders may face longer wait times for claims processing and, like with private insurers, disputes over payment amounts are common.
Because of these complexities, it’s important for homeowners in high-risk areas to review their coverage carefully and seek legal guidance when navigating windstorm claims.
Why Windstorm Damage Claims Get Denied or Underpaid
Insurance companies aren’t in business to lose money. After a widespread storm event, they face thousands of claims at once. Their first instinct? Protect profits by paying out as little as possible.
Common tactics include:
- Claiming the damage was “pre-existing”
- Alleging improper maintenance
- Underestimating repair costs
- Applying exclusions that don’t actually fit the situation
Louisiana Good Faith Statutes
Under La. R.S. § 22:1892, insurance companies in Louisiana are legally required to act in good faith when handling claims. If they delay payment without valid reason or wrongfully deny a valid claim, they can face additional penalties. Daly & Black, P.C. holds insurers accountable under these laws.
Steps to Take After Windstorm Damage to Protect Your Insurance Claim
The hours and days following a windstorm can feel overwhelming, but the actions you take immediately after the event can make or break your insurance claim. Insurers are quick to look for reasons to deny or reduce payouts—especially in Louisiana, where claim denial rates are among the highest in the country. Following a clear, strategic process helps protect your rights and ensures your claim is as strong as possible from the outset.
1. Document Everything
Take detailed photographs and videos of the damage, both inside and outside. Create an inventory of destroyed or damaged items. Be specific: list brand names, purchase prices, and serial numbers when possible.
2. Get a Copy of the Storm Report
You can obtain official storm reports from the National Weather Service (NWS) or the NOAA Storm Events Database. These reports confirm wind speeds and event details, strengthening your claim.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer immediately, but proceed carefully. Avoid giving a recorded statement without first consulting a lawyer.
4. Call Daly & Black, P.C.
Involving a New Orleans windstorm damage attorney early in the process helps protect your rights and prevents costly mistakes.
How Daly & Black Handles Windstorm Damage Claims—and Why We’re Different
At Daly & Black, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to windstorm damage claims. We understand that for property owners in New Orleans, these claims are about more than just repairing damage—they’re about securing financial stability after disaster strikes. Our firm combines aggressive legal strategy with transparent client service to level the playing field against powerful insurance companies. Here’s how we do it:
Step 1: Immediate Action & Policy Review
Every case starts with a detailed analysis of your insurance policy. We identify what is covered, where exclusions may apply, and where insurers are likely to create friction. We also coordinate with independent adjusters and experts to ensure your damages are accurately assessed—not undervalued by biased insurance company representatives.
Step 2: Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation
We don’t just submit claims and hope for the best. Daly & Black actively challenges denials, fights lowball offers, and isn’t afraid to take your case to court when insurers refuse to honor their obligations. Our litigation team is experienced in navigating Louisiana’s bad faith statutes, and we won’t hesitate to seek penalties when insurers act unlawfully.
Step 3: Transparent Communication
We believe you deserve to know exactly where your case stands at every stage. Our attorneys keep you informed throughout the process, providing clear updates and honest assessments of what to expect next.
Why Daly & Black?
- Proven Track Record: We are a Super Lawyers-recognized firm and a past winner and multiple-time nominee for Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year.
- Insider Knowledge: We know how insurers operate because we’ve spent years confronting and overcoming their tactics.
- Aligned Incentives: We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
At Daly & Black, we’re not just your lawyers—we’re your strategic partners in the fight for full and fair compensation.
FAQ
Does homeowners insurance in New Orleans cover windstorm damage?
It depends on the policy. Some include windstorm coverage as standard, while others impose high deductibles or exclude wind damage entirely. Always review your policy carefully.
What steps should I take after windstorm damage to protect my insurance claim?
Document all damage, get a copy of the storm report, notify your insurer, and contact a windstorm damage lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
How can a New Orleans windstorm damage lawyer help if my claim is denied?
We investigate the denial, gather evidence, and take legal action if necessary. Daly & Black fights for penalties and additional compensation when insurers violate Louisiana’s bad faith laws.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Blow You Over
If your windstorm damage claim is delayed, underpaid, or denied, Daly & Black, P.C. is ready to fight back on your behalf. A New Orleans windstorm damage attorney from our team will help you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to under Louisiana law.