Hurricane Ida Taught Us Valuable Lessons
Hurricane Ida ravaged Louisiana in 2021 and caused considerable destruction in its path. Suddenly, homeowners and businesses were in survival mode. Depending on where you lived or worked, homeowners lost everything and others suffered extensive losses. Business owners scrambled to put their livelihood back together, so they could serve customers. The bottom line is that everything, even a category four hurricane, teaches us valuable lessons. Let’s look at the lessons of Hurricane Ida.
Hurricane Ida Not Only Plagued Louisiana
We often think that a tragedy begins and ends where it started. Of course, that is wrong. In terms of Hurricane Ida, the point where it touched down in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, was only the beginning. Its path covered many agricultural areas in the state before heading northeast, causing roughly $500 million in damage to 168,000 acres, damaging the infrastructure and production base.
The Category 4 hurricane also dumped heavy rains on Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Homes were flooded, as were streets in those areas. Authorities believe the damage will cost between $16 to $24 billion to repair.
Preparation Is Key When Facing a Natural Disaster
Being ready for a disaster is the key to survival. Meteorologists predicted hurricane Ida would reach Category 2 status with 110 mph winds. That changed in a day as it reached Category 4 status with 150 mph winds. This means that it was impossible to move valuable resources in time. Assuming the worst sometimes can mean a greater level of survival.
Improving Infrastructure
It is essential to develop infrastructure so that hurricanes and other calamities cannot take as much of a toll. Hurricane Katrina did extensive damage in 2005. In response, a levee was constructed and protected New Orleans. This levee was tested yet again when Hurricane Ida hit in 2021. Officials in other cities could take proactive actions, such as the levee.
Recovery Framework
In the aftermath of a hurricane, it is important to have the resources to rebuild. Not only that, but agencies such as FEMA may not amass the personnel and resources they need to help. On top of this, the number of claims may overload insurers, and processing them might slow down. Taken together, the time to begin the recovery process can take longer.
Insurance Payments
In the state of Louisiana, insurers must pay within one month or 30 days. However, not all insurance companies meet these expectations. When this happens, you are left waiting for a check that never comes. Some companies argue about the claim, using exclusions and the cost of repairs.
Adjusters assigned to your case are not looking out for your needs. Rather, the insurer hires them to keep you from getting the recovery you deserve. That is where your attorney can help. They can review your insurance coverage carefully and determine if the insurer is following the proper protocol.
The Olinde Law Firm
At the Olinde Law Firm, we work hard to ensure that the insurer processes your claim in a timely manner. We have successfully handled insurance claims for clients for many years, checking for damages that are hidden. The attorneys at Olinde Law will help you recover your damages in full. We work on a contingency basis, so we will not charge you for our services until we win your claim, taking a percentage of what you receive.
The Olinde Law Firm makes sure the insurance company does not cheat you on replacement costs, a favorite ploy of some insurers. Our investigators carefully look for damages that are not easily found, such as moisture lurking in walls. Call us at (8000 587-1889 or (785) 777-1000 or contact us online.