Insurance Dispute Lawyer Blog

Louisiana tops Illinois in Political Corruption

Published on: March 3, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

The Chicago Tribune, so graciously, pointed out the corruption in politics the great state of Louisiana is facing in the wake of Blagojevich by pointing out, while Illinois may have corrupt governors, they are nothing compared to us.

The beleaguered residents of Illinois may be squirming over their newfound visibility in the pantheon of corrupt states, thanks to the extravagant malefaction allegedly committed by the recently ousted governor, Rod Blagojevich.

But for genuine, savory, infused-in-the-gumbo style public venality, Louisiana still has Illinois, and most of America, beat. Ranked according to corruption convictions per capita from 1998-2007, Louisiana is No. 3, well ahead of Illinois at No. 19. (Only Washington, D.C., and North Dakota ranked higher—and in North Dakota’s case, the results were skewed because of its extremely small population.)

Report: Louisiana, Texas most expensive places for homeowners insurance

Published on: March 3, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

The Times Picayune reported yesterday

Louisiana has the third-highest homeowners insurance premiums in the nation, according to the first assessment of prices after Hurricane Katrina by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

The cost appears to be a Gulf Coast epidemic as Texas claims the number one spot, followed closely by Florida:

The most expensive property insurance market in the country in 2006 was Texas, where premiums increased 2.7 percent in 2006 to an average of $1,409 per home. But the NAIC cautions against comparing Texas to any other market because the Texas data comes from a different source than most other states, and the homeowners policies are slightly different.

The explanation (or excuse?) for this is simple: the weather and risk level of the Gulf Coast places the financial burden on citizens to properly maintain insurance on their homes and property. While this demands constant vigilance on the part of state government and the citizenry to make sure insurance companies do not overstep what is necessary for them to remain successful and in business, it, in the least, requires policy holders to make sure they get their “bang for their buck” and get the best service and response they deserve from their insurance company.

Always make sure your provider is conforming to deadline requirements should you make a claim and, in the event they act in bad faith, contact an attorney immediately.

FEMA investigating La. hurricane recovery office

Published on: March 2, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

FEMA is now looking into cronyism in Louisiana in the wake of federal funding provided for the recovery effort post-Katrina.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is investigating allegations of cronyism and other misconduct at the New Orleans office overseeing efforts to rebuild the hurricane-battered Gulf Coast, officials said Wednesday.

The agency, which has endured fierce criticism over delays in the rebuilding effort, sent a team of Washington investigators to its Louisiana office last week. The agency expects a report on findings in the coming days, two top officials said at a congressional hearing on the Hurricane Katrina recovery.

CBS News details FEMA’s “Toxic Bureaucracy”

Published on: February 27, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

In a surprisingly candid and clear report on FEMA and its efforts post-Katrina, CBS News released a story on the 25th detailing what Slidell mayor Ben Morris calls “an indescribable nightmare that most people would not believe.”

An EXCERPT:

CBS News has learned that since January 1, nearly 80 employment-related complaints have been filed by staff at the office.

South Florida Homeowners Challenge Insurance Giant and Win

Published on: February 26, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

As reported by WTJV, a South Florida condominium company was awarded nearly $30 million in damages and attorney fees after taking insurance agency QBE to court.

The verdict was of concern to Buckley Towers families whose damaged homes are in the middle of a condemnation proceeding by Miami-Dade County’s Unsafe Structures Board.

The briefing provided information to families and other condominium, property and co-operative associations who may feel intimidated by their insurance company or may be questioning whether their insurance claims were properly adjusted.

Recent Fires A Reminder to Review Insurance Coverage

Published on: February 25, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

While a recent string of fires in Pineville and Alexandria this week have led officials to warn Louisiana residents about fire safety and the like, it also serves as a reminder about insurance coverage. Not knowing if your home or property is covered in the event of a fire can lead to, at best, a lot of stress. At worst it can lead to a complete loss in the event of devastation.

Precautionary tips on how to prevent fires in your home or property include:

Remain in the kitchen while cooking

Texas Insurance Companies Going Under: What to do?

Published on: February 23, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

As highlighted in recent articles regarding insurance companies going out of business and leaving policy owners “out in the cold”, it is important to know what to do in the event your policy provider goes out of business.

While making whatever repairs necessary to keep your home in shape, and documenting closely the expenses, it is important to immediately contact the Texas Department of Insurance and find out what is going on with your insurance company. Should your insurance company fail, the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association is in place to help those policy holders. The Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association can be reached at (512) 345-9335.

It is important in such instances to also receive legal assistance or advice in the event your insurance company will have to be sued to get the claim you deserve.

FEMA flood risk maps for New Orleans

Published on: February 20, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

FEMA maps released this month indicate flood risks in the city of New Orleans at a block-by-block level of scrutiny. Downloadable here, the maps include the changes in flood risk after work done by the Army Corps of Engineers and detail what should be the status quo until 2011, when the Corps plans on completing levee improvements. The Louisiana Mapping Project, which features the maps and explanations of how they work, may be found online by clicking here.

In an article written about FEMA’s release, the mayor’s office mentioned caution in assuming any sort of freedom from risk based upon the maps:

“The thing to remember about these maps is that there are questions about their accuracy, ” said Maggie Merrill, director of policy for Mayor Ray Nagin. “We don’t want to create a false sense of security or of panic. And there will be substantial changes, and flood risk will be dramatically reduced for the city when the levees are complete.”

Understanding Terms: Glossary

Published on: February 19, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

When going about shopping for the right policy or making sure your policy protects you in the ways you need, it is important to understand insurance terms used. In educating yourself about the legal jargon employed by the insurance companies, you can be better prepared to combat an unfair claim payment or prevent your policy from being hijacked by vague language.

Below, courtesy of the University of Illinois, is a wrap up of this blog’s glossary of insurance terms, ranging from the letter S to Z:

Screening. Physical examination and health history taken by an insurer before the applicant is given the policy applied for.

Governor Perry Urges FEMA Extend Aid Deadline

Published on: February 18, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

Texas Governor Rick Perry has requested that FEMA waive or extend the deadline for FEMA aid to those whose lives have been disrupted by Hurricane Ike. KFDM reports:

Gov. Rick Perry has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) waive, or extend for 180 days, the deadline to file proof of loss requirements for flood insurance policyholders whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Ike.

Due to the severity and magnitude of the disaster, FEMA granted an extension of the 60-day proof of loss deadline for flood insurance policyholders. Currently, policyholders are required to file proof of loss by March 12, 2009. An extension would allow Texans the same amount of time to file their claims as was allowed following Hurricane Rita.

“With so many Texas homes suffering flood damage related to Hurricane Ike and so many families who have not yet been able to rebuild, a deadline of March 12 is unrealistic,” Gov. Perry said. “I urge FEMA to waive or extend the deadline so that Texans with flood insurance have adequate time to file their claims.”

This extension would allow for more preparation and recovery for those harmed by the storm and extends the government’s assistance for some time. Insurance companies also have deadlines for their response to homeowner’s claims. It is essential that you make sure your insurance company reaches their deadlines on your Hurricane Ike or other property damage claims.