Insurer reverses a storm claim denial

NEW ORLEANS, La. — An insurer has paid $312,000 to a homeowner after reversing its decision to deny a hurricane claim.

The company had said the damage came from flooding, which the policy did not cover. The family said the roof failed and rain poured in hours before any water rose in the street.

The answer would decide whether the family could rebuild. It also turned on a question that shapes many storm claims: who decides what caused the damage.

Faravel Law hired an independent engineer, who documented the roof failure and wind-driven rain damage on the upper floor, well above the flood line. The firm filed suit using that report.

The insurer withdrew its denial and paid $312,000 under the policy.

The payment covers wind damage only. The family's flood losses remain uninsured.

The stated cause of damage can decide coverage. Lawyers in storm-hit areas often advise getting an independent inspection before accepting a denial.