Hurricane Zeta Strikes Louisiana Coast as Devastating Season Continues

Hurricane Zeta hit the Gulf Coast Thursday morning as a Category 2 storm, ripping off roofs, flooding streets, and downing power lines. The storm has killed three people and left 2.4 million without power so far, in a swath of states that includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

After hitting land, Zeta was downgraded to a tropical storm, but still retained the capacity to wreak havoc on the Gulf region. Sustained winds of 60 mph damaged and threatened buildings, vehicles, and other structures, while locations in its path prepare for the worst as the storm travels inland.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards reported major wind damage, including downed trees and power outages affecting New Orleans and the surrounding area. Mayor Mike Smith of Waveland, Mississippi stated that Zeta may have caused the worst damage to his city since Katrina devastated the region in 2005. 

Zeta is the latest storm in a historic season that has already battered the Gulf Coast. It is the fifth named storm to hit land this year out of a record 27 in the Atlantic region. Even before Zeta struck, these hurricanes and tropical storms had already inflicted billions of dollars in damages. 

Gulf Coast residents have endured so much this year. To make matters worse, sometimes insurance companies either underpay or do not honor claims related to storm damage.

If Hurricane Zeta or any other storm has caused you property damage, you may be owed compensation. Fill out our free, no-obligation case evaluation form and one of our lawyers will be in touch.

What to Do After the Storm

If your home has been damaged after a major storm, the cleanup process can be overwhelming. Take it slow and easy for your own mental health. To maximize your own safety and ensure you are getting the insurance information you need, follow these steps:

• Clean up safely. The CDC has guidelines for safe cleanup after a major storm — read those before you start. Be sure your building is structurally sound, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and throw away anything that can’t be cleaned.
• Protect your property. The last thing you need after a hurricane is further damage to your home from inclement weather. Use tarps to cover holes and prevent additional water damage in your house. Also, secure any items that could blow away or cause damage if picked up by winds.
• Document all damage. Wait until daytime to make sure you have the best light for clear photos. Take pictures of all damaged property from every angle to ensure that you have the best possible evidence of the damage caused by the storm.
• Hire a lawyer. Having a lawyer onboard throughout the claim process will help you proceed more efficiently while providing the best chance to receive the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with our Morgan & Morgan team covering hurricanes and storm damage for expert advice about your claim.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

Even though they claim to be working in your best interest, insurance companies can underestimate damages and awards in order to save money. If you think your claim has been unjustly denied or minimized, contact us. At Morgan & Morgan, we have over 35 years of experience helping clients get the compensation they deserve.

Our attorneys are here to help. If we take your case, we will put all of our experience and resources behind you — and we don’t get paid unless you win. To contact one of our attorneys, fill out our no-obligation free case evaluation form today.