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Church and Non-Profit Insurance Dispute Attorneys in Louisiana

Help for charitable organizations and houses of worship on the Gulf Coast

Many people believe that because an organization like a church, temple, or charity is non-profit, it means they don’t have expenses that need to be paid. If a building or property suffers damage from strong weather, theft, or other unanticipated loss, a non-profit needs insurance just like a for-profit business. Further, non-profits and houses of worship provide valuable services to the community, and need to get back to normal operation as soon as possible after a major loss.

The Louisiana insurance dispute attorneys at Warhurst Law help non-profits and religious organizations continue giving back to the community, even after a disaster occurs. Our lawyers have a unique perspective on insurance disputes, thanks to firm founder Gene Warhurst’s experience as a former insurance adjuster. He knows how the insurance industry works and applies that knowledge to every case. If your organization’s insurance claim is being denied or delayed, get in touch with us for strong representation.

Areas of Focus

Our Louisiana insurance dispute firm’s record of success

The team of attorneys at Warhurst Law has secured millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Just a few of our successes include:

$2.226 million in additional compensation for a church facing fire losses, after the church was originally offered $973,003
$1.79 million in additional compensation for a church facing fire losses
$1.566 million in additional compensation for a worship center originally offered less than $100,000 for damages

We tenaciously fight for every single one of our clients, and we fight to win.

Our Case Results

$2.4 Million Settlement in Commercial Tornado Claim

Warhurst Law secured $2.2 million in additional recovery for a lumber mill damaged in a tornado.

What kind of insurance should non-profits consider?

Most non-profits and houses of worship should look into a variety of coverage options. Ensure you consult with an experienced New Orleans attorney before making a final decision on any policy. Consider the following for maximum protection.

Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance

Board members and officers need protection in the event of a lawsuit alleging financial mismanagement. They may be open to liability if their decisions cause the nonprofit to fail in its financial obligations. D&O insurance can cover legal costs and damages. Policies may, however, exclude coverage for criminal behavior.

General liability and premises liability insurance

Liability insurance covers any property damage or physical injury claims if a visitor suffers injury on your organization’s property. You’re also protected from copyright infringement, libel, and slander. General liability may be required for non-profits hosting events, fundraising, and renting property.

Professional liability insurance

Sometimes called “errors and omissions” insurance, professional liability insurance protects your organization from claims due to mistakes while performing services. This insurance can protect officers, directors, employees, and the entire organization. However, this insurance typically doesn’t protect you against unprofessional conduct.

Auto and vehicle insurance

If your organization owns vehicles or rents when needed, ensure you get the right policy and coverage. An insurance attorney can guide you on the appropriate amount of coverage, taking into account liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Cyber liability insurance

Any business, whether it’s for-profit or non-profit, is vulnerable to data breaches. Community non-profits and houses of worship tend to have sensitive and confidential information on servers, laptops, and even cellphones. Cyber insurance policies can cover expenses due to data loss or cybercrime.

When your non-profit cannot serve the community due to damage and loss, it’s imperative to get back up and running as soon as possible. As your Louisiana insurance dispute attorneys, our job is to help streamline the process and ensure you receive the reimbursement to which you’re entitled.

Why does a New Orleans church or non-profit need business interruption insurance?

Although non-profits, which include religious organizations, are not allowed to make a profit, they still generate income for their operating expenses in a variety of ways. Your organization may raise funds through donations, grants, events, and other means. When your property is damaged or lost, you still have expenses, even if you can’t even utilize your building or offices.

This is where business interruption insurance steps in. Depending on your policy terms, business insurance should cover expenses like:

Costs of notifying congregations, community, patients, and others about new locations or closings
Employee and personnel wages
Licensing and regulatory fees
Mortgage payments
Utilities like gas, electricity, and water
Various other overhead expenses

Often, insurance disputes involve whether or not certain expenses are covered – you and the insurance adjuster may disagree, and that’s where you may need legal help. Our Louisiana attorneys can step in and advocate for you when it feels your insurance company simply won’t cooperate.

Experienced help for Louisiana church and non-profit insurance disputes

The attorneys at Warhurst Law understand that non-profits aren’t just about fundraising – they’re about helping and supporting the community at large. When your property or building experiences a major loss, you need to be back up and serving your people as soon as possible. If your insurance company is denying or delaying your claim, let us help. To make an appointment for a consultation, call 251-694-1932 or complete our contact form. We represent clients on the Gulf Coast and throughout the Southeast.

* Warhurst Law cannot and does not guarantee an outcome to any case.