LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Nearly four years after Hurricanes Laura and Delta wreaked havoc in Southwest Louisiana, some residents are still grappling with unresolved home repair issues due to bankrupt insurance companies.
Raymond Predium, a resident of Moss Bluff, is among those facing prolonged wait times for compensation. Despite the outward appearance of his home, cracks in the ceiling and walls, as well as structural damages, tell a different story.
Predium’s house, while appearing intact at first glance, exhibits signs of significant damage upon closer inspection. “It’s structural damages,” he remarked. “You can tell the cabinets are pulling away from the walls, there’s a crack that goes from there to there, it’s twisting.”
He highlighted the worsening condition of his sunroom, which leaks, causing further deterioration. “The roof, you can see where the water just pours down like a sieve,” Predium lamented, describing the makeshift measures employed to manage rainwater intrusion.
“In my floors, you can see that it’s separating, literally coming apart,” he added, emphasizing the urgent need for repairs.
Predium expressed concerns about the vulnerability of his home to future hurricanes, given its current state of disrepair. “Terrifying. If we have a hurricane come through and it tears up my home, me and my family’s homeless. We have nowhere to go,” he said, reflecting on the uncertainty looming over him.
The delay in receiving compensation stems from Predium’s insurance provider, Maision, going bankrupt. Consequently, he is dependent on the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association (LIGA) to facilitate the necessary repairs.
“I don’t have the money to fix it. I’m on a limited income. Why is it taking four years? Why is it taking so long? I did my part; I paid my bills. I paid it on time. They never had to come at me for not paying the bill. I paid my bill, I just want to be compensated,” Predium expressed, echoing the frustrations of many in similar circumstances.
Jeff Gaughan, Predium’s attorney, shed light on the overwhelmed state of LIGA, attributing the backlog to the surge in lawsuits following hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida. He outlined Predium’s current recourse, involving mediation with a special master, with a potential trial looming if resolution remains elusive.
Moreover, Predium faces additional challenges as he is unable to secure new homeowners’ insurance while his property remains in disrepair, further exacerbating his predicament.
