Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic flooding in Houston last month. This month, it was Hurricane Irma inundating Florida. With two more storms, Jose and Maria, setting their sights on the northeast coast and Caribbean, respectively, the physical and financial injuries from flooding and flood damage will only intensify, leaving many to wonder what kind of recourse they have.
Here are some of the biggest legal questions and issues concerning flood injuries, and where to find the answers, from our archives:
1. Why Do We Declare a National Emergency?
It’s a phrase we often hear either right before, during, or after a major storm — the president or governor is declaring a state of emergency. It sounds very serious, but what does it actually entail? While declarations of emergency often focus on funding disaster prevention and relief, they can go much further.
2. Flood Recovery: Safety Issues and Flood Insurance
After a flood, you may want to return to your normal life as quickly as possible. But two main things may stand in your way: the safety of your home and transit around your neighborhood, and insurance coverage for any flood damage. Find out how to navigate both.
3. After Colo. Flood, 5 Legal Issues to Address
Beyond physical safety and flood insurance coverage, you may also need to worry about your job or your small business. And there may also be tax implications, as well. Fortunately, local, state, and some federal legal aid resources are available.
4. Katrina Lawsuit Begins: Is the Government Liable for Flood Damage?
This was especially relevant in New Orleans given the Army Corps of Engineers role in designing and building the city’s levee system. But given the science behind global warming and the disastrous hurricane season, what legal responsibility do private businesses and government entities bear in a natural disaster?
5. Mississippi Flood Raises Toxic Mold Threat
Yes, there’s the water. But there are often hidden dangers associated with floods that people fail to think about. Mold can be one of those unseen risks to residents in a flood-damaged area.
If you’ve suffered from a personal injury or property damage due to a flood, you may want to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area.
Related Resources:
- Find Personal Injury Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
- 7 Signs a Used Car Is Flood-Damaged (FindLaw’s Injured)
- El Nino Wreaks Havoc on Roads (FindLaw’s Injured)
- Health Hazards (FindLaw’s Injured)
