This blog has been re-posted from this Fall:
On September 12, 2009, the Mostyn Law Firm helped sponsor the Galveston Rebirth Festival, which included a 5K walk or run. The festival was in honor of the lives lost and in celebration of the rebirth of Galveston, Texas, one year to the day since Hurricane Ike struck. The race started at 8:00-8:30 am so we were there really early in the morning…..and it was pouring….and it was about 110 degrees with the humidity. We were soaked through our clothes and I personally was more than reluctant to run a little over three miles. However, once the race started and we wove in and out of the historic district of Galveston, I realized that the heart of the community was still very much alive, even if the city was still in a state of rebirth after the storm.
Lined against the path of our run were citizens of Galveston, cheering our sloshing sneakers forward and even more astonishing, giving us their encouragement. As if we were the ones needing encouragement. With blue tarps still dotting the roofs of the homes at the one year mark, it was the citizens of Galveston giving thanks and encouragement. Not only did the realization of the meaning behind what I do professionally day to day beg me forward, but the realization that our fight is still miles away push me on.
That, and one woman running the race about 5 paces ahead of me. She was an older lady, must have been in her fifties or sixties, but about every five people we passed along those three miles called out to her by name. I do not recall what it was, probably from the pounding in my own head from the heat and humidity, but only that every person that we passed smiled, waved and cheered her on by name. I have no idea who she was, but the city of Galveston surely did. It is citizens such as her that have kept and will keep the heart of Galveston alive while the battle rages on against the insurance companies.
Blog Post by Whitney Ellis, Mostyn Law Firm Attorney
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It’s now been over a year since Ike attacked our area and still the effects are harshly felt by so many of our neighbors. I frequently get calls from people who are still struggling with their Hurricane Ike claim and are still trying to work with their insurance company to get what they are owed. It is unconscionable that so many people are still waiting for their adjusters and insurance companies to “do the right thing.”
I have heard hundreds of insurance company excuses as to why insurers continue to stall and delay payments on valid claims. Adjusters say they need more documentation. Or insurance representatives will tell you that they are waiting on reports from third parties. Some insurance companies have even told their insureds that it was their job to “prove” their claims; despite the fact that it is the insurance company’s responsibility to investigate the claim. By now, if your insurance company was going to pay you what you are rightfully owed, they would have done it already.
I understand and respect those who want to give their insurance company every opportunity to honor their contractual obligations before getting a lawyer involved. But if you’re still getting the runaround over a year later, I want to hear about it.
Post by Donivan Flowers, Mostyn Law Firm Attorney
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