As Hurricane Helene heads toward the coast of Florida, we can expect widespread damage, business interruption, and travel stoppage for a large part of the gulf coast region for days and weeks to come.

Jones Walker’s Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Client Team remains poised to assist clients when and where such challenges arise. During a

test

A hurricane, natural disaster, or any other crisis in the workplace can bring a business to a screeching halt and devastate the lives of a business’s most valuable asset — its employees.

To minimize the impact of a natural disaster, companies should have various plans in place before disaster strikes, such as a crisis management plan, a communications plan, and a disaster response and recovery plan. These plans must take into account the effect a catastrophe may have on workers and include ways to help impacted employees return to work as soon as practical to ensure continued productivity of the workplace even in the face of personal loss. Any enacted plan should also consider the application of relevant federal and state laws to ensure compliance and avoid any employment-related lawsuits or any agency enforcement actions following a natural disaster.Continue Reading Planning for a Catastrophe – Tips for Ensuring Proper Communications

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1, and TSR (Tropical Storm Risk) forecasts 17 to 25 named storms this year. In weathering these storms, many businesses will face property losses, often accompanied by business income losses. Most commercial property policies incorporate business interruption coverage and extra expense insurance. The complexity of a business interruption claim, however, combined with the disruption of cash flow to pay continuing expenses creates a difficult scenario for business owners in these situations. 

In general, business interruption and extra expense losses may be covered when they are caused by physical loss or damage to covered property, other covered conditions such as damage to a “dependent business,” or an order of the civil authority, such as an evacuation order, as defined in the policy. There may also be limitations on coverage, such as for power loss occurring outside the covered property, among others.Continue Reading Preparing a Business Interruption Claim Best Practices

Businesses today must plan for more than just supply and demand. Hurricanes, floods, fires, and other potential hazards pose serious threats to businesses everywhere.

With any disaster or hazard, the need for timely and proper communication is vital. The tools and information provided below are available to help businesses stay prepared and access critical information

test

The annual hurricane season is once again upon us. With the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration’s prediction of a higher-than-average active season, now is the time for businesses to review their internal policies and make any necessary preparations should a storm impact your area.

By their very nature, disasters are unpredictable. But it is possible to prepare for and recover from such unforeseen events. During a crisis, information is a businesses’ most important tool and clear, timely client communications are our top priority. Jones Walker’s cross-disciplinary Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Client Team advises companies, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from unforeseen crises. We understand the myriad legal issues that arise when drafting, communicating, and implementing disaster-preparedness plans, and have extensive experience representing clients as they work through the aftermath of a major event.Continue Reading Natural Disaster Preparedness – Serving Clients Through Disasters

As they weather this year’s storm season, many businesses will experience property damage, often accompanied by business income losses. Most commercial general liability policies will provide business interruption coverage and extra expense insurance as an adjunct to property coverage. However, the complexity of a business interruption claim coupled with a pressing need for operating capital

The 2022 Hurricane Season begins June 1st and continues through November 30th. For those in the maritime industry, it is strongly encouraged to review your existing hurricane plan or develop a plan if one is not already in place. Having a plan in place not only helps companies to minimize risk, but it also gives

Piecing things back together following a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Ida, can be a time-consuming and stressful process for individuals and companies alike.

For those in the maritime industry, there are a number of unique factors to be mindful of when assessing the extent and scope of damage. Below are some helpful tips from Jones Walker’s maritime emergency and casualty response team for responding to an emergency:Continue Reading Best Practices when Responding to a Maritime Disaster

Continue Reading Tips for Preparing a Business Interruption Claim

Commercial enterprises doing business in Texas and surrounding states are beginning their recovery from recent power outages and associated water damage. Many face significant property losses, often accompanied by business income losses due to a complete cessation of business activities. Many business owners had the foresight to purchase business interruption insurance; however, the complexity of a business interruption claim, coupled with demands on operating capital, creates a difficult scenario for business owners. Jones Walker is ready to assist clients in navigating this process, and we offer the following “golden rules” to provide some guidance in the preparation of business interruption insurance claims.
Continue Reading Golden Rules for Preparing a Business Interruption Claim