Katrina deadline looms...

If you don't already know, the deadline for filing suit against your insurance company for damage caused by Hurricane Katrina is August 28, although it appears that there is some discrepancy and suit may be filed as late as August 30.

However, if you are insured by Louisiana Citizens you can take another route. They have extended their deadline for prescription until September 4. Here is how it works: You have until that date to set up a mediation in order to settle your claim. Your mediation does not have to be scheduled before the September 4 date. You have until September 4 to notify Citizens that you have scheduled a mediation in your case. Don't fret, though, if you do not settle your claim at the time of mediation you have 30 DAYS to get a lawyer and continue on the tired and true road to trial. If you go past that time, then you're SOL.

Likewise, State Farm will attempt to settle any Hurricane Katrina claims scheduled to be mediated after the deadline as long as they are calendared prior to August 28.

Mediation? Wtf? Basically, you can go to a couple of places around town (AAA, MAPS, ADR, etc) and they'll get you and the insurance adjuster in a room and try to settle the case by talking numbers, contents list, wind v. flood, etc. If you settle, sign a paper, you get x amount of days to back out, and the insurance company cuts you a check.

Not impressed? File suit. Not sure what to do? Call the Louisiana State Bar for some free legal advice at 1-800-310-7029. If they can't help you, they can atleast point you in the right direction.

See also: Lawyers rush to beat Katrina lawsuit deadline [CityBusiness]