Colonna Law Firm, LLC

01/26/2025

Free legal advice: Don't do this.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/168y7EtjM1/

09/06/2024

We will be closed tomorrow due to implosion.

10/04/2023

If by chance you get a call from my firm number saying they're from Entergy and about to cut off your power, my number is being spoofed. I'm having to file things with the FCC and my phone provider. I hope this doesn't lead to forcing me to change my number.

06/22/2023

Good boy.

12/22/2022

Whether the criminal defense or family law portions of this meme apply to you, please remember that Colonna Law Firm handles both areas.

And Merry Christmas to all of you (I reserve my right to edit this portion if I find a better Christmas -law meme)

09/30/2022

Some days you just don't mind walking to the clerk's office.

06/30/2022

Be careful not to hire an attorney who is more concerned with style over substance .

12/17/2021

Free legal advice for everyone this holiday season: Don't do this:

https://www.kplctv.com/2021/12/17/mall-la-santa-photo-lands-one-man-jail/?fbclid=IwAR2uFGHf25vL4u-o2ktISWyUeDWYfR0Ai4_ctPSu_lnhD4BWrN1iDPMtIys

One man could be spending the holidays in jail after his photo with Santa inside the Mall of Louisiana.

03/16/2021

"You can trust us to get you the law outcome you desire."

They'll get it done.

09/04/2020

As I was leaving Lake Charles yesterday, I noticed an out of town firm with a "mobile claim center" set up in downtown (in the parking lot by Ryan/Broad). Just like with out of town "storm chaser" contractors, beware of out of town "storm chaser" law firms. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU SIGN. It is very likely they are "helping people file claims" and will charge you (possibly up to 1/3 of your claim) for this service. You ONLY need to hire an attorney if your claim is DENIED or if your claim is for less than the value that you believe is proper. You don't need an attorney to FILE your claim. This may just decrease what money you see at the end of the day on top of the large deductibles people are finding. Remember that local attorneys (and contractors) have been affected like you and will understand the plights of Hurricane Laura. These are the people who will help us all rebuild after Laura and will be here after that rebuilding is done. These "storm chasers" won't be here even during the rebuilding.

09/04/2020

Handy reference guide for Hurricane Laura resources in Calcasieu Parish

09/02/2020

I just wanted to give some general legal advice about dealing with insurance companies and other issues after a disaster like Laura.

1. Take pictures. If you didn't take pictures before the storm, try to find pictures you previously took that may show items or your home that is damaged. Documentation is very important for these claims, especially if your house isn't brand new.

2. Expect that your claims will be denied. Do not go into the process expecting anything to be approved. This is why documenting everything is so important. Your mindset in how you build your case now is important because if you assume you will have no problems, you won't be ready for a denial.

3. Document your losses. If you forgot to save a receipt, you need to make hand-written notes. You need to document who helped you before insurance did and what they did. You need to document as much as you can, now, because you will not be able to remember this in 12-18 months if you are in a lawsuit after a claim is denied. A little work and due diligence now will save you a lot of heartbreak in the future.

4.I know that flood damage wasn't the primary issue but some people in this group may have suffered flood damage. This is likely administered by a separate federal program from your normal homeowner's insurance. This program has VERY SPECIFIC rules on filing claims. I worked on many Rita flood claims as a young lawyer that were ultimately denied due to failure to follow the procedures exactly. You need to look up NFIP claim filing, especially Proof of Loss requirements.

5. If you hire a contractor, get their full information. If they're not a big operation, get a picture of their license and try to look up their credentials. If you are ripped off, you can pursue civil remedies and file police reports but if you don't know who they are, nothing can really be done.

6. Just like with contractors, if you have to hire an attorney, don't hire the first person who you see advertising. If you don't know an attorney, speak with family or friends who may have dealt with attorneys in the past. Just because an attorney is well known for divorce or criminal doesn't mean he/she will have experience dealing with insurance companies.

7. Be sure if you have the ability to donate, you make sure you are not donating to a scam. There are a bunch of great, local groups working to help out others. Like with contractors, try to keep it as local as possible.

8. Don't listen to all rumors going around. The reason I am making this post is because of the rumors of Lowes' price gouging people (that is untrue and involved someone using a price for a shop vac to allegedly show the price for gas cans). If this got so viral so quickly, I can only imagine of the other false rumors flying around the internet.