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THE BRASHER
BULLETIN
April/May 2025
Beaumont Office (Main Office) 1122 Orleans St. Beaumont, TX 77701 (409) 832-3737 New Orleans Office 1555 Poydras Street Suite 1600 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 527-8291 Lake Charles Office 2201 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 284-9998 Houston Office 3555 Timmons Lane Suite 1130 Houston, TX 77027 (713) 714-5014 Dallas Office 6160 Warren Parkway Suite 100 Frisco, TX 75034 (972) 928-0517
ONE YEAR AFTER THE STORMS Did Your Insurance Company Hold Up Its End of the Deal?
We are nearing the one-year anniversary of when a derecho struck Houston and surrounding areas. From the evening of May 16, 2024, through the next day, the storms brought winds of up to 100 mph along with four tornadoes to the Houston area. Seven people were killed. While we are accustomed to named tropical storms and hurricanes, it does beg the question: What is a derecho? A derecho is a long-lived windstorm that runs in a straight line — a line of rapidly moving thunderstorms. The event is dubbed a “derecho” because the storms typically run in a straight line. “ Derecho ” in Spanish means “straight ahead.” The Houston Derecho brought the most severe winds to
purchase insurance policies to protect their property investments, like homes, businesses, and churches damaged in events like these. But recovering money from insurance companies is often more complicated than it should be. So, on the anniversary of these events, if you are still awaiting fair compensation, you may ask yourself, why? Here are four indicators that your insurance company has not treated you fairly or what we in the legal field refer to as bad faith. INDICATORS THAT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN UNFAIR TO YOU 1. If the amount of money offered
generic exclusions that may be applicable in certain cases but are used too routinely by insurance companies to avoid paying claims. If your insurance company makes unreasonable requests for information and uses that as an excuse to delay or avoid payment, you should talk to an attorney. We have seen insurers ask (and receive) the same information over and over again and then blame the policyholder for its delay or denial of payment.
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These are just a few things that could mean your insurance company has been unfair to you. Insurance companies have deadlines, both under the law and in your contract, to pay for covered damage in a timely manner. The standard for them to pay for damage is if it is reasonably clear the storm damaged the property. In many cases, we have seen insurance companies apply a higher standard of proof before paying for covered damage. If you have questions, we review claims for free. We generally want to see (1) your policy, (2) any claim correspondence with the insurance company, (3) any estimates of damage, and (4) photos of damage.
to pay for the damage is not enough to fix your property, that is the first indicator your insurance company is being unreasonable. The bigger the difference, the more the insurance company’s conduct needs to be scrutinized. If your insurance claim, or any part of it, has been denied, you need to examine the policy you purchased and compare it to the reason for the denial. If it doesn’t make sense, you should talk to an attorney. If your insurance company is avoiding paying your claim and has based the underpayment or denial on vague exclusions like “wear and tear” or that the property’s roof was installed incorrectly, you should consult with an attorney. These are
Houston in over 25 years. Less than two months later,
Hurricane Beryl struck Houston . Hurricane Beryl was one of the earliest category five
hurricanes to form in the Atlantic. After making landfall over the Yucatan Peninsula, Beryl reorganized and restrengthened before making landfall in Texas. The storm brought widespread flooding and wind damage to Houston and the surrounding areas. Both of these events caused millions of dollars in damage to property. People
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Please contact our office if you have any questions. –Clint Brasher
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Treat Mom to a Magical Morning We should all show appreciation for the moms in our lives year-round, but Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do something extra special. For many busy moms, a relaxing, stress-free breakfast in bed is the ultimate treat. But Mother’s Day breakfast doesn’t have to be an over-the-top display or super complicated to prepare. A little planning, a few thoughtful details, and helping hands make all the difference. START WITH A MENU SHE’LL LOVE. Mother’s Day breakfast in bed should be simple but meaningful. Breakfast go-tos like pancakes and French toast are delicious and easy to make, and you can add a parfait or fresh fruit and a cup of freshly squeezed juice for a special touch. If she loves eggs and toast, go in that direction. Preparing Mom’s favorite dish or incorporating ingredients that remind her of a family tradition can take the meal to the next level. PRESENT IT BEAUTIFULLY. You can elevate even a simple breakfast with a few thoughtful additions. Ditch the disposables and use real plates, silverware, and linen napkins. Deliver the breakfast with care on a lovely tray accompanied by a small vase of flowers. Keep everything organized neatly, and include a handwritten card or note to add a heartfelt message to the meal. MAKE IT A TEAM EFFORT. Get the whole family involved — minus Mom, of course! Even young kids can pitch in by spreading butter, arranging fruit, or folding napkins. Older kids can help out more with the actual cooking. To make Mother’s Day morning stress-free for everyone, do prep work the night before. Chop fruit, prepare the coffeemaker, and premix the pancake batter. And don’t forget the cleanup. Working as a team to wash dishes and put things away will ensure a dirty kitchen doesn’t ruin Mom’s special day when she gets up. Remember, you don’t have to prepare the perfect meal to make Mother’s Day memorable. It’s all about showing your love and appreciation. The holiday is an opportunity to bring the entire family together to create a special moment for the most important woman in your life. THE ULTIMATE MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST PLAN
Our Latest Lawsuits Over Elevator Injury and Bad Faith Insurance At Brasher Law Firm, we remain committed to standing up for those who’ve been wronged — whether by a negligent property owner or an insurance company acting in bad faith. Two of our latest filings shed light on the physical and financial harm our clients have endured and the steps we’re taking to help them find justice. WHEN SYSTEMS FAIL AND CLAIMS GET DENIED, WE STEP IN In one recently filed case, Coleen James v. Baten Arms Apartments , Ms. James suffered serious injuries after an elevator at her apartment complex failed to function safely. According to witnesses, the elevator doors repeatedly closed on her despite her attempts to exit, trapping and injuring her. Even more alarming, those same witnesses reported prior issues with that same elevator — meaning the problem was not new and may have been preventable. This lawsuit, filed in Jefferson County, Texas, will hold the apartment complex accountable for its failure to ensure basic safety and respond to the safety concerns of its tenants. In another case, Dustin Lowe took legal action after his insurance company denied and underpaid his windstorm damage claim. Despite clear damage to his roof, the insurer’s adjuster applied an exclusion that, shockingly, was not even part of Mr. Lowe’s policy. The case, initially filed in Hardin County, has been removed to federal court by the insurance company. Mr. Lowe’s experience is a frustrating example of how some insurers can manipulate the claims process, using false pretexts to avoid paying what policyholders are rightly owed. These cases highlight two core areas where Brasher Law Firm advocates: personal injury due to negligence and bad faith insurance practices. Whether the harm is physical or financial, our team is dedicated to revealing the truth and helping our clients rebuild their lives. If you believe you’ve been unfairly treated or injured due to someone else’s carelessness, we are here to help you find the justice you deserve.
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OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST!
“I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Brasher, Christina, and Cathy! I wouldn’t have received a long overdue insurance reimbursement payment for weather- related damages to my house without their involvement. My coverage was about to run out, and selling the house for a significant discount was fast becoming a real possibility. Not only have I remained in place(!), but the Brasher Firm went the extra mile at minimal financial gain for themselves. They kept up the fight and recovered additional money for necessary repairs beyond a new roof.” — Rick M. “All of the attorneys and staff at Brasher Law Firm are very personable and caring of all of your needs. I’m very grateful to have had them on my side. Would definitely recommend them!” — Joyce E.
“The Brasher Law Firm was there for us in our time of need! The staff was wonderful! And our attorney Mr. Joe was great! They all put in a lot of hard work in our case; without them, we would have never collected any money to repair our home! Thank you again, Dave and Letty.” — Leticia A. “We called Brasher Law Firm after a tornado severely damaged our home, and our insurance company was refusing to pay. Within a couple of days, we signed the papers, and Ms. Nishi Kothari got started on our case. She is a very knowledgeable attorney and such a pleasant person to interact with. She explained the entire process in detail and updated us during every step along the way. We never felt like we were in the dark, and when we did have questions or concerns, she took the time to take our calls. “Before we hired Brasher Law Firm, we had accepted that we would have to pay out-of-pocket for the damages, but thanks to their help, the insurance company paid us out and allowed us to make all the necessary repairs to our home. Thank you so much, Brasher Law Firm, and thank you, Nishi!” — Ammar A.
BREAK TAKE A
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Inspired by TheKitchn.com
With tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a velvety egg-based sauce, this is a rich, satisfying take on classic carbonara — and it comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz) • Salt and pepper
• 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs
Directions 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
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1122 Orleans St. Beaumont, TX, 77701 (409) 832-3737 brasherattorney.com
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Still Waiting on Insurance After Last Year’s Derecho and Hurricane Beryl? Mother’s Day Breakfast Ideas to Wow Mom Brasher Law’s Latest Lawsuits: Standing Up for What’s Right What Our Clients Have to Say About the Brasher Law Firm Creamy Chicken Carbonara Europe’s Hidden Paradise: The Hawaii of the Atlantic
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A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME
Escape to the Azores
If a trek through timeless volcanic landscapes dotted with crater lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs, plus access to awe-inspiring marine life sounds inviting, the Azores may be the vacation spot for you! The Azores are an increasingly popular tourist destination, often called “the Hawaii of Europe” for their remote mid-ocean location and volcanic origins. The archipelago
encompasses nine major islands 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal and is one of the best whale-watching sites in the world. Visitors should plan their trip from the end of April to the beginning of May to view larger migratory species, such as the blue whale. The rocky shorelines of the Azores ascend as high as 7,713 feet atop the Ponta de Pico on the island of Pico. The islands’ untamed beauty offers plenty of outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking. The climate is subtropical, with year-round temperatures ranging from 57 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Religious festivals and traditional holidays abound on these predominantly Roman Catholic islands, an autonomous region of Portugal. Beyond that, however, the islands’ culture, dialect, and cuisine vary widely. The largest island, São Miguel, is home to numerous hot springs and Europe’s only two tea plantations. An emblematic nature
area, Sete Cidades, includes the famed Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon) and Lagoa Verde (green lagoon). Numerous healing hot springs in Furnas offer opportunities for wellness and relaxation seekers. Ilheu de Vila Franca, a flooded crater islet accessible from the southern shore of São Miguel, offers exceptional visibility of unique marine life, plus snorkeling, swimming, and cliff diving. Wine lovers will enjoy the island of Pico, where vintners produce the islands’ complex volcanic wines. The Azores Wine Company offers tastings, tours, and overnight stays. The island of Santa Maria has the only white-sand beaches in the region. And Faial Island’s bountiful hydrangea gardens have earned it the nickname “The Blue Island.” Foodies will also enjoy famous local foods, including octopus stewed in wine, kale soup, fried mackerel, and fresh yogurt and cheeses. Taken together, the Azores have something to delight any traveler.
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