Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
THE BRASHER
BULLETIN
February/March 2026
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
THE CASE WAS BUILT BEFORE THE DEMAND WAS SENT When Insurance Companies Rush to Deny, We Slow Things Down — and Win After a major storm, I usually get the call at the same moment hope is Speed isn’t bad, but rushing to deny without fully accounting for the
Just a pastor who could focus on rebuilding instead of fighting, and a resolution that reflected the real loss. For me, that’s the goal. Not to file a suit for the sake of filing suit, but to apply pressure intelligently and ethically, so insurers do what they should have done in the first place. I take a lot of pride in cases like this. Not because of the dollar amount, but because it shows what happens when lawyers don’t sit on files, don’t rush half-baked demands, and don’t turn advocacy into theater. We’re also intentional about reducing fees in prelitigation resolutions because the point isn’t to win a process but to help the client recover in every sense of the word. Storm claims are emotional. They hit homes, churches, businesses, and places that matter. When insurers fail to act in good faith after disasters, that failure compounds the damage. My job is to cut through that, stay grounded in the facts, and push for results that make sense. When all of that comes together, it’s a reminder of why I do this work in the first place. –Clint Brasher
starting to fade. I’ve been practicing bad-faith insurance law long enough to recognize the pattern. Files get closed before the facts are developed, weather data is brushed aside, damage is minimized, and policyholders are left wondering how a policy they paid into for years suddenly feels useless when they need it most. In 2025, we took on a claim that perfectly captured this problem. The gap between what the insurer paid and the actual loss was in the millions. The carrier paid zero. Not “low.” Not “partial.” Zero. And this wasn’t a questionable claim. This was a large property loss tied to a well-documented derecho in Houston, with recorded wind speeds of 100 mph at the property.
evidence usually signals a problem. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that bad-faith cases are rarely won by bluster. They’re won by preparation. I always look for exaggerated claims on the insured’s side, because credibility matters. If the numbers don’t hold up, the case doesn’t either. Here, the documentation we had was strong, and the numbers added up, but we still felt the claim needed one more layer of objective support before we pushed forward. So, we slowed down just enough to do it right. We brought in Forensic Building Sciences, an engineering firm we trust to independently evaluate the damage. We waited. We gathered the facts. We made sure the claim was airtight. Only then did we formally put the insurer on notice. That decision changed everything. Once the insurer saw that this wasn’t a claim built on assumptions, but on facts, engineering analysis, and clear policy obligations, the tone shifted. Before any lawsuit was filed, they asked us to hold off so the case could go to mediation to resolve it. Two months later, it settled for seven figures. No drawn-out litigation or years spent back and forth in court.
When my team and I reviewed the file, a few things jumped out immediately. First, liability was reasonably clear. Second, the denial came fast (within about a month), based on a version of the weather facts that simply didn’t align with reality. That kind of timeline always raises red flags for me.
(409) 832-3737 || 1
Ways to Stay Connected Through Their Teenage Years Many grandparents know the feeling all too well: Grandchildren who used to love spending time with you now seem distant, grown up, or too busy for family time. It’s normal for this special relationship to drift a bit when children become teenagers and start to explore their independence. This is not the end of your bond; it’s just a break that comes with the territory of teenagers. The good news is that there are ways to stay engaged and enjoy time together with your older grandkids. STEP INTO THEIR WORLD. Your grandchildren have not outgrown you; they’re simply maturing in their hobbies and pastimes. One of the best ways to stay connected with them is to explore their new interests. Find out what they love to do and start learning more about it. If your granddaughter is a budding artist, consider taking her to an art gallery or signing up for a pottery class together. Read up on your grandchild’s favorite sports team or watch their favorite movie so you can have great discussions together. SHARE YOUR WISDOM WISELY. Your grandchild’s teenage years can be a confusing time as they take their first true steps toward adulthood. You have important wisdom, advice, and guidance you can share with them, but only if you do it at the right time. Be the person they can call when they just need someone to listen. As they share what’s going on in their lives, ask them questions and wait until they ask you what you think before you start to guide them. MAKE MOMENTS THAT MATTER. You don’t have to spend the whole day with your grandchildren to make meaningful memories. Teens are always on the go with after- school activities, hobbies, and time with their friends. Aim to spend at least a few hours with them every few weeks or once a month, and ensure it’s something they genuinely want to do. Attend their events, whether a basketball game, school play, or concert. It can be difficult watching our grandchildren grow up, but remember, you are still an important part of their world. Walk with them through these teenage years, and the memories will last a lifetime. WHEN GRANDKIDS GROW UP
Why Some Insurance Companies Win by Making You Wait STUCK IN CLAIM LIMBO? In this edition’s cover, our attorney Clint highlighted a case in which an insurance company slammed the door shut far too quickly, denying a claim before the facts could speak for themselves. But there’s another version of bad faith that causes just as much damage. Instead of moving too fast, some insurers slow everything down. They drag out inspections and let weeks or months pass without real answers. Repairs stay on hold, bills pile up, and policyholders are left in limbo, wondering if waiting is just part of the process. So, how long is too long to wait on an insurance claim? And when does a delay cross the line from inconvenient to unlawful? REASONABLE TIMELINES (AND WHEN THEY BECOME A PROBLEM). Insurance companies aren’t allowed to sit on claims indefinitely. State laws require them to investigate, make decisions, and issue payments within defined timeframes. What’s considered “prompt” depends on the state, the type of claim, and its complexity, but delays still have limits. In Texas , insurers generally must acknowledge and decide on a claim within 15 days after receiving the required documentation. If more investigation is needed, that window can be extended to 60 days , and after major disasters, timelines are adjusted. When insurers miss these deadlines, Texas law allows for serious financial consequences, including interest penalties and responsibility for attorney’s fees. Louisiana also sets clear expectations. Insurers must issue payment within 30 days once they have what they need, with additional time allowed for catastrophic residential losses (up to 60 days) . If payment is delayed without a valid reason, the penalties can be significant. SIGNS YOUR CLAIM MAY BE STALLING. One red flag is silence. If calls and emails go unanswered or updates are vague and inconsistent, that’s often a sign the claim isn’t being handled with urgency. Insurers are expected to communicate clearly about what’s happening. Another warning sign is repeated inspections without clear explanations. While inspections are normal, scheduling multiple visits can signal unnecessary delay or an effort to minimize the payout. For many property owners, waiting more than a month without meaningful progress is cause for concern. WHAT CAN YOU DO IF THE CLOCK KEEPS TICKING? You have the right to legal guidance. Our team at Brasher Law Firm can step in, enforce the timelines your policy and state law require, and push the claim toward resolution. Sometimes, the simple act of having counsel involved is enough to ensure you’re treated fairly.
2 || brasherattorney.com
THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Often Leads to Higher Compensation
If you’ve been injured, one of the first questions that probably crossed your mind was whether hiring a lawyer is really worth it. Here’s a statistic that tends to stop people in their tracks: Multiple industry studies show that injured individuals who hire a lawyer recover up to 3.5 times more compensation than those who handle their claims on their own. And that’s not before fees; that’s after attorney fees are taken into account. In other words, trying to save money by skipping legal help often costs people far more than they realize. THE NUMBERS TELL A CLEAR STORY. Research from the Insurance Research Council has consistently found that the vast majority of insurance payouts for bodily injury claims go to people who have legal representation. Similar studies have shown that claimants with lawyers are significantly more likely to receive a settlement, and those settlements are substantially higher. Why? Because the system isn’t designed for injured people to navigate alone. EXPERIENCE AFFECTS THE OUTCOME. Insurance companies deal with injury claims every single day. Most people deal with one in their lifetime. A personal injury
attorney knows how insurers evaluate claims, where they push back, and how they quietly reduce payouts when they think someone doesn’t know better. STRATEGY MAKES A MAJOR DIFFERENCE. Injury claims aren’t just about what happened but also about how the case is framed, documented, and negotiated. An attorney evaluates the strengths and risks early, anticipates the insurance company’s arguments, and builds a strategy around facts, timing, and leverage. Without that strategy, many people accept early offers that feel like relief in the moment but fall far short of what their claim is actually worth. THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS. Deadlines, recorded statements, paperwork, and settlement language all matter. One mistake can limit your options or permanently reduce compensation. Attorneys are trained to manage these details and know when an insurer is delaying, undervaluing, or pressuring a claimant. WE OFFER NOT JUST LEGAL HELP, BUT PEACE OF MIND. An injury can turn your life upside down. Having a lawyer means you’re not facing the process alone. You have someone answering questions, handling negotiations, and carrying the legal burden so you can focus on healing and moving forward. The data makes one thing clear: Legal representation can make or break your case.
Spinach Artichoke Pizza Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.com
BREAK TAKE A
Ingredients • 1 loaf frozen bread dough • 2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped • Several handfuls of fresh spinach • Pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
Solution
(409) 832-3737 || 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1122 Orleans St. Beaumont, TX, 77701 (409) 832-3737 brasherattorney.com
ISSUE IN THIS
1.
Why Facts Beat Fast Denials Every Time Find Their Fun Without Forcing It How Long Is Too Long to Wait in an Insurance Claim? Why Injury Victims With Lawyers Recover More Spinach Artichoke Pizza Pack Like a Pro and Say Goodbye to Suitcase Overload
2.
3.
4.
YOUR CARRY-ON, UPGRADED A Guide to Mastering the Minimalist Travel Mindset
We’ve all been there: juggling bags, hunting for space in overhead compartments, and wishing we had packed lighter. But with these five simple strategies, you can pack less, move faster, and enjoy your adventure instead of dragging it around. CHOOSE A SMALLER BAG TO GUIDE YOUR PACKING. We all have that impulse to pack “just in case,” stuffing extra clothes and gadgets into our luggage because, well, there’s room. But here’s the trick: Pick a smaller bag than usual. A carry-on around 10 liters smaller than what you usually use acts as a gentle nudge, forcing you to rethink what you need. BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR TRAVEL. Clothes are where overpacking really sneaks in. Instead of thinking in terms of outfits,
think in terms of items. Build a travel capsule wardrobe of 10–12 mix-and-match pieces, including shoes and jackets. These can cover a week or more. Don’t stress about underwear; pack what you need outside the capsule. The goal is simplicity, flexibility, and style without the suitcase overload. MAXIMIZE SPACE WITH COMPRESSION CUBES. Packing cubes might not reduce the amount you bring, but they sure make it fit better. Compression cubes help you organize and compact your clothing, allowing even a modest bag to hold everything neatly. KEEP TOILETRIES TINY AND SIMPLE. Skip the half-bottle of shampoo and overstuffed toiletry bag. Travel-size containers for shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and a
few first-aid essentials are all you need. Bonus: Running out of toothpaste gives you a perfect excuse to explore a local grocery store. You might even discover a quirky, new favorite. THINK SHORT, EVEN ON LONG TRIPS. Longer travel doesn’t mean more packing. Essentials, such as your passport, phone, chargers, a water bottle, a comb, and a travel pillow, remain constant. Clothing? Keep it minimal and plan to do laundry. Sink-washing, hotel services, or local laundromats all work. A few spins in water and a quick hang to dry is surprisingly effective. Travel lighter, explore further, and enjoy the freedom that comes from packing smart. Less baggage means more adventure, and a little extra space for souvenirs.
4 || brasherattorney.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator