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THE BRASHER
BULLETIN
April/May 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
DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE What to Do If You Were Affected by the 2024 Derecho and Beryl Storms
I’ve had a lot of conversations lately that start the same way: “I’m not sure if I even have a case.” And almost every time, my response is the same: “It never hurts to ask, but it can absolutely hurt to wait.” It’s all too easy to let your window of opportunity slip away and suddenly be left without any options, even if you did have a potentially substantial claim on your hands. With the storms that hit back in 2024 (the derecho in May and Beryl in July), I know many people are still dealing with the aftermath in ways that aren’t always obvious at first. Maybe the roof held up “well enough.” Maybe the damage didn’t seem serious at the time. Or maybe you filed a claim, got a response you didn’t fully understand, and moved on because life got busy. That is completely normal. But here’s what I want you to know now: Time is not on your side anymore. In the legal world, we operate under something called the statute of limitations. In simple terms, it’s a deadline. If you don’t take action before that deadline passes, your ability to pursue a claim can disappear entirely, no matter how valid it might have been. For storm-related claims
What surprises people most is how often they do have a case when they didn’t think they did. I’ve seen it time and time again: Someone assumes the damage wasn’t significant enough, or that their insurance company handled things correctly, or that it’s just too late to do anything. Then we take a closer look, and suddenly it’s a completely different picture. More often than not, there’s something worth exploring. And here’s the important part: Reaching out doesn’t cost you anything. We offer free consultations, which means we can review your situation, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment without any financial commitment. If we do take your case, it’s on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover something for you. That also means we’re selective. If we move forward, it’s because we genuinely believe there’s something there worth pursuing. I’ve also spoken with people who didn’t take that step years ago and now wish they had. They’re dealing with repairs, out-of-pocket costs, or lingering issues and realizing too late that they might have had options. That’s a frustrating position to be in, and one I’d like to help people avoid if possible. So, if your home, property, or business was impacted by either of those storms, and you’ve been unsure about what to do, or if you assumed there was nothing you could do, consider this your nudge. Have the conversation now while you still can. Because once that window closes, it closes for good. –Nishi Kothari
like these, that window is often around two years. And as we approach this summer, many of those deadlines are getting very close. This is why I’m having more of these conversations now than ever. Not to alarm people, but to make sure no one misses an opportunity
because they didn’t realize they had one.
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Cheap and Clever Springtime Home Hacks COST-SAVVY CLEAN Whether you greet spring-cleaning with sheer delight or utter dread, it doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. While supermarket shelves are stocked with pricey products that will clean out your wallet as much as your clutter, there are simpler, less costly ways to make your home sparkle for the season. Here are a few surprising household cleaning hacks that will beautify your living space while being kind to your budget. GIVE YOUR SCRAPS A SECOND CHANCE. It’s often shocking how much we throw away without giving these items a helpful new purpose. You know all those used dryer sheets you toss away without a second thought? In addition to having a fresh scent, these frequently discarded pieces of cloth can work well as makeshift dusters for everything from your TV to your blinds. Speaking of blinds, don’t rush to throw out your next pair of worn- out socks. When dampened and slipped over your hands, they can remove dust and dirt from your slats as pristinely as most store- bought cleaners. ELIMINATE EVERYDAY ANNOYANCES. Now, let’s focus on two of the most frustrating cleaning chores imaginable: getting the mounds of dust and dirt off a ceiling fan and ridding your windows of those annoying streaks left by paper towels. For the first obstacle, you can find an unlikely solution in your bedroom. If you have a spent pillowcase that’s ready for the trash, use it instead to capture the crud on your fan! Put it over each blade and slowly wipe down the surface. The cloth will catch the dirt, and the space in the pillowcase will trap it, preventing it from spilling onto your floor. As for those streaked windows, life can be made simpler if you’re a coffee drinker. Why? Because unused filters are super-absorbent and can remove those lingering lines in a flash. With a bit of resourcefulness and creativity, your spring-cleaning routine can keep your home blissful without breaking the bank.
Prepare for the Storm, Then Prepare for the Insurance Battle After THE SMART HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO HURRICANE SEASON When hurricane season approaches, most people think about boarding up windows and stocking supplies. But in our work, we often meet homeowners not in the middle of the storm, but in the aftermath, when damage is done, claims are filed, and the reality of dealing with insurance companies sets in. The truth is, what you do before a storm Many homeowners believe their insurance will cover any storm- related damage. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Certain types of losses, particularly those involving flooding, often require separate coverage. That’s why it’s critical to review your policy carefully and ask questions before a storm is on the radar. Understanding what’s included (and what isn’t) can be the difference between a smooth recovery and a costly surprise. CREATE A RECORD BEFORE IT’S NEEDED. One of the most powerful tools in any insurance claim is documentation. Before severe weather arrives, take time to photograph and record your home and belongings. It may feel unnecessary in the moment, but if you need to file a claim, that record becomes invaluable. REDUCE RISK WHERE YOU CAN. While no one can control the weather, you can take steps to limit potential damage. Clearing or tying down outdoor hazards, reinforcing vulnerable areas, and preparing your home ahead of time can help protect both your property and your claim. Insurance companies often look closely at whether reasonable precautions were taken. WHEN THE STORM PASSES, THE PROCESS BEGINS. Once it’s safe to return, act quickly. Document everything, report the damage, and keep records of every interaction. If the insurance company’s response doesn’t match the reality of your loss, trust your instincts. You are not required to accept an unfair outcome. Many initial offers fall short, and politely but firmly pushing back can make a difference. can shape what happens long after it’s over. DON’T ASSUME YOU HAVE COVERAGE. If you find yourself hitting roadblocks, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our experienced team can step in, evaluate your situation, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Storms are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be.
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A LONG FIGHT ENDS IN A HARD-EARNED VICTORY Faith and Persistence Lead to Orange County Church Finally Finding Justice
A small church in Orange, Texas, was finally paid for its Hurricane Laura insurance claim more than 4 years after the fact. The church was hit hard by the hurricane. It sustained severe damage to its roofing system, causing water to enter throughout the interior. Multiple ceilings collapsed. The sign outside was completely destroyed. Within days, the church had retained a roofer to tarp the roof and protect the property. Then they presented their claim to the insurer. Notwithstanding the clear damage to the church, both on the outside and the inside, the insurance company dragged its feet in paying the church for its losses. The first insurance adjuster recommended that the church be paid $77,699.67. But the insurance company didn’t even follow the advice of the adjuster it hired. Instead, the insurance company waited months and made a smaller payment to the church. The church made do with what they received, but were forced to use their own funds to make repairs. They scraped together the money for a new roof, and for the last few years, held services in the building’s small kitchen. Then they hired the Brasher Law Firm to get what they were owed on this claim.
Brasher Law Firm hired a team of experts to support the church’s claims, including meteorologists, engineers, claims handling experts, and independent estimators. Even in litigation, the insurance company delayed the case as much as it could.
In fact, the insurance company fought Brasher Law Firm and the church all the way through an appeal, just to delay the case and continue the trial setting. After multiple depositions, motion practice, and an exhaustive review of every document produced (about 1,500 pages of discovery documents), through the efforts of the Brasher Law Firm, the church is finally receiving the money it deserved. Because of the insurance company’s aggressive litigation tactics, the Brasher Law Firm spent more than 475 hours pursuing the church’s claims!
In the end, Brasher Law Firm obtained a favorable six-figure settlement for the church, allowing it to complete all storm-related repairs and pay its attorneys’ fees and expenses in full.
BREAK TAKE A
No-Bake Lemon Eclair Cake
Ingredients • 1 box graham crackers, crushed • 2 (3.4-oz) boxes instant lemon pudding • 3 1/2 cups milk • 1 (8-oz) container frozen whipped
topping, thawed • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 cup lemon juice • Zest of 1 lemon
Directions 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and milk. 2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken. 3. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest. 5. Add the lemon mixture to the pudding mixture, stirring until combined. 6. Layer graham crackers on the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish. 7. Spread half the lemon pudding mixture over the graham crackers. 8. Repeat steps with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. 9. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Solution
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1122 Orleans St. Beaumont, TX, 77701 (409) 832-3737 brasherattorney.com
1. Derecho & Beryl Claims May Soon Be Off the Table ISSUE IN THIS
2.
Fresh Spaces. Spotless Savings
Weather the Storm and the Claim Process That Follows Fair Compensation for Orange County Church
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No-Bake Lemon Eclair Cake
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An Entertaining Way to Get Outside
TAKE GAME NIGHT OUTDOORS
Backyard Fun Made Easy
If your backyard could talk, it would probably say, “Use me more.” An outdoor game night is a fun way to do just that. It’s easy to prep, and you don’t need a huge space or a Pinterest-perfect setup. You just need a loose plan and a few games that everyone will enjoy. Start by thinking about the people before the games. For an all-adult crowd, you might want more competitive activities. If kids are in the mix, consider options that let them run around without wiping out your flower beds. Around 2–4 games is ideal, and the best mix is a combo of active, competitive, and casual options. Cornhole and ladder toss are great because you can explain the rules in under a minute and rotate players in and out. BucketBall and yard pong are also fun and easy to learn.
chairs nearby where people can sit and snack when they’re not playing. Keep your “quiet” table in a corner near the food and drinks, and arrange things so people can drift between areas without crossing live throwing zones. Some simple lighting (think string lights, stake lights, and lanterns) will keep the fun going after sundown, and a Bluetooth speaker with a shared playlist keeps everything lively. Food and drinks can also stay simple. A spread of easy-to-grab finger foods and a cooler with ice, water, and a couple of drink options keep you from running in and out of the kitchen. You can add special touches like a selfie station or prizes for the winners, but the goal is to do something different and fun without stressing about the planning. If people leave with some grass in their shoes and a good story, you did game night right.
Higher-energy options like Spikeball or capture the flag are perfect for a more active crowd. For something a little quieter, set up a table with a Jenga stack, cards, or a dice game that people can play while chatting. Once you have games in mind, think about the layout. Pick a main “anchor” spot, and put your most social game there. Set up a couple of
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