Lawyers to Harvey victims: File insurance claims before law changes

AUSTIN — Even as Harvey's devastating deluge continues to inundate Texans' homes, lawyers are urging waterlogged homeowners to file insurance claims by Thursday to avoid losing out on important rights that lawmakers limited during the legislative session this year.

"It's a David vs. Goliath battle from the start," said Dallas lawyer Brian Lauten. "They have basically taken away David's slingshot."

Starting Sept. 1, House Bill 1774 becomes law in Texas, a measure that advocates for insurance companies say was designed to limit lawsuit abuses while preserving protections for homeowners. 

Lawyers and consumer advocates, however, say the new law will severely limit homeowners' ability to hold insurance companies accountable when they take months or years to pay for a claim, underpay or wrongfully deny legitimate claims. And they are exhorting Harvey's victims to preserve their rights under current law by filing claims before the new measure takes effect Friday.

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