DISASTER RECOVERY

Enduring any disaster can be overwhelming. Whether caused by hurricane, fire, flood, or tornado our firm can help you successfully navigate your recovery by guiding you through the claims and project management process. Our experienced attorneys take what can be confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming, and provide you with the strategy, techniques, and resources to achieve a successful outcome. From optimizing recovery dollars through available insurance to decreasing operational downtime and minimizing losses through effective project management, we help our clients achieve their recovery goals.

The firm is uniquely suited to assist clients navigate through the complex web of state laws and federal regulations applicable to disaster recovery projects utilizing multiple funding and grant resources.

Our firm’s services include, but are not limited to, reviews and assistance with applicable insurance policies, governmental assistance programs, the preparation, development, and assistance with procurement policies and procedures, bidding documents, requests for proposals, construction agreements, change orders, government relations, alternative financing arrangements, and counsel on operational and management issues. These services are strategically designed to assist clients stabilize and resume operations in a timely and cost-effective manner. Particularly, with respect to FEMA, our services include (i) oversight and management of the FEMA request for public assistance process, (ii) development of preliminary damage inventories, (iii) evaluation of prior assistance awards and insurance requirements, (iv) preliminary damage assessments, (v) coordination of proper means and methods to capture loss-related costs and expenses, (vi) eligibility advice, (vii) preparation of project worksheets including debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent repair and replacement work, (viii) management of compliance between insurance and FEMA guidelines, and (ix)final inspection and audit close-out.

Partners in the firm have unique skills and experience relating to helping with disaster recovery. Below is a summary of the myriad ways we are uniquely suited to helping in this area of the law.

CHRIS LEMIEUX

Chris has practical operational experience where he served as general counsel and an executive committee member for a regional design builder. During his twenty year career, Chris has represented contractors, architects, engineers, private and public owners, sureties, insurers and subcontractors in litigation, arbitration, claims, disputes and negotiations and drafting of construction contracts for a variety of federal, private and public projects, including design build, integrated project delivery, multifamily, schools, military, stadiums, manufacturing facilities, historic renovations, parking garages, jails, warehouses, car dealerships, condominiums, roads, bridges, drainage, plants, senior living, environmental, chemical plants, waste treatment facilities, pumping stations, oil terminals, marine, P3, FEMA funded, mixed residential use facilities and residential. In addition, he has represented employers in a wide variety of employment matters including employment training, wage and hour, ADA, FMLA, and Title VII. Chris regularly lectures on construction and employment law.

MICHAEL R. C. RIESS

Throughout Michael’s thirty-five year career has represented domestic and international corporate and individual clients in a wide range of complex commercial litigation matters and business transactions. Michael continues to fiercely represent his diverse mix of local, regional and national clients with their legal needs in cases involving construction litigation, public bid protests, contract disputes, maritime incidents, charter party disputes, insurance and indemnity law questions, sales, transactions, foreclosure, restructuring and litigating troubled loans for both creditors and debtors. Michael has, in particular, represented several maritime claims where barges have come loose from their moorings due to storms or other related events.

BRIAN GRUBB

For over 15 years, Brian’s practice has been primarily focused on disaster recovery efforts across the Gulf coast. He has personally overseen all aspects of disaster recovery and the rebuilding of multiple healthcare facilities fully financed with state and federal grants and/or government insured loans, has coordinated and acted as a client liaison in project planning, monitoring, management, procurement, reimbursement, compliance, and close-out audits for clients with governmental agencies (GOHSEP, CDBG, FEMA, USDA, HUD, State Capital Outlay) and lenders.

JONATHAN FORESTER

Jonathan represents contractors, owners, insurers, self-insureds and subcontractors in complex property damage and injury claims. He has represented clients in claims relating to commercial buildings, highways, bridges, theaters, airports and various other construction sites relating to contractual breaches, delay and disruption damages and construction defects including moisture intrusion, roof damage, structural defects, construction vibration damage, and fire or explosions, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes.

JOHANNA ELIZABETH LAMBERT

Liz represents contractors, owners, insurers, self-insureds and subcontractors in personal injury and complex property damage claims. Liz has represented clients in claims relating to commercial buildings, highways, bridges, and various other construction sites relating to contractual breaches, delay damages and construction defects including moisture intrusion, roof damage, structural defects, and construction vibration damage. Before joining the firm, Liz served as a Senior Assistant Parish Attorney for Jefferson Parish and is well-versed in administrative issues from a governmental perspective relating to storms.

Our unmatched practical experience with governmental programs, insurance, the claim process, and other resources make our firm an invaluable addition to any emergency response situation. We are your trusted advocates, working to help expedite and maximize your recovery.