When Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans, the destruction was overwhelming. The streets were silent except for the sound of loss. Homes were gutted. Lives were uprooted. Among the volunteers moving through the wreckage was a young Galen M. Hair. He wasn’t a lawyer yet, just a man helping families clear debris and offering whatever support he could. Those days left an imprint that shaped the course of his life.
He learned that people recover faster when someone stands beside them. That belief later became the foundation of Insurance Claim HQ, the law firm he would build years later to defend policyholders left stranded by the same systems meant to protect them. Founded on August 1, 2020, in Metairie, Louisiana.
Just weeks after the launch, Hurricane Laura hit. Galen and his team were inspecting homes by day and grilling food for displaced residents at night. Their presence made a significant impact on the victims of the disaster. That mix of skill and empathy has defined his firm’s story ever since.
Building Insurance Claim HQ With Purpose
Galen didn’t want to start another firm chasing profit. He wanted to change how property insurance law worked for ordinary people. From the beginning, his focus has been on standing with homeowners and businesses, helping them navigate the complexities of claims and recover what they are rightfully owed. That commitment to fairness and advocacy has become the foundation of Insurance Claim HQ.
The firm helps people fight back against underpaid and denied claims, covering hurricane, fire, flood, and property loss cases across multiple states. Under Galen’s leadership, the team has helped thousands of clients recover hundreds of millions in claims.
What sets the firm apart is its culture. Galen brought his entire team under one roof to strengthen collaboration and communication. He believes connection on the inside leads to better service on the outside. “We evaluate our company culture weekly, not quarterly,” he says. “Success is ultimately measured by happy clients.”
Leadership Defined by Steadiness
Galen leads without theatrics. His confidence is quiet, anchored in consistency. He doesn’t chase trends or headlines. He focuses on progress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when firms everywhere cut staff, he doubled down on purpose and culture. Recruiting was difficult, but he refused to lower the bar. He looked for people who understood the mission, and those who saw law as service, not just strategy.
That approach has earned him national recognition. Galen has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, a Top Lawyer by New Orleans Magazine, and a Pro Bono Publico Award recipient. He is also listed among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, honors that highlight both his skill in the courtroom and his compassion beyond it.
He often says the firm’s job goes beyond winning cases. It’s about restoring confidence to people who have been told “no” too many times. Insurance Claim HQ has become known for tackling complex, high-stakes claims others avoid. In a landmark case, First Assembly of God Church in Leesville, Louisiana, was initially left with delayed, minimized, and denied payments after Hurricane Laura. With Insurance Claim HQ’s advocacy, the church secured a $9.85 million verdict, including damages, statutory penalties, and attorneys’ fees, a decision upheld on appeal. For Galen, victories like that matter for what they rebuild – homes, dignity, and hope.
Beyond the Courtroom
Galen believes that true advocacy doesn’t start in litigation; it starts with education. He launched the Level Up Claims Podcast to demystify property insurance law for both professionals and homeowners. He also hosts an annual summit that trains attorneys and adjusters to handle claims with transparency and care. Through these efforts, he’s giving more people the knowledge to stand up for themselves long before they ever call a lawyer.
That same commitment extends into community relief. After Hurricanes Laura and Ida, Galen and his team delivered food and supplies to families who had lost everything. They didn’t wait for clients to come to them. They went where the need was.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to see 13 to 19 named storms and up to 5 major hurricanes. The forecast reinforces what Galen already knows: disasters are inevitable, but unfair recovery shouldn’t be. His firm prepares for those moments not just with legal tools, but with readiness to act.
“Navigating the complexities of insurance can be overwhelming,” Galen says. “But with the right guidance, claimants can level the playing field.” That balance of compassion and confidence has made him one of the most respected figures in property insurance law today.
The path from volunteer to national advocate hasn’t been defined by noise or flash. It’s been defined by quiet strength, relentless care, and a deep respect for those facing the hardest moments of their lives. As storms continue to test families across the country, Galen and his team remain grounded in the same mission that started it all: to rebuild lives, one claim at a time.
About Galen M. Hair
Galen M. Hair, Managing Partner at Insurance Claim HQ, is a nationally recognized property insurance attorney known for aggressively representing policyholders across the U.S. With thousands of families helped and a reputation for high-stakes litigation wins, he has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star and one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Learn how to protect your property from disaster at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.
Written in partnership with Tom White
