KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, LouisianaFree Legal Assistance Available to Louisiana Hurricane Victims

Free Legal Assistance Available to Louisiana Hurricane Victims

From the FEMA Office:

NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana residents affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike can now request free legal assistance through a toll-free number operated by the Louisiana Civil Justice Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

Residents who have legal issues arising from one or both of the storms, but lack the resources to secure adequate legal services, may request help Mon. through Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fri. from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. by calling 1-800-310-7029. Free Spanish translation is available for callers who do not speak English. This assistance is available whether the inability to afford legal services existed prior to the disaster or is a result of the disaster.

When calling for legal assistance, residents should indicate that they need help with a hurricane-related issue. Those qualifying for assistance will be matched with a volunteer Louisiana lawyer who will provide free legal help.

The type of legal help typically available includes:

• Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
• Assistance with home repair contracts and contractors
• Assistance with consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
• Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in a major disaster
• Drafting powers of attorney
• Estate administration (insolvent estates)
• Preparation of guardianships and conservatorships
• Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
• Counseling on landlord/tenant problems 
• Referring individuals to local and state agencies that may be of further assistance (e.g., consumer affairs)

Residents should be aware that there are certain limitations to this service. For example, this program is not available to assist with cases that will produce a fee or result in a financial settlement.