Free Legal Services Available For Flood Victims
Release Date: January 14, 2008
Release Number: 1734-040
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
LACEY, Wash. -- The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) has activated a hotline for low-income residents needing legal help to recover from the recent flooding in western Washington. Families and individuals with legal problems caused by the disaster who cannot afford their own lawyer can get free legal advice from volunteer WSBA attorneys.
This free legal assistance is available to low-income individuals and families affected by the flooding of December 1-17 who reside in counties designated to receive Individual Assistance: Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum.
The toll-free number is 1-866-519-7099. Call Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WSBA staff will monitor the line daily. A division lawyer will contact the caller to gather more information and match flood victims with volunteer attorneys.
The WSBA volunteer legal assistance typically includes:
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Help with insurance claims (life, medical, property, etc.)
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Replacement of wills and other important legal documents lost in the flood
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Assistance with home repair contracts and contractors
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Counseling on landlord/tenant problems
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Advice on eviction or foreclosure problems
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Drafting of powers of attorney
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Preparation of guardianships and conservatorships
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Referring individuals to local and State agencies that may be of further assistance
There are limitations and conditions of disaster legal services. Call the hotline for more information.
FEMA's Individual Assistance program can help eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance; uninsured personal property replacement; medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster; and other serious unmet needs. To register with FEMA, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at
www.fema.gov
. The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
