10 Ways Lawyers Help If Disaster Strikes

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When a natural disaster strikes, most people expect to get help from the government or the American Red Cross. What they may not realize is that lawyers also play an important role in disaster recovery by providing pro bono legal services.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, lawyers across the nation – including volunteer lawyers from the Illinois State Bar Association – began preparing a customized handbook which addressed legal issues that victims could encounter in the wake of a paralyzing blizzard, a tornado or a flood. 

ISBA lawyers distributed the Illinois handbook free of charge to various legal agencies throughout Illinois which would most likely be called upon to help those in need. The whole idea behind the handbook was to be able to assist those with a legal need as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What are some of these legal issues that may need to be addressed? Here are 10 of the most common issues where lawyers can and do help.

• Landlord-tenant disputes over matters like a late rent payment;

• Mortgage liability issues;

• Financial matters such as access to a bank account or Social Security information;

• Employer-employee issues such as lost time from work or a delayed paycheck;

• Homeowners insurance payout issues;

• Home repair and possible fraud matters;

• Health care matters;

• Wills and estates, such as updating these documents;

• Personal bankruptcy issues;

• Replacement of important lost or damaged documents.

If a natural disaster should strike in your community, know that lawyers care and that they will probably be there to offer pro bono help to you and those you love.