State Bar, Indiana Legal Services Offer Legal Help for Storm Victims

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, May 14 -- The Indiana State Bar Association issued the following news release:

The Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) is partnering with Indiana Legal Services (ILS) to establish a toll-free legal aid hotline for victims of the recent severe storms and flooding in Southeast and Northwest Indiana. President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster for Carroll, Clark, Elkhart, Floyd, Harrison, Jefferson, Lake, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.

Individuals who have been affected can call for legal assistance and will be matched with local lawyer volunteers providing free legal consultations on matters such as insurance claims, home repair contracts, landlord issues and replacing legal documents.

"Providing service and advocacy for storm victims is a meaningful way the legal community can help those in need as they rebuild and recover," said ISBA President Andi M. Metzel. "Our Association is uniquely positioned to mobilize throughout the entire state and we have the compassion and expertise of lawyers who are ready to help those in need as they face disaster-related legal challenges."

Storm victims facing legal issues may call Indiana Legal Services at 844.243.8570 to get legal help. The toll-free number will operate Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (EDT). Victims can also submit an online application here: https://www.indianalegalservices.org/applyonline. When submitting an application online, individuals should indicate that they were affected by the recent storms. Also, please note that victims not eligible for assistance through ILS will be put on fast-track to the Indiana State Bar Association in order to be matched with a lawyer.

"When you experience a natural disaster like this flooding, it can be hard to know where to turn for help," said ILS Executive Director Jon Laramore. "Indiana Legal Services is proud to partner with the Indiana State Bar Association on the recovery. We're here to help answer your legal questions and get you the legal assistance you may need with our office, or through the ISBA."

Background:

When the U.S. president declares a major disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) Young Lawyers Division partner with the ISBA to help set up a hotline for disaster victims.