The Massachusetts Bar Association has partnered with the
American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to offer a toll-free legal
assistance hotline and online request form for victims of severe
storms and flooding in Massachusetts.
"The Massachusetts Bar Association is proud to partner with the
ABA and FEMA to provide Bay State flood victims with legal
assistance as they recover from losses," MBA President Valerie A.
Yarashus said.
Assistance will be offered based on the legal question, and
could include information and referrals to attorneys or local,
state and federal agencies.
Examples of legal questions include:
- Securing FEMA and related government benefits;
- Assistance with life, medical and property insurance
claims;
- Help with home repair contracts and contractors;
- Replacement of wills and other important legal documents
destroyed in the disaster;
- Support in consumer protection matters, remedies and
procedures;
- Guidance on mortgage-foreclosure problems;
- Counseling on landlord/tenant problems; and
- Assistance with other legal problems related to the
disaster.
When the president declares a major disaster, FEMA, in
cooperation with the ABA Young Lawyers Division, establishes a
toll-free number for victims to request legal assistance. Funding
for the toll-free line comes from FEMA under the authority of
Section 415 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act. The AMA Young Lawyers Division in turn partners
with state bar associations and other legal organizations to
recruit volunteer lawyers in affected areas to handle victims'
cases.