As you know, Hurricane Helene had a devastating impact on Western North Carolina. Recovery from this disaster will take years, and residents who have suffered losses from the storm need legal help getting back on their feet.

The North Carolina Bar Foundation has several ways that North Carolina litigators can offer assistance.

Consumer Protection Cases. First, DLS anticipates an increased need in the area of consumer protection and contractor fraud. Hurricane victims are being targeted by scammers, which has given rise to consumer/contractor fraud and related cases. Please use this DLS Volunteer Sign up Form to offer assistance on these matters. (There is a specific place on the form where you can indicate your willingness to assist with these matters.)

FEMA Appeals. Second, we can help with FEMA claims. The current deadline to file a FEMA claim is January 7, 2025, and any appeal must be filed within 60 days of a denial. To this end, North Carolina Disaster Legal Services (DLS) is holding its first in-person clinic to assist with FEMA appeals on December 6, 2024, in Newland, NC. You can sign up for the clinic here. If this clinic is full, don’t worry, we anticipate that DLS will continue to hold these clinics throughout December, January, February and March to continue to assist with FEMA appeals as claims are denied. You can find out if and when these clinics are scheduled by signing up as a DLS Volunteer.

Donations. Finally, please consider donating as another means of support, which you can do here.

Thank you for considering these opportunities. We hope you will help us carry on our section’s strong tradition of supporting and participating in pro bono activities.

November 21, 2024/by Litigation