Legal Help After a Disaster

Know Your Rights

Appealing FEMA’s Decisions

A disaster declaration by the U.S. President authorizes benefits through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA can provide funds to people living in a county with a declared disaster. Residents can apply to cover some expenses resulting from the disaster as well as for the cost of repairs to make a home livable. Applicants who do not agree with a FEMA decision can appeal it within 60 days of the decision letter date. The written appeal must include a detailed explanation why the decision is incorrect and evidence to support that explanation.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides financial help to those who lost their jobs or are no longer working as a direct result of a declared disaster.

Renters’ Rights and Disaster Relief

Renters have a right to a safe living space and a landlord has the duty to make sure your home is safe. The landlord is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings in the rented property. FEMA, however, may be able to provide individual assistance funds to help replace some items.

Your Legal Options

Depending on your situation, our lawyers can help you understand your rights and options, prepare and file legal documents, represent you in court, or refer you to programs and services that can provide further help.

Some things we can help with include:

• Filing a FEMA or SBA appeal
• Insurance claims
• Home repair contracts
• Protecting your rights to benefits and services
• Replacing lost documents
• School issues
• Landlord-tenant issues
• Estate matters
• Bankruptcies
• Protective orders
• Real property title issues