Free Legal Help Hotline Opens for Hurricane Helene Survivors in Lexington County
Lexington County, SC – If you or someone you know is still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene, there’s some good news. A free legal help hotline is now available for those coping with disaster-related legal needs in several counties across South Carolina, including our very own Lexington County. This service was launched in response to the FEMA disaster declaration affecting a number of counties, and it’s here to help you navigate the often confusing aftermath of such a natural disaster.
Who Can Benefit?
The hotline is specifically aimed at individuals living in the counties affected by the hurricane. This includes areas like Cayce, West Columbia, Springdale, South Congaree, and even as far out as places like Gaston and Swansea. Whether you’re in Pine Ridge, Irmo, or near beautiful Lake Murray, this legal assistance could be just what you need to get back on your feet.
What Kind of Help is Available?
When you call the hotline, you can request help for a variety of legal issues that may have arisen as a result of the disaster. Some common areas of assistance include:
- Accessing FEMA and SBA financial benefits
- Understanding and managing home repair contracts and property insurance claims
- Replacing lost or destroyed wills and other important legal documents
- Dealing with price gouging, scams, or identity theft
- Resolving landlord-tenant disputes or threats of foreclosure
- Navigating disability-related access to federal and state disaster programs
How to Access Help
If you’re interested in taking advantage of this service, simply call (803) 576-3815. You’ll leave a message outlining your needs—including your county and a brief description of your legal issue. Once your message is received, you will be connected with a volunteer lawyer from South Carolina who is ready to offer their services for free. You can also reach out by email at DisasterInfo@SCBar.org or through SCFreeLegalAnswers.org for added flexibility.
Things to Keep in Mind
It’s important to note that while the hotline offers a wealth of resources, it may not be able to assist in every situation. For instance, cases where a lawyer’s fees might be included in a settlement may be redirected to other resources for assistance.
Additionally, if you find yourself outside the designated counties, or if your legal issue isn’t related to Hurricane Helene at all, you can still get help by contacting South Carolina Legal Services directly at (888) 346-5592. They’ll be more than happy to guide you in the right direction.
Stay Informed
For ongoing updates on legal services available for survivors, be sure to keep an ear out and contact your local resources. Many organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors are not left without assistance in a time of need.
If you have any questions about the hotline or need help regarding any related legal issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are people ready to lend a helping hand when you need it most!
