When a person hears the word “crisis” or “pandemic,” he or she probably pictures a doctor, nurse or other first responder putting boots on the ground to help those in need.
However, lawyers can serve as “suits on the ground” that can make a difference when people are struggling to deal with the effects of sudden, unexpected crises like the coronavirus.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee has launched a COVID-19 hotline to serve of Hamilton County. The project is funded through a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga for the purpose of lessening the local impact of the virus.
“To keep everyone safe during these uncertain times, our attorneys, paralegals and other professionals are limiting in-person meetings to emergency situations; however, we have designed the COVID hotline to give our community immediate access to legal help,” reads a news release from LAET.
Some of the issues LAET will be addressing through the hotline include:
• Unemployment compensation
• Orders of protection
• Family law matters
• Illegal evictions
• Foreclosures
• Garnishments
• Debt collections
• Benefits
• Wills
• Powers of attorney
“None of us will know the extent of the impact of the COVID outbreak for some time; however, LAET is keeping track of emerging issues and developing strategies to deal with them,” the news release states.
“From lost wages and evictions to dealing with domestic violence during a quarantine, the impacts of the pandemic will be far-reaching and long-lasting. Accurate, timely information and communication will be essential as we all face a world that’s very different today from what it was yesterday.”
To discuss these and other COVID-related issues with LAET, call 423 756-4013 or email Chattlegalaid@laet.org.
Source: LAET