Justice North Helps Residents Affected by Wildfires

Recent wildfires in northern Minnesota have impacted the lives of residents and increased the need for legal help to navigate things like insurance claims, document recovery, and displacement. Justice North is ready and able to provide free legal help during disaster recovery thanks to a grant for this purpose, as well as the other legal protections and help they routinely offer. WDIO, the ABC News affiliate in Duluth, spoke with Justice North recently about their disaster related legal services.

Justice North is available to help affected residents prioritize recovery needs and sort through legal issues that may need immediate attention. Claire Hardi, disaster preparedness response coordinator, notes that while each situation is unique, Justice North has a step-by-step process to help sort through the uncertainty that typically ensues. “It can be a really confusing and overwhelming process and that’s where we come in. We’ll figure out where you are,” Hardi said.

Jude Schmit, disaster attorney, emphasized the importance of recovering legal identification and other documentation such as proof of homeownership for rebuilding and financial assistance. “The thing about disasters is these are prolonged cases that can be upwards of 18 months to two years. You have insurance claims that take forever, issues with title clearing,” Schmit said.

Read more in Free legal aid from Justice North for residents impacted by wildfires.