Twisted

The tornados in Alabama have left devastation on an unprecedented scale. There are more than 200 people confirmed dead and many thousands more lost their homes and all their possessions. Much of this painful damage to life and property occurred right here. The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Franklin County Bar Association go out to the families touched by this tragedy. We have all been touched in some way.

The Franklin County Bar Association will provide free help to storm victim such as helping them file insurance claims. This is an often time-consuming and confusing process, which seems especially disheartening in the face of such tremendous loss. They will also help with FEMA claims and give advice on landlord-tenant issues. They will be available to answer any legal questions that relate to the storms and the loss of life and property and other legal matters related to Wednesday's storms.

Others are trying to help too. The Department of Insurance has instructed insurance companies to give customers who can't pay their premiums because of the storms a 30-day grace period. The order means customers who have been affected by the storms can't have their coverage canceled for nonpayment until May 27, 2011.

Insurance companies recommended that homeowners who have minor damage should go ahead and make temporary repairs themselves. They should board up broken windows and put tarps over holes in a roof. Then save your receipts to show to your insurance adjuster to cover costs of the necessary materials.

Many insurance companies are setting up portable offices throughout the state. I do not know if any will be in our area. You may have to wait for assistance from your insurer as they may have to add temporary staff to help with the huge amount of claims. If you can find your policy; review it. Bring the police to any attorney you decide to seek advice from. The Alabama Department of Insurance phone number is 800-433-3966. You may also go on line to register for an emergency insurance adjuster at http://www.aldoi.gov/Licensing/EmergAdjustForm.aspx

Remember, as repulsive as it is, scams follow disasters. So be on the lookout for roofing and other repair scams. Also, be sure to confirm the identity of anyone claiming to represent your insurance company. You should also be careful in the next few months of attorneys from out of the area. Attorneys who advertize quick fixes to your problem need to be scrutinized carefully. It is not ethical for an attorney who you do not know to contact you about representing you because of your storm damages. Just contact any attorney who is currently an active member of the Franklin County Bar for free legal advice. We, like you, have lost property, friends and loved ones.

Rebecca Green Thomason

Lawyerthomason@gmail.com

Greenthomason.com

256.331.0800