Cagle Law Firm Lawyer Assisted Joplin Victims

In 2011, Lindsay Rakers of The Cagle Law Firm was in Joplin, Missouri for two days donating time and free legal assistance to the victims of the tragic May tornado. As neighbors of Joplin, each one of us looked for the best way we could use our gift and talents to assist our family members and friends in Joplin. Providing free legal assistance to those victims with so many questions and challenges after such a disaster was one way The Cagle Law Firm sought to assist.

The free legal advice Lindsay was able to share included such issues as:

1. My location of employment is closed and without power but still standing. I am due to receive a check for my last two weeks, but my employer may or may not be able to return my calls. What can I do?
2. Because of the disaster, my employer won’t let me return until I am evaluated by a doctor, as I am pregnant. However, I can’t get into a doctor as they are all booked. Can I return to work and demand payment?
3. I lost four family members in the tornado. My employer will only provide me with one day off work for one funeral and is making me take unpaid comp days for the rest. Is that allowed? And what are my options?
4. My car was in a parking lot at the time of the tornado. After the tornado, I saw minor damage to my car but the car was not totaled. I came back the next day and the city had piled the rest of the lot on top of my car. I did not have car insurance. What can I do?
5. I had a contract for the deed with my landlord/seller. Following the tornado, he told me that I was a “renter”, not a “buyer.” He offered to give me my down payment back. Can I still get FEMA money for my personal belongings?
6. My home was destroyed and I didn’t have insurance. Where can I live?

These are just a few of the questions Joplin victims asked Lindsay Rakers of The Cagle Law Firm. In addition to trying to assist victims with legal issues, Lindsay had great interactions with the fine people of Joplin, and she heard many miraculous stories of bravery. After many hours of answering legal questions, Lindsay traveled across portions of Joplin that were hit. As we had been told, pictures and videos did not capture the devastation nor the sense of community Joplin had experienced.

If you have suffered due to a natural disaster, your questions can be directed to Zane T. Cagle of The Cagle Law Firm at (314) 276-1681. Consultations are always free.