Disaster Related Legal help is available for low-income families affected by the tornados that devastated Monroe on Easter Sunday.
A division of Acadiana Legal Service Corporation A: 3016 Cameron Street Monroe, LA 71201 P: 318.699.0889 TF: 800.259.6591 F: 318.699.0191 www.la-law.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Contact:
Greg Landry, Acadiana Legal Service Corporation, 337-237-4320, ext. 1103
Disaster Related Legal help is available for low-income families affected by storm damage.
Legal Services of Central Louisiana provides legal advice to low-income families
During times of tragedy the communities of our great state have shown time and time again their strength, resilience and willingness to help others. At the same time, tragic events can leave us vulnerable to some who would take advantage of those good-hearted and trusting people who have been hurt by these events.
In light of the recent severe weather that ravaged our area, Legal Aid of North Louisiana offers these tips to help protect you and your family while you rebuild your homes and businesses:
1. First and foremost, find a Louisiana-licensed contractor. A Contractor’s License is required for commercial projects with a value of $50,000 or more, residential projects of $75,000 or more, and certain specialty projects of $7,500 or more. Even if your project falls outside of state licensing requirements, it is still in your best interest to hire a licensed contractor.
2. If you are unsure about a contractor you are considering, contact the state Licensing Board or access their website at www.lslbc.louisiana.gov.
3. You should contact your local Better Business Bureau BEFORE signing a contract, not after.
4. You can also check with your parish clerk of court to see whether a contractor has been sued and for what.
5. Next, always insist on a signed contract that fully itemizes the work to be done and the total cost. Never sign a contract containing blanks. If there are any changes that are agreed upon at a later date, make sure that these changes are completely itemized, priced, in writing and signed by both parties.
6. Never agree to pay the entire contractor’s fee, or even a large lump sum, up front. Arrange a schedule of payments that coincides with the work to be done.
7. Finally, always get a copy of the signed contract.
Resources:
Legal Aid of North Louisiana/Acadiana Legal Service Corporation: www.la-law.org/
318-699-0889
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors: www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/
225-765-2301
Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court: www.opclerkofcourt.com/
318-327-1462
Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office: www.opso.net/
318-329-1200