Attorneys with the Kansas Legal Services (KLS) in Pittsburg, the Crawford County Bar Association, and the Cherokee County Bar Association are offering free legal consultation to residents whose lives have been affected by the storms.

"We want to help protect residents from unscrupulous companies and scam artists who prey on the misfortune of others," Eric Rosenblad, project director with the Kansas Legal Services Inc. in Pittsburg, said. "Storm victims need to know that if they need to speak to an attorney, they can do it for free."

Rosenblad expressed concern that storm victims could be preyed upon by dishonest individuals who arrive at the scene of disasters and offer to do repair services to damaged property, but then take the money and leave town.

"We want residents to know that these lawyers are well acquainted with their local contractors and business people," Rosenblad said, "and they will help ensure that no one is taken advantage of."

Rosenblad also noted scam victims often contact legal representation many months after such a tragedy, when they realize they have been duped.

"By then it’s too late," he said. "The scam artists have taken the victim’s money and left town for good."

Rosenblad recommended that storm victims visit with local contractors and insurance companies that they, their families, or friends, already know and trust in order to avoid potential problems.

"These unfortunate people have been victimized once by the storms," Rosenblad said. "We don’t want them to be victimized a second time because of their vulnerability and desperation. A simple phone call can make all the difference."

Those with questions can contact Kansas Legal Services Inc. at 1-800-723-6953 or the KLS Pittsburg office at 1-620-232-1330.

The Kansas Bar Association is helping KLS publicize the availability of free legal assistance to the storm victims.

The Kansas Bar Association is a professional organization that represents lawyers in Kansas. It was founded in 1882 and is headquartered in Topeka, Kansas.