LHOC Assists with Severe Medical Issues
One of CVLS’ newest clinics, Lawyers Helping Our Community (LHOC), was recently able to provide legal support to a client with major health problems. In 2017, the client was involved in a car accident without proper insurance coverage. He owed about $16,000 to the other driver’s insurance company. For the past three years, in addition to saving money from employment, the client borrowed from friends and family to make ends meet while also meeting his obligation under the monthly repayment plan.
In 2019, the client suffered multiple brain hemorrhages and had to be hospitalized. He worked when he could and did his best to make his monthly payments but could not keep up. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, he lost his job as a restaurant delivery worker and nearly became homeless. The client found temporary, part-time employment at a supermarket, but he was unable to keep making payments, and his outstanding balance was sent to a collection agency. Overwhelmed by debt and his medical conditions, the client’s mental health began to deteriorate.
LHOC met with the client remotely during the pandemic and assessed his situation. They needed a multi-faceted approach to vastly improve his quality of life. First, Erica Yang of Katten Muchin negotiated with the collection agency to reduce the client’s remaining balance from over $4,000 to $900. Then Weizi Zhang of Paul Hastings counseled him on services available in his area. Weizi also advised the client on his eligibility for various federal and state benefits and explained the application processes.
Although the client has a long road ahead of him, CVLS and LHOC were able to solve one of his most pressing problems. The client was so grateful for LHOC’s pro bono help that he said he would be willing to donate to our cause once if he ever has the opportunity.
