Connecticut Trial Lawyers Donate Time To Help Returning Disabled Veterans

    HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With military
 conflicts now raging in Iraq and Afghanistan, an increasing number of
 veterans are returning home with serious and disabling injuries. Many of
 these veterans have lost limbs or suffered the devastating effects of
 traumatic brain injuries. Under current federal law, these veterans are
 entitled to veterans benefits for the injuries they receive.
     Unfortunately, many of these veterans are frustrated in their legal
 attempts to obtain compensation. Veterans who are denied benefits by the US
 Department of Veteran Affairs can appeal to the US Court of Appeals for
 Veteran Claims. More than 70% of disabled veterans who file appeals to this
 court do so without the benefit of legal representation. Unrepresented
 veterans are at a significant disadvantage in litigating against the
 General Counsel's office, which represents the VA in all court proceedings.
     The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association is now stepping up to help
 these Connecticut veterans. The trial attorneys will be contributing their
 time and effort to assist disabled veterans of the current conflict in
 filing the complicated forms and paperwork necessary to succeed in the
 appellate court.
     Acting in conjunction with the Veteran's Consortium Pro Bono Program, a
 project created by the combination of four national veteran service
 organizations, the first Connecticut trial attorney has recently completed
 the necessary training. Attorney Matthew E. Auger, of the New London firm
 of Suisman, Shapiro, Wool, Brennan, Gray & Greenberg, PC, not only has an
 active personal injury practice in New London, but also serves as a Captain
 in the US Naval Reserves. Attorney Auger will in turn train other
 Connecticut trial attorneys to assist with the appellate process.
     All of the work performed by these Connecticut trial attorneys will be
 done on a "pro bono" basis, which means the attorneys are volunteering
 their time to assist these veterans.
     Veterans of the current conflict who seek representation for their
 injuries before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, can obtain
 further information by contacting the Connecticut Trial Lawyers
 Association, 100 Wells Street, Hartford, CT 06103; +1-860-522-4345 or by
 email to: nferstand@cttriallawyers.org. Specific information concerning the
 Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program and how to apply for representation
 can be found at their website http://www.vetsprobono.org.
 
 

SOURCE Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association