Attorney Chad Pinkerton Uncovers "A Story of Broken Promises, Lies and Deception" Made to a Disabled Veteran by the Helping a Hero Organization

HOUSTON, April 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas attorney Chad Pinkerton represents the family of deceased U.S. Army Specialist Hunter N. LeVine. In documents filed with a Harris County Probate Court, Pinkerton alleges that Helping a Hero allowed Specialist Hunter N. LeVine, a decorated Iraqi war veteran who died unexpectedly in 2013, to sign legal documents without the presence of an advisor, even though he was completely blind. Pinkerton further alleges that Helping a Hero never delivered the home LeVine was promised and neglected to install adaptive equipment, furnishings and technology that would have made his life as a disabled person more manageable. Additionally, Pinkerton asserts that the organization's efforts to reclaim the home did not follow proper legal guidelines or procedures and that the home rightfully belongs to LeVine's estate.

"The despicable treatment that this brave solider received from this organization at his time of critical need is inexcusable," says Pinkerton. "I am specifically questioning the actions of Helping a Hero director Meredith Iler, whom I believe contributed to his legal and financial mistreatment."

U.S. Army Specialist Hunter N. LeVine enlisted in 2007 and on May 9, 2008, he was wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that was detonated by the Humvee he was driving. Shrapnel exploded in his face, causing an extensive brain injury and leaving him completely blind. After multiple surgeries, he returned to the U.S. and began his 3½ month rehabilitation at Walter Reed Hospital.

On February 22, 2011, Specialist LeVine was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army with 100% disability status. At the time of his discharge, he had been awarded the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct medal, and the Army Service ribbon.

He was introduced to Helping a Hero by lifetime friend Blake Meaux on March 11, 2011.

That same month, Hunter LeVine was told by Helping a Hero's Meredith Iler that he had been approved to receive a $250,000 home that would be adapted for his disability.

In July of 2011, following a fundraising event at the home of John and Resa Wing in The Woodlands, Hunter and his family were told that donations had exceeded the amount of money needed to build Hunter's home.

In late 2011 and early 2012, following the construction of his home and his move in, Hunter began questioning the absence of adaptive equipment and technology that had been promised. Meredith Iler told him that she had already gone over the Helping a Hero budget on this home and that they could do nothing more for him. As a consolation, she offered to put in a grab bar in the shower and some textured wallpaper in the bedroom, so he could feel which room he was in.

Shortly thereafter, Hunter tripped on the too narrow sidewalk path to his front door, hit his head on light fixtures in the kitchen and dining area because they were hanging too low, and sustained other injuries related to the construction of the home. At that time, his request to widen the foot path and replace the light fixtures was denied, and once again he was told that Helping a Hero was over budget on his home.

Eventually, his light fixtures were raised, but no improvements were made to the foot path. Problems with his gas stove, his microwave, his security system, and even his doorbell exacerbated the daily challenges of living as a blind person.

On June 12, 2013, at the age of 25, Hunter N. LeVine died in his sleep of a heart attack during a trip to Florida to visit a fellow solider. As a single man with no children, it would be expected that home would become the property of his estate, but Meredith Iler claims that documents in the possession of Helping a Hero indicate otherwise. The documents in question are those which Hunter was made to sign on December 15, 2011, without the use of his sight and without the participation of his father Beau J. LeVine who was his agent and advisor.

Attorney Chad Pinkerton says he is outraged by the conduct of Meredith Iler and the actions of Helping a Hero.

"Hunter LeVine was promised a $250,000 home with special adaptations for a blind person," says Pinkerton. "Instead, he received a 'spec' home valued at $168,000 for which he paid $50,000 and which included no adaptations for the blind whatsoever. The organization reportedly raised over $250,000 for LeVine's home. Where's the rest of the money?"

Pinkerton further charges that Ms. Iler has refused to be transparent regarding donations and funds within the organization and that she has dodged similar questions from The Better Business Bureau. He also questions why four Helping a Hero board members and the organization's accountant have resigned.

"I am most suspicious," says Pinkerton, "I have been approached by people close to the Helping a Hero organization that claim to have raised questions as to the organization's finances and lack of transparency, yet were outright ignored. These young men and women come home, seriously injured in the defense of their country," said Pinkerton. "I can think of nothing more grotesque than to accept funds meant for our nation's heroes and then mismanage those monies.. I have met many of the veterans that have also received homes from Helping a Hero, and they have privately questioned Ms. Iler's management of the organization. These are outstanding individuals that truly are heroes, and I will see to it that justice is served."

About Chad Pinkerton: The Pinkerton Law Firm, PLLC specializes in wrongful death and personal injury cases. Founded in 2006, the firm has already recovered more than $100,000,000 for clients injured or killed in industrial, maritime, construction, railroad, and motor vehicle accidents, as well as from industrial diseases and medical malpractice. Founding attorney Chad Pinkerton graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston Law Center.

www.chadpinkerton.com

SOURCE The Pinkerton Law Firm, PLLC