Law office looks to represent fire victims

The AVA law group from Billings held a special meeting at the Paradise Center on Thursday, September 14. The group wants to inform the public of their rights regarding damages incurred from the River Road East Fire. The fire consumed thousands of acres and several buildings. Andrew Van Arsdale, AVA founder, said he makes it his job to represent anyone who feels they have been wronged. “It is their civil right under the law to seek redress and money for damages caused by the fire if the railroad is responsible.”

Arsdale comes from a long line of attorneys. A distant grandfather first started his practice in Philipsburg in 1897.

“I have started the Montana Injury law group with the motto: representing the people against the powerful,” Arsdale said. He chose this line of representation because he feels strongly about following in his ancestor’s footsteps. His firm has helped out with other big corporations with victims, such as Boy Scouts of America the Catholic church and Camp Lejeune.

Arsdale came to the Paradise Center prepared to give a present to the people of Paradise or anyone wanting to know their rights. The meeting did not have the turnout Arsdale was hoping for. “I will get the word out and try again.” He and his assistants plan to make more contacts in the area and survey the people to see if there is an interest.

The law office can be reached at (406) 333-3333 or http://www.avalaw.com/mt.