The entire nation is still reeling from the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas. Whether or not we were there at the concert when it happened, we have all been affected by the event in some way.
Those injured or killed by the gunman were victims of a terrible crime. The lives of the victims and their families have changed in an instant. Those injured may now suffer from lifelong disabilities. They may have to deal with the emotional trauma of being gunned down at a concert for no apparent reason. That is something they will have to live with for the rest of their lives.
Those who perished in the shooting will be mourned by loved ones. Many people around the country lost parents, children, siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. The grief will be compounded by the fact that their loved ones did not have to die. Their deaths were senseless and there will likely be anger involved.
Moving on from this tragedy will take time, but fortunately, there are many resources that can help. The city of Las Vegas has stepped up in a tremendous way to offer an outpouring of love and support for victims and their families. Those looking for financial assistance, lodging, flights, and counseling to help them through this difficult time will find there are many free resources available.
Free Counseling and Trauma Relief
There are many counseling services available to provide emotional support to victims and their loved ones. Las Vegas Counseling Center is currently offering free counseling services. Call (702) 466-3750 for more information.
Optum’s free emotional support helpline is available 24/7 by calling 1-866-342-6892.
Magellan Health, Inc., has a 24-hour crisis hotline available. You can call toll-free at 1-800-327-7451.
SilverSummit Healthplan is offering a 24-hour toll-free crisis hotline at 1-877-941-8079 for Nevada residents.
The UNLV School of Medicine is providing free support to those affected by the tragedy. The sessions will be private and free of charge. Call (702) 253-0818 to schedule an appointment.
There are also many handbooks and booklets available to help people cope with homicide, terrorism and other violent crimes.
Financial Assistance
When a person dies suddenly, loved ones may struggle financially. There may be medical bills involved, as well as funeral expenses, mental health expenses for the family and other unexpected bills. The Nevada Department of Administration Victims of Crime Program is here to help those affected financially by the shooting. The agency provides financial assistance to crime victims and their families. Click here to learn more about your eligibility and complete the required applications.
There is also a GoFundMe account created by Steve Sisolak, who is the Clark County Commission Chair from Las Vegas. Called the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund, the goal of the account is to raise $15 million, with the proceeds going directly to the victims and their families. Many local businesses also immediately stepped up to help the victims and their families. Hotels offered free rooms, Airlines offered free flights and restaurants offered free food in addition to free local counseling services. Several hospitals also recently announced that they would waive any fees incurred for the care of shooting victims they treated. Even though many businesses are helping with the expenses incurred by those injured and the families of those killed, there are many expenses down the road and for some recovery will take years.
Get Legal Help
If you are looking for resources to provide you with legal, emotional and financial support in your time of grief, the wrongful death lawyers at Naqvi Injury Law can help. We understand this is a difficult time for you and understand that your life changed in an instant. We are dedicated to the community and will do everything we can to help those affected by this terrible tragedy