I need to get a POA for my brother who was in a fire and now is on a machine to breathe.

My brothers house has burnt and he is in an ICU Burn unit in Chicago, IL not awake and can not talk. I need to settle some of his bills and to rebuild his house what do I need he lives in IND. and I live in IL please respond. Thank you so much

I'm sorry that your brother is going through this. I assume you would have to be made his guardian if he isn't married. An elder attorney might be the place to start with a consultation. My limited experience is that folks who go to the burn centers have lengthy recoveries that usually include a stay at a rehabilitation center after the burn center. Usually there are multiple surgeries involved. For the people I've known who were badly burned talking takes awhile due to the smoke damage to the lungs and sometimes the patient is kept sedated while a portion of the healing is taking place. I know it is hard to see him in this condition. I'm really sorry. Someone will probably see this post soon who has a more complete answer for you. I mentioned guardianship because he obviously can't assign you a power of attorney in his current condition but perhaps there are other alternatives in emergency situations like this.
Take care.

You may want to contact a social worker at his hospital for advice on how to proceed with his affairs. They can be very helpful.

For the house rebuild, contact his insurance company ASAP. You might have difficulty getting them to discuss estimates and plans (which if there's a mortgage could include the mortgagee [lender] ), so it's best if you can find his policy.

I've never undergone such a complete devastation, but I do know that mortgages typically have clauses addressing losses and how the money needs to be directed toward rebuild, as the lender has a vested interest in the property.

I would also notify the local building and/or code enforcement staff, in case they don't already know from a fire department communication to them.

You might want to start with the insurance agent before notifying the company of the loss. Some agents have good working relationships with their clients and might be able to help you through this process.

As to paying his bills, that's a tough one b/c of his not being able to create a POA. I would at least raise the issue with any banks involved, being prepared to provide documentation of the loss as well as your brother's situation. It might not work, but it's worth a try. And bring identity to prove you're his brother.

Another thing I would do immediately is review his finances, document the names of creditors ranging from utilities to credit cards, and notify them in writing by certified mail. I would indicate that you're trying to arrange for payment methods but have no POA and ask if they can offer any way to address the bills until your brother is able to communicate his wishes. Given that the house is destroyed, there might not even be any utility bills issued. Ask also about getting an abatement of any bills or action if they're not paid.

I am so sorry to read of this tragedy; it must be so difficult to have gone through this experience, to see your brother in recovery in a burn unit, and to attempt to step in and manage his finances. Please be sure to get some respite for yourself; this will be a trying time for you and your family.

Thinking again, as to 97YOMom's suggestion, you might also consider contacting an attorney whose practice area includes temporary guardianships.

Is your brother married? If so, what's his wife's role in this situation - does she have joint authority over his accounts? If so, she could handle the finances for him.