fire-related lawsuit in Maui
Maui fire lawyers are working on several cases related to the wildfires that devastated the West Maui town of Lahaina, causing 93 fatalities and destroying 2,200 homes and businesses, and leaving millions of dollars in damage. These lawsuits seek compensatory damages for property loss, personal and business losses, and other forms of compensation. There may also be coverage under an insurance policy for business interruption, loss of revenue and other commercial losses, which can be particularly significant in the case of a fire-related disaster.
On August 8, 2023, the National Weather Service issued a high wind watch and red flag warning for much of the state, meaning that the weather conditions would be dangerous to human life and property. The lawsuit alleges that HECO “inexcusably kept their power lines energized” in the face of these hazardous conditions, even though they knew that these winds could cause a tree or other structure to fall and knock down a power line that would spark a fire.
The complaint cites several instances of negligence on the part of Hawaiian Electric, including the failure to upgrade and inspect its power lines, the failure to manage trees and vegetation near the power lines, and the failure to have a system in place to shut down its power during public safety emergencies. It also alleges that the company ignored previous warnings from firefighters and government officials to protect communities from these dangers.
What damages can I seek in a fire-related lawsuit in Maui?
While it is certainly true that natural disasters can wreak havoc, the vast majority of fire-related catastrophes are caused by human activity. In many of these cases, the negligent actions of government agencies, private companies and public employees are to blame. For example, the California fires that swept through the state in recent years were mostly caused by mismanagement of electrical infrastructure.
Hawaiian Electric fire lawyers
In Maui, a number of lawsuits have been filed against utility companies, especially Hawaiian Electric. The lawsuits allege that the fires in Maui were caused by HECO’s negligence. In some cases, the lawsuits claim that the company violated a legal principle called “inverse condemnation,” which allows property owners to sue governments that take their land for public infrastructure projects without paying them for it.
There are a number of different factors that can play into this type of claim. Our Maui fire lawyers will review your specific circumstances and policy details to determine what kind of compensation you may be entitled to. We will then work with you and your insurer to settle your claim. If your case requires a court judgment, we will handle the appeals process on your behalf. To start pursuing the justice you deserve, contact our firm now for a free consultation. You can reach us online or call 888-584-9602. We are available 24/7. Our attorneys represent clients throughout the country, including California, Florida, New York, and Oregon. We are also happy to work with clients who are not based in the United States.