While Hawaii hasn’t traditionally been associated with dangerous wildfires, a lot has changed in recent history. In fact, the wildfires that spread across the island of Maui in 2023 were the worst natural disaster in the state’s history. The Maui wildfires also rank in the top 10 for deadliest wildfires in the history of the United States.
If you’ve been the victim of a wildfire in Hawaii, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Whether you’ve experienced irreversible damage to personal property, the loss of your home or business, serious physical injuries, or the death of a family member, Singleton Schreiber is here to help make things right.
Our Hawaii wildfire lawyers are award-winning litigators with decades of collective experience handling tough cases like yours. We’ve represented over 20,000 wildfire victims and helped them win over $3 Billion in settlements and jury verdicts in the process.
Benefit from our local lawyers and national resources by contacting our law office in Wailuku, HI, today.
Why Are There Wildfires in Hawaii?
Three things set the stage for wildfires:
- Dry vegetation
- A lack of rainfall, and
- Hot weather.
Hawaii is the nation’s hottest state, with an average annual maximum temperature of 83.6 degrees. While the state does rank as one of the wettest, the threat of wildfires is quite high during wildfire season, which spans from late April through late July when precipitation is lowest.
When these three factors are present, all wildfires need to get started is an ignition source.
Some of the most common causes of wildfires in Hawaii include:
- Lightning strikes
- Downed power lines
- Faulty electrical work
- Burning debris and garbage
- Unattended campfires
- Improperly discarded cigarette butts
- Fireworks
- Arson
Wildfires can - and do - happen spontaneously. However, research shows that humans cause 85 percent of all wildfires.
Who Is Liable For My Wildfire-Related Damages?
Insurance will almost always be the primary source of compensation after a wildfire in Hawaii. When you own a home and suffer property damage or physical injuries, your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover your losses. Similarly, business owners can file a claim to seek benefits from their commercial insurance policy.
Insurance benefits can help to offset costs related to:
- Hospitalization, surgery, medication, and other medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Temporary housing costs while a home is being repaired or rebuilt
- Costs associated with home repairs or replacement
- Damaged personal property, vehicles, livestock, and pets
- Utility repairs
- Costs paid out of pocket
- Lost wages and disability
- Reduced earning capacity
- Funeral expenses if a family member is killed because of a Hawaii wildfire
If your damages exceed what your insurance company will pay or if your claim is rejected, you may also have the opportunity to file a wildfire injury lawsuit against a negligent or otherwise liable party. For instance, if you discover that the wildfire that destroyed your home and caused you to suffer serious burns started because someone else allowed a campfire to burn unattended, you can sue that person for the resulting damages.
A wildfire lawsuit can also allow you to seek punitive damages if it goes to trial. In these situations, a Hawaiian jury can authorize punitive awards if there’s compelling evidence of intentional misconduct (such as arson) or gross negligence.
Your life has changed significantly because of a wildfire. Don’t stress over how to recover compensation for your losses - or from whom. Focus on your recovery and figuring out the best way to move forward with your life. Trust our wildfire attorneys in Hawaii to handle your fight for financial justice for you.
Hawaiian Wildfires Are Known For Causing Serious Injuries
In 2023, the Lahaina wildfires in Maui burned more than 2,000 acres of land, while another 678 acres burned in Upcountry Maui. At least 2,200 structures were destroyed, racking up over $5.5 Billion in losses.
Property damage that’s typically associated with Hawaiian wildfires include:
- Roof collapses
- Building collapses caused by weakened or destroyed structural elements
- Smoke damage
- Water damage and flooding caused by firefighting activities
- Crop and livestock loss
- Pet loss
- Damage to vehicles
- Infrastructure and utility damage
Wildfires in Hawaii - including the devastating Maui wildfire - are also known for inflicting serious physical injuries. Injuries can be caused by direct or indirect contact with a fire or as a result of collapsing structures that are fire-damaged.
Some commonly reported wildfire injuries include:
- Respiratory distress
- Severe burns
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputation
- Infection
- Chest injuries
- Contusions and bruising
- Paralysis
- Back injury
- Vision and/or hearing loss
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
No matter what types of losses you’ve experienced, our Hawaii wildfire attorneys will be here to help you pick up the pieces and figure out a plan of action. Contact our Hawaii law office for a free consultation today.
Call Singleton Schreiber For Help After a Wildfire in Hawaii
At Singleton Schreiber, we’re recognized leaders in wildfire litigation. We’ve represented over 20,000 victims across the country, helping them recover billions in life-changing monetary awards.
Our client-first approach and consistent ability to win top results are why we’re recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, The National Law Journal, and other respected legal organizations.
You shouldn’t have to struggle with the aftermath of a wildfire on your own. Whether you’re trying to get your insurance company to pay benefits you rightfully deserve under your policy or suing a liable third party for damages, we’re ready to invest the full force of our law firm’s resources and experience into your case.
You’ll only have a limited time to seek compensation for your wildfire damages, so don’t hesitate to contact our Hawaii wildfire attorneys for immediate assistance. We’re available to take your call at our Wailuku law office to set a time for your free consultation right now.
