Can a Maui Fire Lawyer Assist
The August 8 Maui fires destroyed countless homes, businesses and historic landmarks in the heart of Lahaina. It is one of the worst tragedies in Hawaii’s history. The death toll has now risen to 115 (with hundreds still missing). It also caused tens of thousands of dollars in property damage and left the community of Lahaina in ruins.
These apocalyptic wildfires were the result of a combination of factors. Extreme weather conditions contributed to the speed with which the fires spread, including high winds from Hurricane Dora and dry kindling from a severe drought across the county. These conditions created a toxic cocktail that was sparked by the downed power lines that fueled the fires’ growth, destroying lives and livelihoods along the way.
In addition, Hawaiian Electric, which operates MECO, did not follow its own procedures and turn off the grid in high wind conditions to reduce the risk of fire. This became an industry standard after devastating California wildfires and could have prevented a great number of deaths and injuries in Maui.
Can a Maui Fire Lawyer Assist With Claims for Emotional Distress?
MECO is facing lawsuits from victims who suffered financial and personal losses in the wake of this tragic event, including claims for emotional distress. An experienced Maui fire lawyers can assist with these claims and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Emotional distress is a common component of an injury claim and can include damages for mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and more. It is a largely subjective element of an injury case and requires a skilled attorney to properly assess the merits of your case and determine an appropriate amount of damages. A Maui fire lawyer can help you to pursue the appropriate amount of damages for your emotional distress, including any physical symptoms that may be present as a result of your losses.
An experienced attorney can also help you to file a successful claim for non-economic damages, such as loss of income and property. A Maui fire lawyer can work with your insurance company and other parties to obtain maximum compensation for all of the losses you have sustained.
Many firms seeking clients in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires are coming from out of state, offering gifts and incentives to sign up victims of their fire-related lawsuits. These outsiders do not have the experience or expertise to understand Hawai’i laws and our unique local culture. This is why you should always choose a law firm that is familiar with Hawaiian courts, local values and government systems. This is the only way to assure that justice will be served. The team at LippSmith is dedicated to pursuing justice for the people of Hawaii, and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions and inactions. Contact our offices today to see how we can help you. We offer free initial consultations. Our attorneys are available to meet with you at your home or another location if you are unable to travel.