Do Maui fire lawyers handle cases
As wildfires ravage the island of Maui, consuming homes, businesses, and brush, a number of local residents are finding that they have lost everything. Many are seeking compensation from their insurance companies, but others are filing lawsuits against Hawaiian Electric, accusing the utility company of negligence in causing or contributing to the fires. The Maui fire lawyers is coordinating with victims and experts throughout the island to uncover as much information about the cause of the fires as possible.
One of the key accusations in the civil lawsuits filed against Hawaiian Electric is that the company failed to shut off power lines in the town of Lahaina before the fires began. The National Weather Service had issued a red flag warning on August 7th, saying that the combination of high winds from a storm churning offshore and drought conditions created ideal fire conditions in the area. Attorney Mikal Watts, who is representing the plaintiffs in these lawsuits, says that Hawaiian Electric documents show that they knew that their power grid was degraded and at risk of a fire disaster. He also says that the company should have a procedure in place for turning off power to lines that are at risk of snapping, such as the ones in Lahaina.
Other lawsuits claim that the fires were caused by fireworks, which is illegal in Hawaii. The National Weather Service has blamed the rapid spread of the blaze on gusts of up to 60mph, which have caused downed power lines and hindered firefighting efforts. The fires are also damaging the tourism industry in Lahaina, which is the lifeblood of the city. Tourists who are staying in hotels and other accommodations that have been evacuated due to the fires may be eligible for compensation.
Do Maui fire lawyers handle cases involving wildfires caused by fireworks?
For longtime residents, the fires have been particularly painful. Some have seen their legacy houses destroyed in the blazes, leaving them with nowhere to go. One woman who lives in the affected neighborhood said her home was a place where she raised two children and shared family gatherings. She moved to Maui from Massachusetts half a century ago and had no idea where she would live if she sold the house.
People who have suffered wrongful deaths or other losses as a result of the Maui wildfires should contact a lawyer immediately. Those who have not experienced such loss should still call to find out more about filing a lawsuit for financial compensation. The law allows victims to seek compensation even if they don’t have documentation of every single loss they suffered. The firm of Singleton Schreiber can help clients file a claim for property damage, business interruption, evacuation expenses, and more. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
