Maui Wildfire Lawyers – How Do Maui Fire Lawyers Determine Liability in Wildfire Cases?
Maui Wildfire Lawyers
The August 2023 Maui wildfires were devastating to many residents of Hawaii and destroyed countless structures. The fires were ignited by downed power lines and spread rapidly due to high winds and dry conditions. If you suffered losses related to the Maui wildfires that were not covered by your insurance, you may be eligible for compensation in a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Our Maui fire lawyers can help you file a claim against utility companies and other responsible parties to recover the financial damages that you are entitled to.
The Maui County government has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Company, the state-owned power corporation that is also facing a number of individual lawsuits. The lawsuit accuses Hawaiian Electric of negligence and claims that the fires could have been avoided had the utility company taken preventive measures, such as implementing Public Safety Power Shutoffs during extreme weather conditions. The lawsuit also alleges that the company ignored requests for improvements to its power grid in order to make it safer.
According to the lawsuit, Hawaiian Electric knew that Maui was at risk for fires and that extreme weather conditions would heighten those risks. However, the lawsuit claims that the company prioritized cost-cutting over consumer safety and did not implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which became a standard practice after devastating California wildfires. The lawsuits also claim that the company failed to adequately inspect and maintain its power lines, which resulted in downed lines sparking fires.
Maui Wildfire Lawyers – How Do Maui Fire Lawyers Determine Liability in Wildfire Cases?
Another major cause of the Maui wildfires is that they occurred during a severe drought. In fact, Maui County is currently experiencing the worst drought in over 100 years. Drought conditions create ideal conditions for wildfires, as they contribute to a build-up of dead vegetation that can quickly become explosive.
Finally, the fires accelerated as a result of strong gusts from Hurricane Dora. These winds contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and hindered firefighters’ efforts by destroying equipment, blowing over trees, and forcing the collapse of numerous power lines.
The losses that you are entitled to in a Maui fire lawsuit depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of financial losses and injuries you have sustained. For example, you can seek compensation for property damage, evacuation costs, lost business, medical bills, and emotional trauma. You can even receive compensation for lost vacation time if your travel plans were disrupted by the wildfires.
In addition, you can sue the oil companies for concealing and denying their knowledge that burning fossil fuels is driving climate change and contributing to more frequent and severe natural disasters like wildfires. If you have been impacted by the Maui wildfires, contact us today for a free consultation. Our attorneys are experienced in filing suits against powerful corporations and will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve. We are available around the clock and will work hard to meet your needs.