Do Maui Fire Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis?
Do Maui Fire Lawyers Work
The fires that burned over West Maui were a tragedy, destroying homes and injuring residents. As recovery continues, many are seeking compensation for their losses. If you were harmed by the wildfires, contact our Maui fire lawyers for a free consultation.
Our firm has a proven track record of representing clients in a variety of personal injury claims, including those caused by fires. Our Maui fire lawyers will work with you to obtain maximum compensation for your damages. We are committed to helping clients recover from their losses, which may include medical expenses, property damage, lost income, emotional trauma, and other damages. We will provide a comprehensive review of your case and explain the legal options available to you.
The main legal issues in the lawsuits filed against Hawaiian Electric center on the company’s knowledge of the risk of wildfires in its service territory and its failure to take necessary precautions. The fires were exacerbated by dry conditions and high winds brought on by Hurricane Dora. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for wind and fire danger on August 7th, a day before the fires broke out. Despite this, the company failed to de-energize its power lines in the affected areas, leaving them susceptible to downing and potentially starting fires.
Do Maui Fire Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis?
According to the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuits, the utility knew about the area’s risk for wildfires for years. The land is drier than most other parts of the state, and is overrun with flammable non-native vegetation. It also receives heavy hurricane winds.
A recent report from a federal watchdog has confirmed that the fires were started by electrical equipment owned or maintained by the utility company, and that the company failed to follow its own safety procedures. The report states that the utility was not sufficiently prepared for the extreme weather conditions, and that its employees were not trained to deal with such events.
Hawaiian Electric fire lawyers
The report concludes that if the proper safeguards had been in place, the fires could have been prevented. The report cites a number of violations of federal law, and recommends that the Department of Energy, which oversees the utility, review its policies and procedures.
In addition to class actions, some property owners have filed individual suits against the utility company. These suits use a legal strategy developed by fire victims in California that requires the utility to establish negligence in order to obtain a judgment awarding damages. Hawaiian property owners believe that since Hawaii Electric is owned by investors and provides public electricity, it is akin to a governmental body that must be held accountable.
The attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen are coordinating with local victims who were injured, evacuated, or had their property damaged by the recent wildfires in Maui. We are investigating whether the fires were caused by HECO equipment or by other factors, and are looking into the possibility of filing a claim for compensation. Our lawyers will discuss the details of your case and answer any questions you may have.