The recent wildfires have left a trail of devastation on Maui residents and community, impacting countless individuals and families. If you’re among the Maui wildfire victims seeking assistance with your insurance claim or exploring legal options through a Maui wildfire lawsuit to recover compensation, you’ve come to the right place.
At Recovery Law Center, we understand the challenges and emotional distress you face after the Maui wildfires. Our team of experienced wildfire damage lawyers is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Whether dealing with property damage, loss of possessions, or other wildfire-related losses, we are committed to helping you navigate the insurance claim process and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us to discuss your situation and get help today.
2023 Lahaina Hawaii Wildfires
A drought and high winds created fire danger on the island of Maui. On August 8, 2023, a brushfire began in the early morning.
Fires ravaged the town of Lahaina, crossing Honoapiilani Highway (Hawaii Route 30) and burning hundreds of homes.
With hundreds of confirmed deaths, the Hawaii wildfires are already the most deadly in the United States since the Cloquet fire of 1918. The death toll is expected to continue to rise.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green called the wildfires the worst natural disaster in the state’s history.
If the wildfires have harmed you or a loved one, we want to help you. Contact the Recovery Law Center today to speak with an attorney.
Who Is to Blame for the Lahaina Wildfires?
Possible causes and fault for the Lahaina wildfires are:
- Aging utility infrastructure that could not withstand high winds.
- Failure of utility companies to shut down power during periods of risk for fire.
- Inadequate inspection of infrastructure to identify faults and risks.
- Land management plans that did not require areas to be kept clear of grass.
- No law requires structures in high-risk areas to maintain defensible space (California, for example, has requirements).
- Dwindling numbers of agricultural workers who are trained to fight fires.
- Water is not available to fight fires.
- Poor warnings and evacuations for those in danger.
The weather contributed to the spread of the fires. However, negligence on the part of utility companies and others may have played a role.
If parties had been proactive, they may have prevented the fires from igniting or spreading.
These parties should be held accountable for the damage they have caused, economically and personally. Our lawyers can investigate all aspects of your claim and determine who may be liable.
Understanding Wildfire Insurance Claims
Wildfires can cause significant damage to homes and properties in Maui, Hawaii. Having insurance coverage is vital to protect against these risks. Here’s what you need to know about wildfire insurance claims:
- Types of Coverage: Different types of wildfire insurance coverage are available in Maui. This coverage can help pay for repairs or rebuilding if a wildfire damages or destroys your property.
- Filing a Claim: Filing a wildfire insurance claim involves requesting your insurance company to cover the damages incurred. This process typically involves providing documentation of the damage and details about your policy.
- Challenges: Knowing common challenges when filing wildfire insurance claims is essential. These can include disputes over coverage limits, delays in processing claims, or denials by insurance companies.
- Legal Assistance: Legal assistance from wildfire insurance claim lawyers can be invaluable. They understand the laws and regulations specific to wildfires in Maui and can help you navigate the claims process. They can also advocate for you in disputes with insurance companies and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
- Next Steps: If you’ve experienced Maui fires, consider seeking legal advice from wildfire insurance claim lawyers. They can assess your situation, guide you through the claims process, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Attorneys for Insurance Claims for Maui Wildfire Damage
We are Recovery Law Center. Our Maui wildfire insurance claim lawyers may assist you with the following:
- Families who have lost a loved one, including adults and children
- The injured, including burns and smoke inhalation, broken bones and other physical harm
- People whose homes have been destroyed
- Damage to sheds, fences, and other structures
- Destruction of vehicles
- Those who have lost their household possessions
We are here to assist you if you’ve suffered losses in the Hawaii wildfires. It is important to get the compensation that you need. Let us answer your questions, explain what to expect, and aggressively represent your interests before the insurance company and against those who may be liable.
Insurance Claims for Wildfires
You may have homeowners’ or renter’s insurance that covers your property loss from devastating Maui wildfires. Your insurance may cover your:
- Dwelling
- Other things on your property, like a shed, outbuildings, or fence
- Personal belongings
- A place to live when you are displaced, temporary shelter, and expenses
Our legal team helps people navigate the insurance claim process. Some of the ways we may help you are:
- Determining your coverage, understanding types of coverage and limits
- Filing a claim, following the claims procedure
- Gathering information needed for the insurance company to process the claim
- Responding if your claim is denied
- Understanding how insurance companies try to minimize claims, advocating for you
- Speaking to the insurance company on your behalf
- Taking steps to avoid delays
What if I don’t have my insurance policy?
You’ve probably lost your insurance policy when you lose everything in a fire.
You can ask the insurance company for another copy of your policy or try to access it online. We can help when we represent you.
Housing is one of our most essential needs. Our experienced team of wildfire insurance claim lawyers can assist you in handling your claim quickly and completely.
Hawaii Wildfire Lawsuits Underway
Utility companies may have contributed to the fires by failing to replace aging infrastructure and by failing to take preventative action when faced with high fire risk. Parties responsible for the wildfires may be liable in a lawsuit.
A claim for damages may seek compensation for:
- Future Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Vehicle damage
- Property damage
- Loss of community
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Disfigurement
- Punitive Damages
Investigations into the causes and potential liability for the fires are ongoing. Individual personal injury and class action claims may be pursued. Our insurance claim lawyers can review your wildfire damage case to see if you qualify to bring a claim.
Consult a Maui Wildfire Lawyers to Get The Maximum Compensation
The aftermath of the deadly wildfires in Maui can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with personal injury and property damage claims.
At Recovery Law Center, we understand the challenges you may face in seeking compensation from insurance companies.
Our experienced team of Maui wildfire insurance claim lawyers is dedicated to helping you recover what you deserve. By scheduling a consultation with us, you can gain valuable insights into your legal options and take proactive steps towards securing the compensation you are entitled to.
Don’t face this process alone. Let us advocate for your rights and guide you through the complexities of your wildfire-related claim. Schedule your consultation and take the first step towards recovery.
Companies and Agencies You May Need to Know
Hawaiian Electric – Maui County has already filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric, saying that they shouldn’t have kept power lines energized in such high-risk conditions.
Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) – Hawaiian Electric Company is a subsidiary of HEI, a family of companies including American Savings Bank and Pacific Current.
Maui Electric Company – Provides service to the island of Maui.
Hawaii Gas – Gas utility company, find Maui relief information.
Maui County – Official government website.
Fire Department and Public Safety – Maui County Fire Department, including the Lahaina Fire Department.
Police Department – Lahaina Police Station and Maui Police Department.
Red Cross – Hawaii Relief Program, providing food, water, counseling and reunification assistance.
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation – Fire Relief Housing Program.
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency – Programs supporting recovery efforts.
State of Hawaii, Department of Health – Maui Wildfire Response.
Victim Resources: To find support for those affected, including emergency relief, assistance, and medical care, visit Maui Nui Strong.
