Can Maui Fire Lawyers Help With Claims for Emotional Distress?
Can Maui Fire Lawyers Help
Following California’s devastating 2017 North Bay and 2018 Camp fires, big out-of-town law firms rushed to Sonoma, Napa, and Butte counties, enlisting victims by the thousands to sue electric utility Pacific Gas & Electric. Now, many of those same firms are landing on Maui, investigating liability and enlisting clients in the historic town of Lahaina, the site of one of the deadliest wildfires in recent US history.
One of those suitors is Morgan & Morgan, the nation’s largest injury law firm, which filed a complaint on behalf of Maui victims whose homes were burned to the ground in the Lahaina fires. The complaint alleges that the defendants knew that overhead power lines posed a significant fire risk during periods of drought, high winds, and other adverse weather conditions, yet did not de-energize their infrastructure in a timely manner.
The complaint also accuses the utility of putting profits ahead of consumer safety and cites documents in which the company acknowledges that high winds could cause downed power lines to spark, spread, and ignite vegetation under those lines. It also accuses the company of failing to properly maintain its infrastructure and of cutting costs by using inferior parts.
Can Maui Fire Lawyers Help With Claims for Emotional Distress?
Other local law firms are also exploring legal action against Hawaiian Electric, including lawsuits filed by LippSmith LLP, Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis LLP, and Robertson & Associates LLP. The suits, which include a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family of Lahaina resident Lawrence “Buddy” Jantoc, allege that the fires were caused by HECO’s negligence in ignoring forecasts that the town would be enveloped by deadly wildfires.
In addition to financial compensation for property losses, injured victims may be entitled to non-economic damages, such as emotional distress. Those who have been displaced from their homes, or lost their pets or other beloved possessions, should seek the assistance of Maui fire lawyers, who are familiar with the complexities of pursuing such claims.
A lawyer who is well-versed in the law of emotional distress should be able to help victims understand the potential for such claims. These types of claims are based on the fact that a person has suffered a physical or mental trauma and that the victim is seeking compensation for their injuries.
The attorney can also assist the victim with gathering and submitting the proper documentation necessary to pursue this type of claim. Lastly, the attorney can work with insurance companies to ensure that the victim receives prompt and fair compensation for their losses.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the recent Maui fires, contact the lawyers at Galiher Law. Our team is available to answer your questions and provide a free consultation. Call or text our office today at (808) 545-9000. You can also schedule your free consultation online. We look forward to helping you and your loved ones. We proudly serve clients throughout the state of Hawaii.