THE LĀHAINĀ WILDFIRES
Legal compensation may be available for survivors and families of the devestating Maui wildfires that destroyed the serene town of Lāhainā and neighboring cities.
KEY TIMELINES FOR THE LĀHAINĀ WILDFIRE
August 23rd, 2023- More than 1,100 are still missing in Maui with the official death toll at 115. Residents and government officials demand answers after a visit from President Biden and promises of building back stronger.
August 19th, 2023- As four active fire regions continue to burn, media attention turns towards video evidence of potential downed power lines that appeared active and emitting sparks.
August 17th, 2023- Nine days after initial flareups, the Upcountry fire is 85% contained and the Lahaina fire is 90% contained.
August 12th, 2023- The PDC and FEMA release a damage assessment map showing over 2,170 acres burned and an early estimate of over 2,200 structures destroyed. Confirmed fatalities were at 67 with thousands still missing or unaccounted for.
August 10th, 2023- With each of the active fires partially contained, emergency responders prioritize search and rescue efforts, which are hampered by a lack of radio and cell signals across the island.
August 9th, 2023, 12:00 AM- The Hawaii National Guard is deployed across Maui as fires burn out of control. An estimated 14,000 residents were without power.
August 8th, 2023 3:30 PM- A flare-up on the Western coast of Lahaina prompts evacuations and road closures. A shelter-in-place advisory is issued for parts of the territory as roads become impassable. Central regions of Maui also see numerous flareups.
August 8th, 2023, 6:00AM- A secondary brush fire erupts in central Maui and fire officials declare it 100% contained by 9:00 AM. The Lahaina fire does not appear on radar at this point. A weather advisory is issued around the same time for increased wind speeds and increased risk of fire.
August 8th, 2023, 12:00 AM- A brush fire ignites in Maui’s Upcountry region and quickly spreads due to ideal conditions for fire.
August 7th, 2023- With hurricane Dora churning in the Pacific and a high pressure system moving in from the north, the island of Maui, Hawaii was under a strong wind advisory.
July 2023- Many parts of the island of Maui was under a drought with a two-category decrease in average rainfall for the months of May, June, and July 2023. Locally, government warnings were issued for increased chances of brush fires.
The Deadliest Wildfire in Modern US History
The raw devastation experienced by the Lāhainā community in August 2023 will never be forgotten as homes, businesses, and personal memories were destroyed by raging wildfires. Early reports indicate that damages have exceeded $6 billion dollars with over 2,200 homes and other structures burning to the ground.
As of late August, the death toll from the Lāhainā fires remains at 96 with over 1,000 local residents still missing or unaccounted for.
Hawaiian Electric May Be Found Responsible
While no official conclusion has been reached for what started the Lāhainā wildfires, several reviewing organizations are looking deeper at Hawaiian Electric for not having a protocol for preemptive power shutoffs. As power lines fell across the area from wind damage, witnesses reports have surfaced stating the downed electrical lines were live and transmitting power into areas of heavily overgrown vegetation.
While the road to recovery will be very long for Lāhainā, you may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one were injured or lost personal property in the Maui fires. Contact us today for a free case review.
The Time for Action is Now
The law offices of Rueb Stoller Daniel is here for anyone that’s suffered personal losses or injuries in the Lāhainā fires. Contact us today to discuss your individual or family case for compensation related to structure or property loss, personal injury, pain and suffering, or loss of life.
Maui Wildfire FAQ
While investigations are still in early stages, we feel that there will be sufficient evidence to show that Hawaiian Electric was negligent in preventative maintenance that could have avoided the Maui wildfires. Our firm is currently evaluating and accepting cases to seek litigation against those ultimately found responsible.
We believe that there will be significant compensation available for Maui residents that were directly affected by the wildfires that spread throughout the region in August 2023. As details emerge and initial litigation is filed, we should have clearer answers of potential settlement values based on individual or family loss.
If you or a loved one were directly impacted by the Maui fires, contact us for a complimentary case review. The main criteria we look for are land or property damages (including total losses), personal injury, associated traumas, relocation expenses, and loss of life.
It may be too soon to create an extensive list of damage types since many of them have not been fully discovered. Loss of property or structures and personal belongings as well as environmental factors will be common damages considered. There will also be consideration for injuries and loss of life, including future disabilities or limitations caused by the wildfires. Contact us to discuss your personal situation for more specific answers.
While we are still waiting on initial litigation milestones to take place, we recommend for all Lahaina and Maui residents that have suffered losses in the wildfires to reach out to us for a case evaluation. It is important to complete this step as early as possible to preserve evidence and build the strongest possible cases.
Reach Out today!
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