Filing a Class Action Lawsuit Against Hawaiian Electric
Lawsuit Against Hawaiian Electric
If you are looking for a lawyer who will take your case after the Lahaina wildfires, there are plenty to choose from. But how do you decide which one is right for you? Ultimately, the answer depends on your priorities and what you expect from the firm. For some people, it may be more important to find a firm that will do a great job for them while also holding those responsible accountable. For others, the main priority might be to get compensation that will help them recover after the fires.
The Maui fire lawyers have been devastating to many residents, destroying homes, businesses and historic sites and causing significant injuries and deaths. The Lahaina fires in particular burned with incredible intensity, consuming houses and properties and forcing residents to flee their homes. The fires were caused by downed power lines and uninsulated utility equipment, and the victims of the Lahaina wildfires are seeking justice by filing a class action lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric.
Attorney Mikal Watts of the law firm Singleton Schreiber specializes in wildfire cases and is working to represent victims in the aftermath of the fires in Hawaii. He explains that all of the evidence—videos, witness accounts, burn progression and utility equipment remaining—point to the fact that Hawaiian Electric’s equipment was the origin of the fires.
Filing a Class Action Lawsuit Against Hawaiian Electric
In addition to the fact that the company did not follow its own Public Safety Power Shutoffs plan when a red flag warning was issued, the lawsuit also alleges that the company neglected safety maintenance and upgrades to their power lines. It also alleged that the company prioritized cost-cutting over fire prevention and risk mitigation practices.
According to the lawsuits, the company knew that it was a high-risk area for wildfires and that extreme weather conditions would heighten the risks. Despite this, the lawsuits allege that the company did nothing to mitigate these risks.
Some of the class action lawsuits filed against the company claim that its negligence directly led to the Lahaina wildfires. Others point to previous incidents in which the company’s negligence caused wildfires. For example, the lawsuits claim that a downed power line in Maui ignited vegetation underneath the lines and started a fire that destroyed 20 homes.
The lawsuits against the company are similar to those that were filed against California’s PG&E after its negligence and cost-cutting led to the deadly wildfires in the state. If successful, the lawsuits against the company could result in a substantial settlement for the victims. However, some plaintiffs have complained that the settlement won’t be enough to make up for their losses. In that case, they might consider pursuing a personal injury claim against the company to get additional compensation. The Lahaina wildfire lawsuits are still in the early stages, but are expected to proceed quickly. The lawsuits are seeking monetary compensation for the property damage, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life that the victims suffered due to the negligence of the utility company.