Class-Action Lawsuits
HONOLULU, Aug. 14 2023 (PRNewswire)—The fires that swept across Hawaii last month, killing 99 and leaving millions of dollars in property damage, caused billions of dollars in economic loss. That loss is expected to be even higher as insurance claims are being processed and assessed. According to Moody’s Analytics, the wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in Lahaina and Kula alone, and resulted in $4 billion to $6 billion in lost economic output.
The Maui fire lawyers filed against Hawaii electric utilities claim that the loss of homes, businesses, lives, and the destruction of historic and cultural sites could have been prevented. The suits accuse Hawaiian Electric Company and its subsidiaries of failing to take preventative measures and respond with urgency to downed power lines before the fires spread.
According to the lawsuits, the National Weather Service gave ample warning about the high winds and fire conditions that would be created by Hurricane Dora. These winds were predicted to blow down trees, which could knock down and spark power lines. The lawsuits allege that Hawaiian Electric knew that these wind conditions could create and fuel fires, but failed to shut down power lines as a precautionary measure.
Are There Any Class-Action Lawsuits Related to Maui Wildfires?
Instead, the company allegedly chose to keep its power lines energized and active, causing the fires to burn down homes and businesses in the historic town of Lahaina. The suit claims that the utility also ignored reports that it had moved many of its overhead power lines to accommodate hurricanes and other natural disasters, creating a higher risk for fire.
The class action suits against the utility companies are seeking compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and property damage resulting from the deadly Maui wildfires. They accuse the companies of failing to maintain their infrastructure, which could have been the cause of the fires. They also accuse them of failing to properly train their employees.
Shares of Hawaii-based Hawaiian Electric Industries dropped over 35% Monday on fears it may have to pay big damages to its customers. A number of lawsuits have been filed against the company by its customers, including the residents of Lahaina.
The lawsuits accuse the defendants of negligence, trespass, and nuisance, claiming that they were “a substantial factor” in the deadliest wildfires in more than a century, which killed 99 people and left many historic buildings in ruins. Several of the suits were filed by the law firm Singleton Schreiber, which is a leader in class-action litigation. It is a national plaintiffs’ firm with offices in Seattle and Washington, DC. The firm represents individuals, families, and small businesses who have suffered losses that are not covered by their insurance policy. Contact a legal representative today to learn more about the options available for financial compensation. The initial consultation is free and confidential. The attorneys at Singleton Schreiber will not charge a fee unless and until they recover compensation for you. Our team is available to answer your questions and concerns 24/7.