Representation for Victims of the Lahaina Wildfires

On August 8th, 2023, just after midnight, devastating wildfires in Hawaii left at least 99 people dead and damaged or destroyed more than 2,200 structures and buildings. The wildfires are not only described as the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii since it's statehood in 1959, but also the deadliest U.S. wildfire in the last century. Some locals are blaming the blaze on Hawaiian Electric Industries, the state's largest utility company, for leaving their powerlines on in high-risk areas after the National Weather Service issued multiple warnings.

To read our complaint against Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., please click here.

After a wildfire destroys everything you hold dear, it can leave you feeling lost, alone, and unsure of what to do next. At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys understand the severity of your situation and are here to help you take the first step forward. If you or a loved one were injured or have suffered losses due to the Maui wildfires, we want to help you. For more information, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.

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What Happened in Maui?

On Monday, August 7th, 2023, the National Weather Service recorded incredibly high wind gusts across Hawaii and issued a high-wind warning for portions of Maui County. Then, on August 8th, 2023, just after midnight Tuesday, a brush fire was reported in the Kula area in the central part of Maui. Wind gusts from Hurricane Dora fueled the flames of a wildfire, and by 11 a.m., the fire had begun burning the historic town of Lahaina. From there on out, multiple wildfires started to break out around the islands, causing devastating damage in its wake. 

What Caused the Wildfires in Maui?

Currently, there is no official cause of the wildfires as it is still under investigation.

However, while the cause of the fire has not been determined, many have noted climate changes, as well as
downed powerlines, as a potential cause of the flames. The failure of the state's vaunted integrated outdoor siren warning system may have also contributed to the spread of the wildfire. With roughly 400 alarms, it is the largest in the world–yet as the flames blazed on, the alarms did not activate due to what Hawaii Gov. Josh Green claimed was caused by the extreme heat of the wildfires. Firefighters reported the fire hydrants had little to no water pressure as they tried to extinguish the flames. 

Did the State Know the Wildfire Could Happen?

According to Army Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, who leads the Hawaii National Guard, they were made aware in advance by the National Weather Service that the state was in a “red-flag situation.” According to the report, there were three factors that set the stage for fire risks: months of drought, low humidity, and high winds. Hurricane Dora passing Hawaii’s coast on Tuesday, provided the right winds to help the wildfire spread.

How Much of Maui Was Destroyed by the Wildfire?

According to the report released by the Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as of August 11th, 2023, the damage assessments related to the Lahaina Fire resulted in an estimated total of 2,719 structures exposed, 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed, and 2,170 acres burned. The report shows that 86 percent of exposed buildings were classified as residential.

Are There Any Reported Injuries Due to the Wildfires?

Since the wildfire broke out on August 8th, 2023, currently, the reports estimate it has killed at least 99 people, making it the deadliest US fire in more than a century and the fifth deadliest in the nation’s history. According to reports from the Hawaii Governor,  Josh Green, the death tolls are expected to rise in the coming days.  If you or a loved one have been injured or has passed due to the Maui wildfire, we may be able to help you. Contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today to learn more. 

Why Did Hawaiian Electric Stock Plunge 40%?

On Monday, August 14th, 2023, Hawaiian Electric’s stock dipped nearly 40% after a class action lawsuit was filed. The lawsuit alleges that the wildfires were caused by the utility’s energized power lines that were knocked down due to the strong winds caused by Hurricane Dora. The suit also claims that Hawaiian Electric Industries has opted not to de-energize their power lines during the High Wind Watch and Red Flag Warning conditions despite knowing the risks of sparking a fire in those conditions.

Am I Eligible To Join the Maui Wildfires Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one reside in Maui and were directly affected or injured by the wildfires, you may be eligible for financial compensation. For more information on how you may be eligible to join this lawsuit, we recommend you speak to an experienced attorney today. Contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form, and a member of our law firm will be in touch. 

What Compensation Could I Recover From This Lawsuit?

Wildfires can leave a devastating wake in their path, leaving lands, homes, and communities destroyed. According to the reports, the wildfire that blazed through Maui in August devastated the historic town of Lahaina. The damages are expected to have an "astronomical" economic impact on the island which could run between $3 billion and $7.5 billion, according to initial estimates. Below we have provided you a list of the possible damages you may be eligible to recover if you were affected by the Maui wildfire:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death
• Loss of Consortium
• And more

If you or a loved one reside in Maui and were directly affected by the wildfires, you may be eligible for financial compensation. For more information on how you may be eligible to recover any damages, we recommend you speak to an experienced attorney today. Contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today. 

Why Choose Morgan & Morgan?

When you decide to work with a Morgan & Morgan attorney, they will ensure you have the best chance at getting the proper compensation you and your loved ones need after your lives have been turned upside down due to a wildfire. At Morgan & Morgan, we have the largest resources in America, with a support team of more than 3,000 across the country. Our paralegals, case managers, case evaluation specialists, receptionists, engineers, and developers make sure that our clients are taken care of every step of the way.

If you have been affected by the recent wildfires in Maui, we may be able to help you. For more information, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form.

Advertising Material. Bora S. Kayan, Esq. is responsible for the content of this advertisement. Cases may be associated with, or referred to, other law firms as co-counsel or referral counsel in these and other jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This post is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should consult a lawyer.