class-action lawsuits related to Maui wildfires
Despite the fact that Hawaii’s main power supplier – Hawaiian Electric Industries – has a reputation for reliable electricity, this utility has been accused of causing many of the recent Maui wildfires. The lawsuits allege that the company did not de-energize its lines during a state of emergency and high winds, despite knowing that overhead wires pose a fire hazard, even in dry conditions. The lawsuits also accuse the company of allowing its old and outdated power equipment to fail.
According to the lawsuits, HECO’s failure to take action allowed the Lahaina fire to quickly engulf homes and businesses in the historic town, leaving behind a path of destruction that destroyed more than 30 structures. In addition, the lawsuits claim that a combination of downed power poles and energized lines prevented residents from fleeing the fire, which caused more than a dozen deaths and displaced dozens of others.
The suits filed by a number of Maui fire lawyers, including LippSmith LLP, Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis, LLP and Robertson & Associates LLP, allege that the fires could have been prevented if the company had heeded the National Weather Service’s warnings, and had followed a 2002 federal standard that requires power lines to be insulated so that they are less likely to spark in dry ground. They also claim that the company moved fallen poles, conductors, transformers and other equipment from around a Lahaina substation beginning on August 12, before ATF officials arrived, violating a national guideline on how utilities should handle and preserve evidence.
Are there any class-action lawsuits related to Maui wildfires?
While the lawsuits allege that many of the fires started with downed power lines, they also cite years of inaction by Hawaiian Electric to update its infrastructure and manage flammable non-native vegetation throughout West Maui, which is prone to extreme drought. The plaintiffs say that HEI knew the area was more at risk for wildfire due to its dry conditions and climate change, and the lawsuits allege that the company knowingly failed to upgrade its power system and protect against the fires that burned through the area on Aug. 8.
A separate lawsuit filed by a firm that specializes in personal injury claims against large corporations, Singleton Schreiber, accuses HEI of negligence, trespass and nuisance, alleging that the company’s power lines caused the fire that ripped through West Maui and left behind a trail of destruction. The lawsuits are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Singleton Schreiber’s attorneys are known for their success in pursuing large settlements and jury awards against companies that have been sued for environmental damage and other causes of injury and death.
Their clients include injured workers and the families of wrongful death victims. The firm is based in San Diego, California. It also has offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The firm represents individuals and organizations across the country. It has won millions of dollars in settlements for its clients. In addition to the Hawaii cases, it has successfully prosecuted cases involving injuries and losses resulting from natural disasters, medical malpractice and other accidents.
