Call (855) 735-5945 or fill out the form to schedule your free consultation.
On August 13th, a crucial hearing took place regarding the ongoing settlement discussions for the Maui wildfire victims. As mediation continues, this hearing will play a significant role in determining the next steps toward justice and compensation for those affected.
Frantz Law Group remains dedicated to fighting for the hundreds of victims we represent, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. Stay informed as we continue to work tirelessly for a fair and just resolution. In this interview, James Frantz, Maui Wildfire leading attorney, talks about the hearing and it means for victims.
The Maui Wildfires, also called the Lahaina Fire, Olinda Fire and Kula Fire have destroyed thousands of homes and other structures. The main Maui wildfire burned much of the community of Lahaina where more than 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed, including much of the downtown Lahaina Historic District on Front Street. 96% of burned structures were residential. Frantz Law Group, APLC is fully committed to providing steadfast legal representation to individuals and businesses alike that have been devastated by the blazes. If you have lost your home, your business, or a loved one due to the Maui wildfires, please do not hesitate to call or contact our wildfire litigation attorneys online to learn if you have a valid claim.
Responsibility for the Occurrence: Responsibility for the occurrence of the fire incident rest with HECO who failed to initiate a public safety power shutdown (PSPS) in response to the warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the governors office.
Responsibility allegedly rests with HECO for failing to respond in a timely manner to the Maui Fire Department’s report of downed power lines at its origin.
Responsibility also allegedly rests with HECO for failing to survey their power lines in the area of the fire’s origin prior to re-energizing the power lines located there.
Responsibility also allegedly rests with a number of government, and private owners of undeveloped land, which fostered and facilitated the rapid progression and development of the fire incident as a result of their individual and collective failures to mitigate wildfire hazards on their properties and their individual and collective failures to provide appropriate and effective fire brakes between receptive fuels, located on their properties and adjacent populated areas.
Responsibility may also rest with Hawaiian Telecom as it is currently being evaluated, whether or not the presence of their communication lines on the wooden utility pole contributed to its failure during the high wind event.
Here are five facts that suggest HECO may be responsible for the Lahaina wildfire:
The Maui fire department subsequently thought that they had extinguished the fire incident.
Shortly after their departure, the fire incident was observed by witnesses to have rekindled in a field near its origin. That rekindle was extinguished by a contractor, operating a water truck and the neighbors residing nearby.
At approximately 3:00 PM, the fire incident was again observed to have rekindled in the same field near its origin. The Maui fire department again responded but the fire burned out of control as a result of extremely dry fuels located in that field and the continuing high wind event.
During those fire extinguishment activities, it has been reported that an emergency May Day was for a firefighter that had collapsed while fighting the fire incident. Fire department resources were assigned to focus on a rescue of that firefighter and fire extinguishment activities were reportedly interrupted.
The fire quickly progressed and developed down into the business and residential areas of Lahaina.
While many people affected by the fires in Maui have insurance coverage for fire damage, there are many more types of damages caused by the blazes that will not be covered. Since the infernos have thoroughly destroyed nearly every acre they have touched, it is also highly likely that most property owners will not be able to receive as much money as needed to recover due to insurance policy limits.
Receiving compensation for the totality of those losses from an insurance claim is not expected.
Our Maui fire attorneys are here to help you fight for all of your losses and damages, such as:
Determining what damages are applicable to your case can be difficult if you are not familiar with liability laws, especially those pertaining to disasters. Retain the services of our Maui wildfire lawyers and we can sort out your damages. We will handle the legal claim on your behalf, leaving you free to focus on other matters, like your family and recuperation after such a harrowing event.
Frantz Law Group, APLC has become well-known for being able to take on large scale, complex, and challenging lawsuits such as wildfire litigation claims. The companies liable for starting wildfires usually attempt to blame the situation on the unpredictability of nature, but our team knows better due to our 120+ years of combined legal experience. Whether you are an individual who lost your home or a loved one, or a business owner who lost their storefront, we work vigorously on your behalf to hold the responsible companies accountable for what has occurred.
When you need help seeking compensation for the damage caused by the Maui Wildfires, look no further than our law firm. We are here to help.
Start off with a free consultation to learn more about your rights. Contact us as soon as you can.
UPDATES PERTAINING TO THE MAUI WILDFIRE LITIGATION WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY BELOW:
402 West Broadway
Suite 860
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-5945
201 Mission Street
12th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 282-2928
428 J Street
4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(855) 735-5945
8050 N. Palm Avenue
Suite 300
Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 400-7177
11801 Pierce Street
Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92505
(951) 225-4097
4900 California Avenue
Tower B
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 469-4612
3558 Round Barn Blvd.
Suite 215
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 236-6316
236 Broadway Street
Suite B
Chico, CA 95928
(707) 236-6316
236 Broadway Street
Suite B
Chico, CA 95928
(707) 236-6316
500 Ala Moana Blvd.
Suite 400
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 354-0112
7 West Figueroa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 586-2412
1500 Palma Dr.
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 586-3605