Hawai‘i Personal Injury Lawyer

Hawai‘i is a tropical paradise of breathtaking landscapes and warm ocean breezes. The last thing on anyone’s mind is getting hurt. Unfortunately, accidents can happen even in this idyllic setting, leaving victims grappling with physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

When faced with the aftermath of a personal injury, a skilled Hawai‘i personal injury lawyer becomes invaluable in helping you seek justice and recover compensation.

Personal Injury in Hawai‘i

With its picturesque roads, Hawai‘i is no stranger to motor vehicle accidents. Car, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries.

In fact, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) reports that 2022 saw more traffic-related fatalities than the three prior years (114), and for every traffic fatality, there were an estimated 48 individuals hospitalized or 53 EMS responses to traffic-related injuries.

Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. Likewise, with the balmy temperatures and beautiful sights, it’s no surprise that Hawai‘i’s cities and towns see heavy pedestrian and tourist traffic. Pedestrian accidents can occur due to negligent drivers, inadequate crosswalks, or poorly maintained sidewalks.

Slip and fall accidents are another common type of personal injury claim and can occur in various settings, from hiking and climbing the rugged mountain landscape to hotels and resorts to bustling shopping centers and public spaces.

Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage contribute to these slips, leading to fractures, sprains, and head injuries.

With ongoing construction projects across the islands, construction-related accidents are another major cause of injuries. These may include falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, or other incidents that result in injuries to workers or bystanders.

In just one example, in 2022, 22-year-old BYU offensive lineman Sione Veikoso was killed in a construction accident in his hometown of Kailua when a 15-foot retaining wall he was working on collapsed, seriously injuring two other workers as well.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the three most common worksite injuries in Hawai‘i are (in order):

1. Exposure to harmful substances
2. Transportation accidents
3. Injuries sustained from contact with objects or equipment

This differs slightly from the nationwide statistics of:

1. Transportation incidents
2. Falls, slips, and trips
3. Exposure to harmful substances or environments

Of course, given Hawai‘i’s status as an ocean paradise, water-related accidents are not uncommon either. Boating collisions, diving accidents, or injuries from water sports and activities also lead to personal injury claims.

According to the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH), drowning is the 5th leading cause of accidental death among residents, with an average of nearly 40 deaths per year, and is the only fatality cause where resident victims are outnumbered by visitors, which increases the annual number to an average of 83 (an increase of 53%).

Hawai‘i’s visitor-drowning rate is 13 times the national average. Serious but non-fatal incidents are exponentially higher.

Medical malpractice is, unfortunately, a worldwide issue, and even in Hawai‘i, it can’t always be escaped. Healthcare professionals are expected to provide a standard of care, and claims may arise from surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication errors, or other instances where a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to harm.

Regarding medical malpractice, Hawai‘i’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims states, “No action for injury or death [may be brought] more than two years after the plaintiff discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered the injury.”

The Role of Injury Attorneys

Personal injuries can occur in various settings, from car accidents on the scenic roads of Maui to slips and falls in bustling Honolulu. In Hawai‘i, personal injury law encompasses a wide range of incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, and more.

Each case is unique, requiring a thorough understanding of both state and federal laws to navigate the complexities and ensure the best possible outcome for the injured party.

Some of the key goals and benefits of working with legal counsel like ours include:

• Legal expertise and guidance: A Hawai‘i personal injury lawyer serves as a guide through the intricate legal process, offering invaluable expertise in state-specific laws and regulations. From filing the necessary paperwork to understanding the statute of limitations, these professionals ensure that their client’s rights are protected and that no crucial deadlines are missed.
• Investigation and evidence gathering: Successful personal injury claims often hinge on the strength of the evidence presented. Attorneys work diligently to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, collecting crucial evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions. This meticulous approach strengthens the client’s case and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
• Negotiation with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting task for an individual unfamiliar with the intricacies of the claims process. Attorneys like ours act as strong advocates for their clients during negotiations, ensuring that insurance companies assess claims fairly and provide adequate compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Litigation representation: In cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an injury attorney is prepared to take the case to court. With a deep understanding of courtroom procedures, these professionals skillfully present their clients’ cases, arguing for the compensation they deserve. Their experience in litigation proves invaluable, especially when faced with aggressive defense tactics.
• Compassion and support: Beyond the legalities, injury lawyers in Hawai‘i often become pillars of support for their clients during challenging times. They understand the emotional toll of an injury and the stress associated with the legal process. By providing compassionate guidance, these lawyers ensure that their clients feel supported and empowered throughout the journey to justice.

At Wayne Parsons Law Office, our attorneys can offer experienced legal expertise in a variety of areas, including:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Birth Injuries
• Ocean Injuries
• Defective Products
• Harmful Prescription Drugs
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse
• Construction Accidents
• Wrongful Death

When faced with the aftermath of a personal injury, seeking the assistance of a Hawai‘i personal injury lawyer is a crucial step toward regaining control and rebuilding one’s life. From navigating legal complexities to providing unwavering support, these professionals play a pivotal role in helping you secure the help you need to heal and move forward.

Our attorneys embody the spirit of aloha, advocating for justice and ensuring that you receive the care, consideration, and fair compensation that you deserve.

Contact us today, and let’s get started!

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