01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Hawaii
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Hawaii
From 1999 to 2019, approximately 145 Hawaiians died from mesothelioma. This type of illness may be a result of asbestos exposure at jobsites, homes and other buildings.
Workers and other individuals in several Hawaiian communities have filed asbestos claims. Mesothelioma lawyers may help individuals in Hawaii with asbestos illnesses file claims. For example, attorneys have represented asbestos victims in Hawaii County and Honolulu County.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Hawaii?
Hawaiians who develop an illness after asbestos exposure can consult a mesothelioma lawyer to determine if they’re eligible for compensation. Mesothelioma attorneys may also help family members file wrongful death or personal injury claims. For example, household members who developed mesothelioma from asbestos dust brought into the home may file a personal injury claim.
Companies that failed to provide adequate protection against asbestos exposure or manufactured asbestos-containing products may be at fault. Until the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in a variety of Hawaii jobsites, including shipyards and sugarcane plantations.
For instance, a high risk of mesothelioma has been documented among workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Pearl Harbor’s naval base is located in Honolulu County, which has the highest rate of asbestos-related deaths in the state.
Sugarcane plantations were another source of workplace asbestos exposure in Hawaii. Asbestos fibers were found in air samples taken from machinists, mechanics and planting machinery operators.
Between 1960 and 1973, a study of 93 mesothelioma patients in Hawaii determined workers in the construction, heavy machinery and transportation industries were at an increased risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in all three industries.
Hawaiian workers in these occupations experienced exposure from a variety of asbestos products. Workers who later developed asbestos illnesses may seek compensation from product manufacturers.
Hawaii residents living in the following towns and cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and seek compensation from negligent manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Honolulu, HI
- Laupahoehoe, HI
- Waianae, HI
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Hawaii
Hawaiians diagnosed with an illness after asbestos exposure should contact an experienced mesothelioma law firm. Attorneys at mesothelioma law firms may help individuals learn about their legal options. A successful asbestos claim may provide compensation for medical bills and help with financial security.
Personal injury and wrongful death claims from asbestos exposure must be made within certain deadlines. These deadlines are called statutes of limitations. A state’s statutes of limitations are based on either the date of mesothelioma diagnosis or the date a mesothelioma patient passes away.
Laws vary in each state, so potential claimants should speak to a mesothelioma attorney about Hawaii-specific statutes.
As part of bankruptcy proceedings, some companies have also set up asbestos trust funds to ensure current and future claimants receive compensation. Each trust fund has specific eligibility requirements. A mesothelioma attorney can provide details and help clients in Hawaii file claims.
02. Hawaii Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Hawaii
Hawaii residents and workers impacted by an asbestos-related disease can seek legal help from local or nationwide law firms. Experienced mesothelioma law firms can help claimants understand their filing options for financial compensation. These firms can handle the filing process on the claimant’s behalf, enabling them to focus on treatment and time with their loved ones.
The following law firms can help people living in Hawaii receive compensation:
Working with a national law firm can have several advantages over working with smaller, local firms. Nationwide mesothelioma firms have decades of experience and access to many resources to build successful claims. Lawyers at these law firms have proven experience holding asbestos companies accountable and securing settlements for their clients.
National law firms understand the intricacies of asbestos laws across the country and can identify the most favorable jurisdiction to file your claim. It is not always ideal to file your claim in the state you currently live in.
Lawyers at national firms will also travel to you to make the process as easy as possible. They are dedicated to getting you and your family the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Hawaii Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Hawaii
Hawaiian workers and loved ones harmed by asbestos exposure have successfully secured financial compensation. Compensation may help asbestos victims with their medical bills, lost income and other costs.
We have listed below a few of the verdicts and settlements compensating victims of asbestos exposure in Hawaii:
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Hawaii mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Hawaii
Hawaii Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Realizing the dangers of asbestos exposure, the United States and Hawaii state governments created regulations to prevent asbestos exposure. Businesses and residents in Hawaii can refer to the following state laws regarding asbestos.
- Asbestos requirements: The Hawaii Administrative Rules explain the processing, handling and disposal of materials containing asbestos. These laws establish minimum standards for a range of asbestos activities related to mills, roadways, manufacturing, demolition, renovation, spraying, insulation, air-cleaning and reporting.
- Asbestos abatement certification program: The Hawaii Administrative Rules also discusses the certification of individuals or companies involved in handling asbestos. These rules outline the process for accrediting asbestos training programs. The rules also outline required procedures for asbestos abatement projects. The Department of Health must also be notified of any projects involving the removal of at least 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet of friable asbestos and any emergency abatement projects.
- Asbestos in schools: Local education agencies must visually examine schools for friable and nonfriable asbestos materials. Materials assumed not to contain asbestos must be sampled and analyzed, and asbestos management plans must be created.
- Fees for asbestos removal and certification: Laws outline the asbestos project fees collected by the Hawaii state government based on the quantity of materials removed. Contractors, project designers, monitors, inspectors and management planners also pay fees for certification.
Individuals conducting asbestos-related activities can access application and renewal forms through the Indoor and Radiological Health Branch.
Gathering the evidence necessary to file a mesothelioma lawsuit can be time-consuming, so it is important to begin the process as soon as possible. Talk to a lawyer experienced with asbestos-related claims to make sure that you and your family do not lose your right to compensation.
