A Hawaii injury lawyer can be a major asset for injury victims. If you suffered physical harm due to someone’s reckless behavior, you may have a claim. An unexpected turn of events can leave you with lost work, medical bills, and emotional trauma. Under Hawaii law, you can seek a claim against the party that caused you harm. In this post, you’ll discover how an attorney can help get you the maximum possible settlement available for you.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims in Hawaii
What is a personal injury? In the Aloha state, these claims refer to any harm an individual suffers due to someone else’s actions or negligence.
For example, a shopper slips and falls on the wet floor at the Waikiki Market, suffering a broken arm. The shopper could file a personal injury claim if there were no “caution wet floor” signage around the area. Other kinds of personal injury cases include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Assault and battery
The Role of Negligence
Personal injury begins with negligence. According to state law, this legal concept means an individual or entity didn’t exercise reasonable care. The failure to do so results in someone being injured. The grocery store could be negligent in the slip-and-fall scenario above.
In some cases, determining who is negligent isn’t always clear-cut. For instance, suppose a motorist suffers life-threatening injuries in a multi-car pile-up on the H-1 freeway in Honolulu. According to Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, a Hawaii injury law firm, evidence can help you establish liability so you can target the responsible party from which to seek compensation.
Once the evidence shows the at-fault part caused the accident and subsequent injuries, establishing the accident caused your losses is the next step. These damages cover financial relief for lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional anguish.
Hawaii’s No-Fault Insurance System
Hawaii operates under a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. In most cases, your insurance company covers your medical expenses and other damages, no matter who’s at fault. This system streamlines the claims process. It also enables you to get immediate medical care.
No-fault does have exceptions. The system allows injured victims to seek compensation beyond what their insurance covers. In other words, they can sue the at-fault party. This exception is only available in cases of serious injuries, such as permanent paralysis, disfigurement, or death.
The Role of Hawaii Injury Lawyers
Legal experience can lead to a maximum settlement. Attorneys have in-depth knowledge of state laws, statutes, and regulations. A veteran attorney has worked with many clients with cases similar to yours and will know the best course of action forward. Of course, every case differs. So they know how to apply the law to the unique circumstances of your claim.
Maximize Your Compensation
Want to know a secret many injury victims don’t know? Insurance companies seek to give you the least money for your losses. Often, claimants accept the first settlement offer because they are so desperate for financial relief. In most instances, they end up with a lowball offer isn’t going to end up being enough to cover all of their expenses. However, once you accept a settlement, you can never go back and attempt to seek more, even if you realize your expenses are costlier than you first thought.
Your attorney is an advocate focused on getting you the maximum compensation. They can calculate the full extent of the following:
- Healthcare bills
- Lost income
- Earning capacity for future wages
- Pain and suffering
Attorneys are skilled negotiators. They’ll fight tooth and nail to ensure you the financial support you deserve.
No-Win, No-Fee Model
You have suffered a traumatic injury. You’re already coping with a life-changing event. The last thing you must worry about is how you’ll pay legal fees. That’s where the no-win, no-fee model comes to your rescue. You only pay a dime if they win your case. This is called a contingency fee basis and most personal injury attorneys operate using this payment model. That way, anyone can get the legal help they need to seek compensation regardless of their financial status at the time they become injured.
The Spirit of Ohana and Personal Injury Law
In Hawaii, the “Ohana” spirit is a way of life. It embodies the idea we’re all one big family, connected by bonds of love and support. This cultural value also extends to personal injury law. Think of your Hawaii injury lawyer as part of your legal Ohana. They know your struggles. They commit to fighting for your rights just as a family member would.
Personalized Support
After a severe injury, you need more than legal guidance. It would help to have an attorney who listens to and empathizes with your ideal. Hawaii injury lawyers provide personalized support. They can give you the following:
- A friendly ear
- Reassurance
- Emotional support
Personal injury cases have their share of challenges. Your attorney is there to help you along the way in the spirit of Ohana.
Building Trust
Trust is the basis for any strong relationship. Your attorney-client relationship is no different. The best Hawaii injury lawyers prioritize your interests. You should expect them to be:
- Transparent
- Honest
- Reliable
Hawaii injury lawyers who embrace Ohana can provide exceptional legal services. This approach creates the supportive environment you need for your recovery.
Steps to Winning Maximum Settlements
There are many areas of your case that your attorney will handle for you once you have retained their services. These steps are crucial and will help insure you get paid the full amount you are entitled to by law.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A fair settlement begins with a thorough investigation. Your lawyer will delve deep into gathering every shred of evidence that can bolster your claim. Examples of evidence include accident scene photos, witness statements, or medical reports. Evidence collection is what demonstrates the other party’s negligence.
- Negotiation and Settlement: Negotiations are crucial. These meetings with insurance providers can result in either a lowball or maximum settlement. Your lawyer’s skill in articulation and persuasion shines in these situations.
- Trial Preparation: Many personal injury cases do settle out of court. Your Hawaii injury lawyer will take your fight to trial if negotiations fall through. This preparation involves developing a strategy and arguing your case before a judge or jury.
Your Hawaii injury lawyer is on your side. They work to ensure your story gets heard.
The Benefits of a Local Hawaii Injury Lawyer
In the heart of the Aloha State, accidents are an unfortunate reality. Imagine having a legal professional who knows Hawaii’s laws and regulations. A local attorney can have a positive impact on your case. They often have relationships with the following:
- Medical professionals
- Expert witnesses
- Other attorneys
These connections can be game changers. They provide your attorney access to resources that can strengthen your case. The combination of local culture and community connections is a valuable asset. It positions a Hawaii injury lawyer as your ideal ally in the fight for a maximum settlement.
