Renters harmed by the Maui Fires may find themselves feeling left behind. While homeowners have the ability to file real property claims with their insurance, renters who lost everything in a fire may feel they have nothing. However, Maui Fire renters do have recourse. They can bring claims against Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) which is alleged to have started the Maui Fires. Under the law, these claims can include many different types of damage, not just physical losses. An experienced wildfire attorney understands the various types of damage suffered by their clients and aims to recover all possible damages.
Common Damages for Renters
1. Personal Property
Maui wildfire renters can seek compensation for the loss of their personal property. This includes everything in your household – from expensive items like a dining room furniture set or home computer system, right down to your everyday toothbrush and kitchen dishes. In many cases, even if you have renter’s insurance, it is often not enough to fully cover all your lost belongings, and that is when it may be essential to get a lawyer. We seek to recover all aspects of your personal property, including your sentimental items, antiques, family heirlooms, and collectibles. Even if you have rental insurance, these items typically require an extra rider on your insurance and are rarely covered. Our goal is to make sure you receive the highest possible compensation for your property losses.
2. Emotional Losses and Medical Expenses
There are numerous ways that Maui wildfire victims suffer from emotional distress. Initially, fleeing for your life causes emotional suffering and often leads to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Losing your beloved home causes a loss of safety and security. You will continue to suffer nuisance and emotional distress as you try to rebuild your life. As a Maui Fire victim, you deserve to be compensated for this emotional damage and any associated expenses, such as the cost of counseling or therapy. We make it our mission to fight HECO for recovery from the emotional damage you have endured from the Maui Fires.
3. Physical Injuries
Anyone who evacuated from the Maui Fires can seek compensation from HECO for any injuries suffered. This includes smoke inhalation, eye irritation, broken bones, burns, and any other injury. Be sure to save your receipts! Keeping a record of all medical appointments and expenses incurred is important to maximizing your claim.
4. Alternate Living Expenses
Maui Fire victims can also receive compensation for all the expenses that result from being displaced from their homes. It is important to document where you have stayed and to keep any receipts for things like hotels, food, clothing, or gas.
5. Loss of Income/Loss of Business Profits
You could be eligible for compensation if you are displaced because of the Maui Fires and are temporarily unable to work due to the damage/destruction of either your or your employer’s property. Be sure to gather your records as tax and employment documents are usually required to prove the loss of income. Our attorneys can help you determine exactly what you need to prove your case.
Document your Damages
Document document document! We cannot emphasize this enough. As your attorneys, we work with a team of experts to analyze your damages and maximize your recovery. To get the best results, it is important to provide evidence of your losses by documenting everything. If available, gather both pre-fire and post-fire photos and videos of your property, track your fire-related expenses, and make an inventory of all the personal property lost in the fire. With this evidence in hand, you can stand up to HECO as a renter and win!
