01. Hawaii Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Hawaii
Hawaii residents and workers impacted by asbestos-related diseases can seek legal help from asbestos attorneys. Top asbestos attorneys work at dedicated mesothelioma law firms and can help victims understand their legal options. A mesothelioma lawyer can handle the litigation process on a victim’s behalf, allowing them to focus on treatment and spending time with their loved ones.
The following law firms can help Hawaiians pursue compensation:
Lawyers at these mesothelioma firms use their decades of experience and access to many resources to build successful cases. They have proven track records holding asbestos companies accountable and securing settlements for their clients.
Mesothelioma lawyers also understand the details of asbestos laws across the country and can identify the most favorable locations to file lawsuits. They are dedicated to getting asbestos victims the compensation they deserve.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in Hawaii
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Hawaii
Hawaii mesothelioma patients and their loved ones have received millions of dollars in compensation from settlements. People with asbestos-related diseases may contact an attorney to discuss their options for filing mesothelioma claims and lawsuits. Family members of deceased mesothelioma patients may also be eligible for compensation through wrongful death lawsuits.
As a result of asbestos exposure in Hawaii, many individuals have developed asbestos-related illnesses. From 1999 to 2020, about 185 Hawaiians were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Over the same period, approximately 154 Hawaiians died from mesothelioma. This type of illness may be a result of asbestos exposure at jobsites, homes and other buildings.
Lawyers can help Hawaii asbestos victims by gathering information about their exposures and filing lawsuits on their behalf. To make the process easier, lawyers can travel to patients and their loved ones to discuss their cases.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Hawaii?
Hawaiians affected by asbestos diseases may be eligible to file lawsuits against companies that used and distributed asbestos products. To file a mesothelioma lawsuit, lawyers will collect information about how and when the patient was exposed to asbestos. Common areas of exposure include various Hawaii jobsites, like 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 number of mesothelioma deaths in the state. Researchers did a study of 93 mesothelioma patients in Hawaii. They observed a 10-fold increase in mesothelioma among Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard workers compared to other fields.
Sugarcane plantations and mills were another source of workplace asbestos exposure in Hawaii. Researchers found asbestos fibers in air samples taken from machinists, mechanics and planting machinery operators.
Hawaiian workers who develop asbestos illnesses may seek compensation. Residents of Hawaii who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Honolulu, HI
- Laupahoehoe, HI
- Waianae, HI
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Hawaii
Experienced attorneys can work on behalf of their clients through the entire asbestos legal process. This includes collecting necessary information and filing cases on time.
It is important to comply with a state’s mesothelioma statutes of limitations for lawsuits. Statutes of limitations are laws that impose timelines for filing lawsuits. The timeline to file typically begins at the date of mesothelioma diagnosis or death.
Hawaiian asbestos victims may be eligible to file in or out of state, depending on their case. A mesothelioma lawyer can determine the most beneficial place to file.
Individuals may also be eligible to file asbestos company trust fund claims in addition to lawsuits. These trust funds are created by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate current and future asbestos victims.
Filing VA Claims in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are home to bases for every branch of the military. Asbestos was a common component in military equipment, buildings and machinery throughout the 20th century. Many veterans served at Hawaii’s military bases and may have been exposed to these asbestos products.
In addition to lawsuits and trust fund claims, veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible for monthly benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A mesothelioma lawyer can help explain these benefits and file for them on behalf of their clients.
03. Hawaii Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in Hawaii
Hawaiian workers and loved ones harmed by asbestos exposure have secured millions in financial compensation. Compensation may help asbestos victims with their medical bills, lost income and other costs.
Below are a few of the settlements compensating Hawaii asbestos victims:
- $3.7 million for a 65-year-old warehouse worker
- $1.7 million for a 58-year-old plantation worker and heavy equipment operator
- $1.1 million for a 62-year-old Navy veteran and boiler tender
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
Hawaii has laws and regulations to protect workers and other individuals from asbestos exposure. These regulations are outlined in the Hawaii Administrative Rules. They cover various aspects of asbestos management, including:
- Air quality standards
- Asbestos waste disposal
- Asbestos worker certifications
- School inspections
- Standards for safe demolition and renovation
These regulations are implemented by the Hawaii Department of Health. The state is also subject to federal asbestos laws, mostly enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
These laws all seek to prevent asbestos exposure. Failure to comply with any of these regulations can result in large fines and harmful asbestos exposure.
Experienced asbestos attorneys can also help asbestos victims navigate any laws regarding asbestos litigation.