Honolulu Wrongful Death Lawyer
Seek Justice with Expert Honolulu Wrongful Death Attorneys
The wrongful death attorneys at Shim & Chang in Honolulu have deep expertise in supporting families coping with the loss of a loved one in a tragic accident. We recognize that during such difficult moments, emotions such as shock and grief can overshadow concerns about legal and financial affairs. A Honolulu wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and ensure you receive rightful compensation for your losses, enabling you to focus on your emotional recovery.
We’re not intimidated by challenging cases or strong adversaries. We recently challenged the City and County of Honolulu in a wrongful death lawsuit and achieved a significant win, securing almost $1 million in damages for our client. You can trust us to approach your case with the same determination and commitment to excellence.
Basics of Wrongful Death Claims in Honolulu
In Hawaii, if someone dies due to the wrongful actions of another person or entity, their legal representative or eligible family members can bring forth a wrongful death lawsuit. This legal course aims to hold the responsible party accountable for the death. If the deceased’s legal representative initiates the lawsuit, they can pursue reimbursement for reasonable expenses linked to the deceased person’s final illness and burial.
When a family member, such as a spouse, partner, child, or parent, files a lawsuit, they can also seek compensation for the emotional distress and loss they’ve endured. This might include:
- Loss of companionship, solace, and support
- Loss of marital guidance, advice, and care
- Loss of support and guidance from a partner
- Loss of a child’s care and parental guidance
- Loss of parental care, guidance, and educational support
Seasoned personal injury attorneys in Honolulu, like those at Shim & Chang, can assist in evaluating the potential compensation for your loss. We grasp the significance of holding accountable those responsible for fatal accidents. Through legal action, we advocate for shifts in behavior and safety protocols to avert similar tragedies down the road.
Typical Reasons for Deadly Accidents in Honolulu
In Honolulu, wrongful death cases often stem from various incidents, with vehicle collisions being a primary cause. Contributing factors include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Involvement of large commercial vehicles with issues like driver fatigue and improper maintenance.
Another source of fatalities is airplane accidents. In Hawaii, both small and large planes are frequently utilized for inter-island travel. While airplanes provide efficient transportation, they can present substantial dangers if not adequately equipped or maintained, or if pilots are negligent or irresponsible in their operation.
Moreover, workplace and recreational accidents contribute significantly to wrongful deaths, particularly in hazardous industries like construction, as well as activities such as:
- Boating
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Helicopter tours
Navigating the Legal Process with Your Honolulu Wrongful Death Attorney
Collaborating with a wrongful death attorney involves several essential steps, starting from the initial consultation and evidence collection, all the way through settlement discussions or potentially a trial. Each stage is crucial for the success of your wrongful death claim. Here’s an overview of the process.
First Meeting
Your journey toward justice begins with the initial consultation. In this complimentary session, you can delve into your situation and explore the legal avenues available to you. It’s a chance to evaluate the viability of your case and determine the most suitable path forward.
Investigation and Collecting Evidence
Following the initial consultation, your wrongful death attorney will commence a thorough investigation into the incident and gather crucial evidence. This phase can be intricate, as it may entail navigating conflicting witness statements and efforts by responsible parties to avoid accountability. The evidence gathered will be pivotal in constructing a strong case.
Settlement Discussions or Court Proceedings
After concluding the investigation and collecting evidence, your attorney will engage in negotiations with the responsible party or their insurance provider to reach a settlement. Frequently, wrongful death cases are resolved without going to trial. Nevertheless, if initial negotiations do not result in a satisfactory settlement, formal mediation may offer a crucial opportunity to resolve the matter outside of court.
Should negotiations or mediation prove unsuccessful in achieving a fair settlement, your case will proceed to trial. During this stage, your attorney will advocate for justice on your behalf. Ultimately, a jury may render the verdict and decide on the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Contact our Dedicated Honolulu Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one due to an accident, we empathize with the difficulties you’re going through. Our team at Shim & Chang Attorneys at Law is dedicated to offering compassionate assistance and expert advice to you and your family during this challenging period. Reach out to us today to learn how we can assist you in pursuing a wrongful death claim against those responsible for your loss. In a free initial consultation at our Honolulu office, we’ll evaluate the potential of your case and provide guidance on the best course of action to secure the compensation you deserve, aiming to ease your financial burdens.