Hawaii Wrongful Death Lawyer

Under Hawaii law, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the deceased person's personal representative (the representative of the estate) or by certain surviving family members and dependents who have suffered losses as a result of the death. Eligible beneficiaries may include the deceased's surviving spouse, children, parents, reciprocal beneficiary, and, in some circumstances, individuals who were wholly or partially dependent on the deceased for financial support or care. The personal representative may also seek recovery on behalf of the estate for certain expenses, including final medical bills and funeral costs. Determining who has the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim is not always straightforward, particularly in cases involving blended families, multiple beneficiaries, or questions regarding dependency. Our firm can evaluate your family’s specific circumstances, identify all eligible claimants, and ensure that the claim is properly filed in accordance with Hawaii law. We are committed to protecting the rights of surviving family members and pursuing the full compensation available for their losses while guiding them through every stage of the legal process.

In wrongful death claims arising from accidents on Oʻahu, surviving family members may be entitled to recover damages that are intended to compensate them for both the financial and personal losses resulting from their loved one's death. Hawaiʻi law allows recovery for economic losses, including lost income and financial support the deceased would have provided, as well as funeral and burial expenses and certain medical expenses incurred before death. The law also permits compensation for non-economic losses, such as the loss of love, affection, companionship, comfort, protection, guidance, care, and consortium suffered by surviving family members. The amount of compensation that is considered reasonable depends on the specific facts of each case, including the age and health of the deceased, their earning capacity, life expectancy, relationship with surviving family members, and the circumstances of the fatal accident. There is no fixed dollar amount for a wrongful death claim in Hawaiʻi. Instead, damages are evaluated based on the evidence and the full impact the loss has had on surviving family members and dependents. In addition, the personal representative of the estate may seek recovery for certain estate-related losses, including expenses associated with the decedent's final illness and burial.

Hawaii sets a deadline for wrongful death claims, and it is important to act within it. Contact us early so nothing is lost to a missed deadline.

No. We work on contingency, so there are no fees unless we recover, and the consultation is free and without obligation.