Honolulu-based Wrongful Death Lawyers Answer Common Legal Questions

If you have suffered a tragedy in Honolulu or elsewhere in Hawaii involving a wrongful death, the lawyers at Leavitt Yamane & Soldner are here to help sort through the challenges of your case. You need skillful and practiced attorneys that are sensitive to your trauma helping you through this complex and emotionally draining process. At Leavitt Yamane & Soldner, our attorneys can help ease your burden by answering all your questions and reaching a fair conclusion.

• What is wrongful death?
• Why do I need a wrongful death attorney?
• When should I file my wrongful death claim in Honolulu and elsewhere in Hawaii?
• What kinds of wrongful death damages can I get?
• How much does it cost to bring a wrongful death lawsuit?
• Contact Our Practice

What is wrongful death?

A wrongful death is a fatality caused by another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions, such as a death caused by a defective product, drunk driving accident, or premeditated murder. Wrongful death cases are civil suits brought by survivors who were dependent on the deceased for financial or emotional support. Civil suits differ from criminal murder cases in their standard of proof, damages sought, and role of the victim’s family in pressing charges.

Why do I need a wrongful death attorney?

Since the process of litigation in cases of wrongful death can be overwhelming and confusing, having gifted attorneys on your side is absolutely imperative. Our Honolulu-based wrongful death lawyers will determine whether you have a case, help you meet Hawaii’s statute of limitations, interview witnesses, help you collect documents, choose the best litigation strategy, and protect you from the defendant’s insurance company. To secure excellent legal representation for your case, contact our practice today.

When should I file my wrongful death claim in Hawaii?

Hawaii law requires that wrongful death claims are filed in court within two years of the victim’s exposure to harm and the appearance of their injuries, not from the time of death. The City and County of Honolulu and certain other counties maintain a six-month time limit. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible will ensure that you meet the statute of limitations.

What kinds of wrongful death damages can my family and I pursue?

Suppose a person that is seriously injured and hospitalized, presses charges while in the hospital, but dies before the case is settled. Two types of damages can come of this case. First, according to “survival statutes,” the surviving immediate family members can continue pressing the initial charges and collect the damages their loved one would have received. Second, the family can press separate wrongful death charges to vindicate their own emotional and financial losses.

The amount of compensation awarded to survivors is based on their present financial dependence on the victim. Damages can cover medical and funeral expenses associated with the death; the victim’s future earnings and benefits at their present value; lost inheritance; survivors’ pain, suffering, mental anguish; possible punitive damages; and more.

How much does it cost to bring a wrongful death lawsuit?

The attorney fee you will pay is a percentage of the damages your lawyer achieves from litigating your case. The wrongful death lawyers at Leavitt Yamane & Soldner charge on a contingency basis, meaning that they collect fees if and only if your case is successfully settled.

Contact Our Practice

Based in the Honolulu area, our wrongful death lawyers at Leavitt Yamane & Soldner are renowned for expertly handling wrongful death suits. We will take a special interest to attain a just resolution to your case. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

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