The Hawaiian Island of Maui is special for many reasons—from its rich, alluring culture to its picturesque beaches, which evoke images of ideal living.
But, on August 8, 2023, a series of wildfires erupted in Lahaina, Olinda and Kula, with the Lahaina fire burning 2,170 acres before it was finally contained in early September. By October 7, 98 people were confirmed dead, making the Maui wildfire the fifth deadliest wildfire in U.S. history.
With so many lives, livelihoods and the economic future of the island hanging in the balance, Frantz Law Group ("FLG") Founder James P. Frantz was invited to join the efforts of Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, a preeminent injury trial firm based in Honolulu, which Best Law Firms® 2024 has ranked as Tier 1 in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, to deliver justice for the victims and help start the recovery process. Together, both firms established an on-the-ground resource center that provided fire victims with assistance in completing insurance claim forms and FEMA applications, as well as complimentary charging stations for those who needed to use their electronic devices to communicate with loved ones.
“I’ve seen how such destruction can leave victims with nothing in an instant,” says Frantz, who's obtained seven-, eight-, nine- and 10-figure jury verdicts and settlements for his clients during his distinguished career. “Victims need to know they are not alone, and we are here to step up.”
“We are proud to provide victims and residents with peace of mind,” says Frantz. “And in the long-term, they will know that—should they need representation—they can turn to strong, reliable trial lawyers to secure justice," the Fellow and Associate of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates says.
Named a Tier 1 firm in San Diego by Best Law Firms® since 2010 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs, FLG was instrumental in achieving a $13.5 billion settlement (with co-counsel) against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) on behalf of thousands of victims harmed by PG&E’s negligent maintenance and inspection of its utility equipment in the 2017/2018 Northern California wildfires (FLG represented more than 4,400 of these fire victims). Additionally, the firm represents thousands of victims in actions against PG&E, Southern California Edison, Liberty Utilities and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for losses arising from 10 more wildfires, including the Woolsey/Thomas Fire; the 2019 Getty, Kincade and Saddleridge fires; the 2020 Mountain View, Slater and Bobcat fires; the 2021 Dixie Fire; and the 2022 Mill Fire—all caused by the negligence and recklessness of corporate entities.
Initial estimates indicate that the Maui wildfires caused more than $6 billion in damages.
While the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the fires' cause, some officials have indicated that Maui's drought-parched landscapes and strong winds may have played a role, while videos and reports from those on the scene indicate that downed Hawaiian Electric (HE) power lines may have started the blaze.
Should the ATF conclude that HE, another utility operator or property owner did not take proper precautions to prevent the cause or spread of the fires, clients can take solace in knowing they have lawyers in their corner with extensive experience litigating and negotiating effectively for their fire claims.
“We know we can never make a family that has suffered such enormous losses entirely whole again, but we will go to every length to secure justice,” says Frantz. “We are honored to facilitate the healing and rebuilding process of Maui and the lives of its injured residents alongside our co-counsel, Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner.”
