Maui Fire Archives | Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman LLP

Key Questions for Wildfire Survivors Before Hiring a Lawyer

Posted on March 12, 2025March 11, 2025 by Candice Paddock

Homes reduced to ash, businesses disrupted, jobs lost — the aftermath of the recent Los Angeles wildfires have left survivors with a complex web of emotional and financial hardships.

Like the 2023 wildfires in Maui, lawyers and law firms — many from out of state — have descended on the area even as the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods were still smoldering. While lawsuits against public utility companies like Southern California Edison may result in monetary recoveries that will ultimately help survivors rebuild, choosing the right legal representation is paramount.

At Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman our attorneys and staff were directly impacted by the devastating Lahaina fires of 2023. We’ve learned so much from personal experiences, as well as representing survivors in litigation and watching the good and bad practices of other law firms.

Hawai’i Supreme Court Clears Way for $4B Wildfire Settlement

Posted on February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 by Candice Paddock

A $4 billion Lahaina wildfire settlement that is key to rebuilding efforts underway by survivors has cleared a key hurdle with a unanimous opinion by the Hawai’i Supreme Court. In a February 10 ruling, the five justices on the state’s highest court rejected an attempt by insurance companies to block the settlement by claiming a share of funds intended for survivors.

“This ruling means that survivors are one step closer to justice,” said Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman attorney Beth Nardi, a Lahaina resident who also lost her home in the fire. “We’re grateful that the Supreme Court followed Hawai’i state law in this case and rejected the insurance companies’ argument. This paves the way for much-needed financial assistance for fire survivors to rebuild our lives.”

Unscrupulous Banks, Lenders are Profiting from Lahaina Fire Disaster

Posted on August 28, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

We’re constantly surprised by the new and unexpected ways that Lahaina fire victims are being taken advantage of as they face the daunting task of rebuilding.

One of the latest examples is highlighted by Civil Beat reporter John Hill’s examination of unequal treatment homeowners are experiencing with the money they receive from insurance settlements. Many banks and mortgage lenders are requiring homeowners to deposit the money with them and — in many cases — the homeowners are not receiving interest on those deposits.

$4 Billion Global Settlement Reached for Maui Wildfires Victims

Posted on August 7, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman attorneys welcome historic settlement, available to answer key questions

MAUI, HI — Nearly a year after wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, killing more than 100, a global settlement has been reached that would provide $4 billion to resolve claims, including injury, wrongful death, property and other damages claims.

“Our clients still struggle with housing, with keeping their families together, and with providing for themselves and their families. They’re still experiencing real hardship and trauma,” said attorney Beth Nardi of Hawai‘i-based Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman, whose Lahaina home was destroyed in the fire. “As a survivor myself, I can say that I’m relieved that the lawsuits have taken a major step toward a resolution that can allow the community to move forward and rebuild.”

From Lahaina’s ashes, a Maui lawyer’s career takes a dramatic turn

Posted on July 11, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

I really thought I was always going to be a prosecutor — then the fire happened. Getting calls from friends and family members impacted by the fires asking for advice, it occurred to me there were so many new ways to serve victims. — Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman trial lawyer Beth Nardi

Beth Nardi can thank the Lahaina fires for at least one thing. After a dramatic escape that destroyed her Lahaina home and left her among the many thousands of residents navigating the rebuilding process, Beth’s legal career took a surprise turn.

A long-time criminal prosecutor who took down kidnappers, bank robbers, violent gang members and organized crime rings, Beth was expecting to spend many more years in the Maui County Prosecutor’s office. But living through the Lahaina fires and seeing the challenges and heartbreak experienced by friends and neighbors prompted her to change the course of her career and move into civil litigation with a singular purpose: helping neighbors rebuild and obtain justice.

What Should Maui Fire Victims Expect from Their Law Firm?

Posted on June 10, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Ashes were still smoldering in Lahaina when mainland lawyers began arriving with big promises and a sense of urgency. In the months since, survivors have been inundated by advertisements from lawyers seeking to sign them on for legal services. We know firsthand because we talk with fire survivors every day as we work on the Maui fires litigation, and we see the big promises in other law firms’ advertisements and solicitations.

There’s no doubt that lawyers can play an important role in helping Lahaina residents rebuild their lives. But fire survivors should know a few things about hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit.

Maui-born Partner Ilana Waxman on Rebuilding after Lahaina Fires

Posted on December 29, 2023November 21, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Like her longtime Maui neighbors, Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman Managing Partner Ilana Waxman was on edge on the morning of August 8. Massive fires had been spotted near her Upcountry home, and her eldest daughter’s school was canceled as a precaution. Homes had already been lost in Kula. As the destruction and devastating loss of life in Lahaina became apparent, she set to work helping with immediate needs of the survivors. As an experienced mass tort attorney who was born and raised on Maui, Waxman found herself in a position to provide legal assistance to survivors as they work to rebuild and preserve their unique community and way of life.

Since the fire, Waxman has been working closely with the Hawai’i State Bar Foundation, where she is the chair of the Grants Committee, as well as the Hawai’i State Bar Association and the Hawai’i Association for Justice to raise funds, provide a wide range of legal assistance, and identify and develop long term public policy and legal solutions. We caught up with Waxman to discuss the legal challenges and opportunities facing survivors.

Mobilizing for Maui Fire Disaster Victims, Lahaina Emergency Response

Posted on August 24, 2023November 21, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

The legal team and staff at Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman are actively working with victims of the Maui Fire Disaster, as well as Hawai‘i community and aid organizations.

Firm managing partner Ilana Waxman — who was born and raised on Maui — is working closely with the Hawaii State Bar Foundation, the Hawaii Association for Justice, and the American Association for Justice to provide legal assistance to victims of the fire, which destroyed the city of Lahaina. Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman lawyers on the ground in Hawai‘i are also coordinating with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s “Lawyers Care Maui” fund to coordinate fundraising and legal assistance.

Click here to learn more and donate to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s “Maui Strong Fund.”