civil litigation Archives | Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman LLP

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.

With its narrow focus on catching and punishing offenders, the criminal justice system too often leaves crime victims feeling forgotten, and in many cases victimized all over again. That’s especially true for victims of child sexual abuse, many of whom endure years of torment before bravely coming forward.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we recognize the key role that our civil justice system plays in helping these individuals. Unlike the criminal courts, civil litigation focuses squarely on helping victims obtain justice and holding responsible parties accountable.

It’s an honor to help victims achieve a measure of justice through monetary damages and awards against perpetrators and parties that too often turn a blind eye to their responsibility to protect individuals in their care.

Tag: civil litigation

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

Brave Sexual Abuse Victims are Coming Forward and Making a Difference