wildfire victims Archives | Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman LLP

Wildfire Victims Face Hidden Asbestos Exposure Threat

Posted on February 3, 2026December 15, 2025 by Candice Paddock

As thousands of Californians attempt to recover and rebuild after the devastating wildfires that swept through several counties early this year, a new danger has emerged — asbestos exposure — and it lingers in the ashes of what once were homes and communities.

Public health officials are now warning residents about the serious risks in the debris left behind by the fires.

Toxic Chemicals & Asbestos Exposure

“We’re going to urge that young children not be touching any of this contaminated debris because it’s filled with lead and asbestos,” Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County director of public health, told Pasadena Now about the risks of asbestos exposure. “We’ve had meltdowns of lithium batteries. You think of your houses as being relatively safe and they are, but when they burn, there’s a lot of toxicity there.”

$4 Billion Global Settlement Reached for Maui Wildfires Victims

Posted on August 7, 2024August 18, 2025 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.”

Mobilizing for Maui Fire Disaster Victims, Lahaina Emergency Response

Posted on August 24, 2023August 18, 2025 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.”