Justice for Tourists & Locals Alike

Hawaii, a paradise of stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, attracts millions of tourists and is home to a close-knit community of residents. While most visits are filled with unforgettable memories, accidents can happen, leaving both tourists and locals facing unexpected legal and medical challenges. At O’Connell & Associates, we understand the complexities of personal injury law in Hawaii and are dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their residency status, receives the justice and compensation they deserve.

Common Accidents in Paradise: Understanding the Risks

Hawaii’s unique environment and popular activities, while offering incredible experiences, also present specific risks. Understanding these potential hazards is the first step in protecting yourself.

For Tourists:

• Water-Related Accidents: From scuba diving incidents and boating accidents to snorkeling mishaps and even drownings, the ocean can be unforgiving. Tour operators may not always provide adequate training or maintain equipment properly.
• Traffic Accidents: Navigating unfamiliar roads, heavy traffic, and rental vehicles can increase the risk of collisions.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Hotels, resorts, and public areas may have hazards like wet floors or uneven surfaces, leading to injuries.
• Hiking Accidents: Hawaii’s trails, while beautiful, can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken.
• Aviation Accidents: While rare, helicopter and small plane tours can result in serious accidents.

For Residents:

• Traffic Accidents: As in any populated area, car accidents are a significant risk.Workplace Injuries: Hawaii’s industries, including tourism, construction, and maritime activities, can present hazards for workers.
• Premises Liability: Residents can also be injured on properties due to negligence.
• Water-Related Activities: Residents who enjoy Hawaii’s waters can also face similar risks as tourists.
• Your Legal Rights in Hawaii: What You Need to Know
  Whether you’re visiting or call Hawaii home, understanding your legal rights is crucial if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Key Legal Principles:

• Negligence: In most personal injury cases, you must prove that another party’s carelessness caused your injuries.
• Duty of Care: Property owners, drivers, tour operators, and others have a legal responsibility to act reasonably and avoid causing harm.
• Comparative Negligence: Hawaii follows a ‘modified comparative negligence’ rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is not greater than 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Statute of Limitations: Hawaii generally gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue.

Specific Considerations for Tourists:

• Jurisdiction: If you’re a tourist injured in Hawaii, you can still file a lawsuit in Hawaii.
• Evidence Gathering: It’s crucial to document the scene, get witness information, and keep records of medical treatment and expenses.
• Out-of-State Insurance: Dealing with insurance companies from other states can be complex.
• Premises Liability: If injured at a hotel or resort, you may have a claim against the property owner for unsafe conditions.

O’Connell & Associates: Your Advocates in Hawaii

At O’Connell & Associates, we have a deep understanding of Hawaii’s unique legal landscape and the challenges faced by both tourists and residents after an accident.

Our areas of expertise include:

• Scuba Diving Accidents: We have extensive experience in cases involving scuba diving injuries and fatalities.
• Aviation Accidents: John O’Connell’s background as a commercial pilot gives us unique insights into aviation accident litigation.
• Maritime Injuries: We represent individuals injured in boating accidents, on cruise ships, and in other maritime settings.
• Vacation Injuries: We handle a wide range of accidents affecting tourists, from slip and falls to recreational activity injuries.
• General Personal Injury: We represent residents in car accidents, premises liability cases, and other personal injury matters.

Why Choose O’Connell & Associates?

• Experience: We have a proven track record of securing substantial recoveries for our clients in Hawaii.
• Dedication: We are committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation.
• Understanding: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that accidents can take on victims and their families.
• Results-Oriented: Our goal is to maximize your compensation and help you rebuild your life.

If you’ve been injured in Hawaii, whether you’re a visitor or a resident, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Contact O’Connell & Associates for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure that justice is served.