Honolulu Wrongful Death Lawyer

Seek Justice with Expert Honolulu Wrongful Death Attorneys

At Shim & Chang Attorneys at Law, our Honolulu wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to helping families seek justice after the tragic loss of a loved one. We understand the overwhelming grief and financial burdens you face, and we’re here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise. With over 40 years of experience and a proven track record, including a $1 million settlement against the City and County of Honolulu, we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at (808) 524-5800 to discuss your case.

Why Choose Shim & Chang for Your Wrongful Death Claim?

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Our Honolulu wrongful death lawyers combine legal expertise with a deep commitment to supporting families across Hawaii. Here’s why families trust us:

Proven Results: Secured nearly $1 million in a wrongful death case against the City and County of Honolulu, demonstrating our ability to take on tough opponents.
Experienced Team: Over 70 years of combined experience handling complex wrongful death cases in Hawaii.
Personalized Care: We tailor our approach to your unique needs, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront, as we work on a contingency fee basis.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Honolulu

In Hawaii, a wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to the negligent or intentional actions of another person or entity. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Section 663-3, eligible family members or the deceased’s estate can file a lawsuit to seek compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.

Eligible Claimants: Spouses, children, parents, or dependents of the deceased.
Statute of Limitations: Claims must be filed within two years from the date of death, with rare exceptions.
Damages Available: Compensation may cover medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Punitive damages may apply in cases of gross negligence.

Our Honolulu personal injury attorneys thoroughly evaluate your case to maximize compensation and advocate for safer practices to prevent future tragedies.

Types of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

Families may be entitled to various damages, including:

Economic Damages: Funeral costs, medical bills, and loss of the deceased’s income or benefits.
Non-Economic Damages: Loss of companionship, guidance, care, or emotional support.
Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of intentional or egregious misconduct to punish the responsible party.

We also pursue survival actions under HRS Section 663-10 to recover damages for the pain and suffering the deceased endured before passing.

Laws in Hawaii About Wrongful Death

In Hawaii, wrongful death laws are designed to provide justice and compensation to the families of individuals who have died due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party. These laws are governed by specific statutes that outline who can file a claim, the time limits for filing, and the types of damages available.

The primary statute governing wrongful death in Hawaii is found in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Section 663-3. This statute allows the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to bring a wrongful death action on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, or other dependents. Key points of HRS Section 663-3 include:

Eligible Claimants: The law specifies that only certain relatives or dependents can seek compensation, prioritizing spouses, children, and parents.
Statute of Limitations: Claims must generally be filed within two years from the date of death, as outlined in HRS Section 663-3. Failure to file within this period can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation, unless exceptions apply (e.g., discovery rule for latent injuries).
Damages: Compensable damages may include medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm.
Liability: The law holds individuals, businesses, or entities accountable if their negligence or wrongful act caused the death. This can include medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or vehicular negligence.

Additionally, Hawaii law under HRS Section 663-10 addresses survival actions, allowing the deceased’s estate to recover damages for pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death. These laws ensure that families are not only compensated for their loss but also that responsible parties are held accountable.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Honolulu

Honolulu’s unique environment, from busy roads to tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki, contributes to various wrongful death incidents. Common causes include:

Car Accidents: Traffic congestion and distracted driving on H-1 or Kalakaua Avenue lead to fatal collisions.
Motorcycle Accidents: High-speed crashes or lack of visibility cause deadly injuries.
Medical Malpractice: Misdiagnosis or surgical errors in Honolulu hospitals result in preventable deaths.
Drowning Incidents: Strong currents at beaches like Sandy Beach or Hanauma Bay pose risks to residents and tourists.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet surfaces or poorly maintained properties in shopping centers or hotels lead to fatal injuries.
Defective Products: Faulty vehicles or recreational equipment cause deadly accidents.

If you suspect negligence caused your loved one’s death, our Honolulu wrongful death lawyers can investigate and build a strong case.

Our Proven Case Results

At Shim & Chang, we’ve secured justice for families across Hawaii. Notable results include:

$1 Million Settlement: Won against the City and County of Honolulu in a wrongful death lawsuit, compensating a family for their loss.
Confidential Settlement: Achieved significant compensation for a family after a fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver.

$7 million

$7 million in a medical malpractice settlement for the death of a mother due to hospital error.

$1,950,000

In adverse weather conditions, an unfortunate accident occurred involving our client, a visitor to Hawaii, who was waiting at a bus stop. Our client required multiple medical procedures to address the injuries sustained.

$1.35 Million

$1.35 Million settlement in an explosion and fire wrongful death case

$6.5 Million

$6.5 Million settlement for a teen who suffered a brain injury in a motor vehicle accident.

$885,000

$885,000 settlement for our client who suffered herniated discs in neck from a rear-end collision in a car accident.

$135,580

$135,580 judgment for our client who tripped and fell on an uneven sidewalk which resulted in a knee replacement.

These outcomes reflect our dedication to holding negligent parties accountable under Hawaii law.

The Legal Process for a Wrongful Death Claim

Navigating a wrongful death claim can be complex, but our attorneys guide you through each step:

Free Consultation: Discuss your case with our team to assess its viability and outline your legal options.
Investigation: We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build a compelling case.
Negotiation: We negotiate with the responsible party or their insurer to secure a fair settlement.
Mediation or Trial: If settlement talks fail, we pursue mediation or represent you in court to fight for maximum compensation.

Our goal is to ease your burden while seeking justice for your loved one.

Meet Our Honolulu Wrongful Death Attorneys

Harvey M. Demetrakopoulos

Harvey M. Demetrakopoulos has been a dedicated personal injury attorney at Shim & Chang since 1996, bringing over 29 years of experience to help clients in Honolulu and beyond. Known for his tenacity and love of research, Harvey excels in wrongful death and medical malpractice cases.

Experience: 29+ years practicing personal injury law.
Achievements: Member of the Hawaii State Bar and Hawaii Association for Justice; recognized for expertise in tourist claims and drunk driving cases.

Roy K. S. Chang

Roy K. S. Chang, President and Senior Managing Partner, has over 40 years of trial experience. Raised in Honolulu, Roy’s innovative approach and AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell make him a trusted advocate for wrongful death clients.

Experience: 40+ years in personal injury law.
Awards: AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell; member of the American Association for Justice; licensed before the U.S. Supreme Court.

What Our Clients Say

YJ K.

“I am so glad I found such a great attorney and law firm”

My wife and I rented a car while traveling to Hawaii and had a minor accident. We had insurance for the rental car, but the rental car company and their insurance company did not do the paperwork properly, so we had a hard time having our license suspended. We eventually looked for a law firm that is famous for car accident defense in Hawaii and found
Shim & Chang. Thanks to Attorney Harvey, we were able to complete the case successfully. I am so glad I found such a great attorney and law firm. Thank you so much.

Dawn K.

“I highly recommend Shim & Chang”

I highly recommend Shim & Chang to anyone in need of a personal injury law firm…They were very thorough in explaining each step in terms that I could understand. By the time I left that first meeting, I trusted them to move forward with my case if they thought it was viable. Harvey took over from there, and he was great to work with. He has enthusiasm and integrity and did many hours of research on my behalf. In fact, everyone I came in contact with at Shim & Chang, including the office staff, was polite and professional. In the end, I received a very fair settlement, and I couldn’t be more pleased.

Kimberly K.

“Shim and Chang are excellent, helpful, trustworthy, compassionate”

The attorneys of the law firm Shim and Chang are excellent, helpful, trustworthy, compassionate and conduct their business with integrity. Shim and Chang are not a law firm looking only to make money. Rather, Shim and Chang showed me they truly cared about me as a person and client, as they helped me receive a fair settlement for my personal injury claim. Mahalo to attorneys Harvey and Victoria for helping me to see my case through to its completion. I highly recommend this personal injury law firm.

Annie K.

“I had a great experience with Shim & Chang”

I had a great experience with Shim & Chang. I was injured in a moped accident and needed help with making sure all my medical bills were taken care of. Harvey was my lawyer, and he was excellent. He was very efficient and knowledgeable, and broke down every piece of what was happening in terms that I could easily understand so I knew what was going on. With the help of Harvey everything was settled and I was compensated for my injuries as well. Sharon at the front desk is also very sweet and helpful, she is very kind and also gave me a lot of information during the whole process. Overall I was very satisfied with my experience with Shim & Chang.

Suzanne S.

“They are truly the best firm I have ever dealt with.”

I was injured while on vacation in Hawaii and actually was referred to Shim and Chang by an attorney that had litigated against them in the past. I was told that if she were in my position that is who she would contact. From the start, everyone I spoke to was kind, caring and made me feel I was important to them. They made everything so easy! I had always heard that attorneys nickel and dime you… not the case whatsoever! I was actually stunned by the extremely minimal costs that were reported at the end of the case. I was very impressed by this firm from start to finish and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance. They are truly the best firm I have ever dealt with.

Amanda W.

“…they were nothing but professional”

My experience with this team has been exceptional! From the very first meeting they were nothing but professional. I highly recommend them for any personal injury litigation or mediation. Thank you Mr. Chang!

Our clients’ testimonials highlight our commitment to compassionate, results-driven representation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims

What qualifies as a wrongful death in Hawaii?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another’s negligence or intentional act, such as in car accidents, medical malpractice, or defective products.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?

Hawaii’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of death, per HRS Section 663-3. Contact us promptly to avoid missing this deadline.

What compensation can I seek?

You may recover funeral costs, lost income, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Punitive damages may apply in cases of gross negligence.

Do I need an attorney?

While not required, a skilled Honolulu wrongful death attorney maximizes your compensation and navigates complex legal processes on your behalf.

Contact Our Honolulu Wrongful Death Lawyers Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, Shim & Chang is here to help. Our experienced Honolulu wrongful death attorneys offer compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us at (808) 524-5800 or complete the form below for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.

Watch our video to learn more about wrongful death claims in Hawaii: