Personal Injury FAQ for Hawaii
Answers to common questions about personal injury laws, costs, and procedures in Hawaii.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years. This deadline is established under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7. Hawaii follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. The state has no caps on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases.
What courts handle personal injury cases in Hawaii?
Hawaii's court system for personal injury cases follows this hierarchy: Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction) → Intermediate Court of Appeals → Supreme Court of Hawaii. The appropriate court depends on the monetary amount in controversy and the specific nature of your personal injury matter.
Does Hawaii require mandatory arbitration for personal injury?
Yes, Hawaii requires mandatory arbitration for certain personal injury cases. This means some disputes must go through arbitration before proceeding to trial, which can affect timelines and costs.
What are the filing fees for personal injury in Hawaii?
Civil filing fees in Hawaii typically range from $200-$350. The exact fee depends on the type of personal injury case, the court where you file, and whether additional motions are required. Contact the local clerk of court for the most current fee schedule.
What is Hawaii's comparative fault system?
Hawaii uses a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system. Under this system, you can recover damages only if your fault does not exceed the threshold. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What makes Hawaii's personal injury laws unique?
Hawaii has mandatory court-annexed arbitration for tort claims under $150,000 and is the only state that recognizes customary Native Hawaiian rights to access and gather resources on undeveloped land. The state also has a unique land tenure system influenced by its historical Hawaiian kingdom property laws. Additionally, regarding personal injury specifically: Hawaii follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. The state has no caps on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. Understanding these unique aspects of Hawaii law is critical for anyone involved in a personal injury matter in the state.
How many lawyers practice personal injury in Hawaii?
Hawaii has approximately 5,000 active licensed attorneys. While not all specialize in personal injury, the state's legal market provides a range of options from solo practitioners to large firms. Hawaii has a mandatory (unified) bar, meaning all practicing attorneys must be members.
What are the CLE requirements in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires attorneys to complete 12 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) annually, including 1 hour of ethics. Hawaii requires 12 CLE hours annually including 1 hour of ethics. Hawaii is a unified bar state and the only state bar association located in the Pacific. This ensures that attorneys practicing personal injury in Hawaii stay current with legal developments.
Where can I check a Hawaii lawyer's disciplinary record?
You can verify a Hawaii attorney's standing and check for any disciplinary actions through the state bar's public discipline portal at https://www.odchawaii.com/. It is always recommended to check an attorney's record before hiring them for your personal injury matter.
How can automation help with personal injury in Hawaii?
AI-powered automation streamlines personal injury workflows in Hawaii by automating document preparation, deadline tracking, client intake, and compliance monitoring. Law firms using InstaThink's automation tools report saving 15+ hours per week on administrative tasks, allowing attorneys to focus on higher-value legal work and serve more clients effectively.
Where can I find more information about Hawaii's bar association?
The Hawaii Bar Association website is available at https://hsba.org. This is the primary resource for finding licensed attorneys, understanding your rights, accessing legal aid programs, and learning about personal injury laws specific to Hawaii.
Automate Your Personal Injury Practice in Hawaii
InstaThink helps personal injury attorneys in Hawaii save 15+ hours per week by automating document preparation, deadline tracking, and client communications.