Multiple news sources report that a Maui judge has dramatically reduced legal fees in the $4.03 billion Lahaina wildfire settlement. The ruling ensures fire survivors will retain significantly more of their settlement money.
- Hawaii Circuit Judge Peter Cahill capped attorney fees at $222 million, far below the $1 billion lawyers had requested
- The fee structure awards 10% to lawyers with cases set for trial, 8.33% to those preparing cases before settlement, and 3% to attorneys who signed clients after the settlement
- The reduced fees mean fire victims will keep approximately 95% of the settlement rather than the typical 75% after standard 25% contingency fees
- The August 2023 Lahaina fire killed 102 people and destroyed much of the town, generating nearly 95,000 claims with 21,750 claimants (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
- Lead attorney Jesse Creed called the ruling ‘a matter of sacrifice for the community’ and praised Judge Cahill’s fairness
- The fire was caused by a fallen Hawaiian Electric Co. power line that ignited dry grass, leading to thousands of legal claims against HECO and landowners
Sources
- Carriermanagement: Judge Caps Maui Wildfire Legal Fees at $222M
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Editorial: Maui fire payout a boost for victims
- Yahoo: Judge caps attorneys’ legal fees in Maui wildfire settlement
- Thehour: A Win For Survivors: Judge Caps Maui Fire Legal Fees At $222M
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