Hawaii Mesothelioma Lawyers

Choosing a Hawaii Mesothelioma Lawyer

When choosing legal representation, people diagnosed with mesothelioma in Hawaii should seek out legal support with records of success in securing compensation for asbestos exposure. Hawaii has strict deadlines for filing claims, and these rules can be challenging to navigate without a specialized lawyer. A skilled Hawaii attorney investigates your work history and medical records, evaluates possible exposure locations and assess all of your legal options.

Top law firms in the state include Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman, which has years of experience in Hawaii asbestos litigation. For example, Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman secured a $3.4 million settlement for an Oahu electrician and $1.5 million for a Honolulu construction worker exposed to asbestos.​

Between 2018 and 2022, 37 Hawaii residents were diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experienced legal representation helps survivors like these and their families hold companies accountable and secure compensation for medical costs and lost income.

Nationwide Asbestos Law Firms Helping Clients in Hawaii

National asbestos law firms work with clients anywhere in Hawaii, handling travel and covering related expenses. People needing strong legal representation across the islands don’t have to worry about travel or logistics.

Firms such as Simmons Hanly Conroy and Nemeroff Law have won millions in compensation after building strong cases on behalf of Hawaiians.​ For example, Simmons Hanly Conroy recovered $1.16 million for a school secretary in Honolulu with pleural mesothelioma. The funds helped support her family after she passed away.

Hawaii clients benefit when lawyers review work histories and help choose the best jurisdiction for each unique situation.​​ National firms make the claims process easier, provide practical guidance at every step and maximize compensation for families coping with mesothelioma in Hawaii.​

Compensation From Asbestos Filings in Hawaii

Many multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements resulting in mesothelioma compensation have been secured in Hawaii. Several of the cases reflect the state’s history of widespread asbestos use. The toxic mineral was used as a construction material for public buildings and commercial establishments across the Hawaiian Islands. 

Notable Hawaii Settlements, Verdicts or Trust Fund Payouts

• $9.8 Million: A Hawaii jury awarded this trial verdict to a former shipyard worker at Pearl Harbor who developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos in the military.
• $8.2 Million: A Hawaii jury awarded Lawrence Kaowili this trial verdict in 1985. In 1986, the Supreme Court of Hawaii confirmed the verdict.
• $5.3 Million: A jury in Hawaii awarded this trial verdict to an industrial worker who developed mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos on the job.

The average mesothelioma settlement amount depends on the case. Settlements can range from $1 million to $2 million. The national average asbestos lawsuit trial verdict was $20.7 million, according to the latest data from Mealey’s.  

Several factors can affect your verdict or settlement amount. Every mesothelioma case is different. Talk to your attorney about any factors that could affect your claim. 

How Does an Asbestos Lawyer Handle Your Claim in Hawaii

A Hawaii asbestos lawyer makes the legal process clear and manageable for people with mesothelioma. The attorney guides you from the first consultation through each important legal step, always focusing on protecting your interests and the compensation you deserve.​

Steps to a Mesothelioma Claim

1. Consult an experienced asbestos lawyer who reviews your work and medical history to confirm eligibility.
2. Your lawyer documents evidence of asbestos exposure, including job records, medical details and witness statements.
3. The attorney decides if your claim should be filed in Hawaii or another state depending on the details of your case.
4. Your legal team files your lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim, ensuring you meet Hawaii’s deadlines and procedural rules.
5. Both sides conduct discovery, sharing documents, taking depositions and building the case.
6. Your attorney negotiates for a fair settlement. If needed, they prepare and represent you in trial.
7. Your lawyer manages all paperwork, updates you regularly and ensures you never miss a critical filing date.

From start to finish, your Hawaii mesothelioma attorney handles each step in the process. This lets you focus on your health while a skilled legal team fights for your best result.​

Asbestos Exposure in Hawaii

Nearly every building in Hawaii constructed before 1980, including homes, schools, state buildings and military bases, used asbestos products. Hawaii State Department of Health representative Thomas Lileikis confirms the widespread use of asbestos across Hawaii, saying residents are “living in and around it constantly.” The mineral is present in ceilings, floor tiles and drywall. Lileikis noted, however, that asbestos materials only pose a health hazard if damaged.

Sites in Hawaii Known for Asbestos Exposure

• Ford Isle Tower: The Honolulu tower is known to contain asbestos, particularly in the ceiling and floor tiles. 
• Fort Shafter: In 2000, the U.S. Army failed to remove asbestos safely in Fort Shafter in Honolulu.
• Libby processing site: Between 1954 and 1983, the Honolulu factory received asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana. In 2004, the former Vermiculite plant was placed on a priority list for cleanup. A 2024 report published in Environmental Pollution still found asbestos fibers in the soil 40 years after it closed.
• Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard: The EPA designated the complex as a Superfund site. The military says more than 10,000 people were exposed to asbestos at the Navy base.
• Schofield Barracks: In 2000, asbestos was found at the Army Base in Oahu, forcing 600 soldiers to leave their living quarters. 

School officials in Hawaii have prioritized asbestos testing and abatement in recent years. Since 2001, asbestos has been found in more than 10 schools across the state, most on Oahu. Many asbestos-containing schools were damaged and required immediate abatement projects to ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students. Every school in Hawaii now has an asbestos management plan. 

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii used asbestos extensively from the 1930s through the early 1980s in shipbuilding and repair. Asbestos was a key material for insulating boilers, pipes, valves and other ship equipment because of its heat resistance. Both Navy personnel and civilian workers were exposed to asbestos fibers, often during installation and maintenance activities. This exposure has caused many to develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases decades later.

The shipyard, a critical naval base especially during World War II, became highly contaminated with asbestos, leading to its designation as a Superfund cleanup site. Veterans and workers who served there face ongoing health risks and may be eligible for compensation. Asbestos use was phased out as of the 1970s, but the legacy of exposure continues to impact many lives today.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Hawaii

Workers in Hawaii have been exposed to asbestos at various job sites throughout the islands. Higher-risk Hawaiian occupations include construction and manufacturing. Veterans exposed in Hawaii may file a VA claim for benefits and have access to VA health care in Hawaii.

Higher-Risk Jobs in Hawaii

• Construction
• Farming operations
• Insulation installation
• Manufacturing
• Military operations
• Oil refining
• Power generation
• Shipbuilding
• Teaching

Hawaii is one of the states where residents can file a lawsuit against a company responsible for secondary asbestos exposure. Courts in Hawaii have held companies liable for asbestos-related illnesses when someone was exposed to asbestos a family member unknowingly brought home on their clothes, skin or gear from their workplace.

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