Hawaii Court Sides With Wildfire Victims, Approves $4 Billion Settlement
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that insurance companies cannot pursue separate legal action against those responsible for the Maui wildfires to recoup payouts, thus preserving a $4 billion settlement for victims. This decision resolves a major obstacle, preventing the potential collapse of the settlement and allowing it to proceed. The ruling clarifies that state laws limiting healthcare insurance reimbursement also apply to property and casualty insurance in this context. While insurers expressed disappointment, the path is now clear for distributing funds to the thousands affected by the devastating wildfire. The case now returns to a Maui judge to manage the next steps in the claims process.
John Q. Hosedrinker