Honolulu Attorneys Represent Victims of Tourism Accidents
Determined local representation moves your case forward
No one comes to paradise expecting a serpent to bite them, but, unfortunately, tourists in Hawaii can suffer serious injuries or wrongful death due to negligence in the tourism, recreation and hospitality industries. If you are the victim of negligent or reckless conduct in Hawaii, you must file suit here, so you need a local law firm to represent your interests. In most cases, seriously injured parties return home to the mainland for continuing treatment and rehabilitation. It’s reassuring to have a trustworthy and dedicated attorney managing your case in your absence. Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law are prepared to help. As Hawaii’s largest and best-known personal injury law firm, we have the experience and resources to pursue your case, even against powerful companies in the resort industry.
Liability, negligence and assumption of risk
Liability for resort injuries varies depending on the nature of the business and the injury event. Hotels, for example, have a duty to make their premises reasonably safe for guests. A hotel is responsible for hazardous conditions or defects in the accommodations that cause injuries. Loose railings or uneven floor tiles can cause guests to fall and suffer painful injuries. An injured party must show that the hazard was not obvious, that the hotel should have known about it, and that failure to warn of the danger or repair the defect amounts to negligence.
However, some attractions are inherently risky, and here is where liability is less clear. Vacationers often participate in activities they don’t have the time or opportunity for at home, such as:
- Bicycle riding
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Hang gliding and paragliding
- Horseback riding
- Sailboarding
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Water-skiing
These activities require a certain level of skill or physical fitness to perform safely. This is especially true of activities on the water that present a risk of drowning. But vacationers often ignore warnings and sign releases saying they assume the risks of activities.
If you sustained an injury or a loved one suffered wrongful death during one of these activities, the host company will assert a defense based on assumption of risk. Your attorney must demonstrate that the host’s negligence, not your lack of skill, caused the harm. This requires in-depth investigation into the host’s business practices, including warnings to participants, training and supervision of employees, and maintenance of equipment. The fact that you signed a release does not bar you from bringing a lawsuit, but it does present an obstacle, which is why you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney to learn your rights.
Contact a reputable Hawaiian law firm for tourism accidents
Vacationers who sustain serious injuries while visiting Hawaii need a trustworthy local law firm to manage their claim. To schedule a free consultation, call Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law at 808.524.1433 or contact us online. We represent injured parties on a contingency fee basis, so there are no attorney fees until we recover compensation. We are available evening and weekends as necessary, and our staff speaks Japanese, Korean and Tagalog.
