Deadlines & Statutes of Limitations

The deadline for filing a claim in court is known as the Statute of Limitations. These differ from state to state. The deadlines discussed here are those applicable under HAWAII law. After the expiration of this time period, the claim usually will be lost - regardless of its merits. There are various exceptions to the deadlines (minority, disability, incompetency, etc.), so it may still be worth evaluating a claim even after the deadline has expired. PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF THESE DEADLINES, YOU MUST ACT PROMPTLY on any claims which you believe you may wish to pursue.

Personal Injury Claims in General in Hawaii

The general Statute of Limitaions in Hawaii for personal injury claims is two (2) years. This is a statute of general application, but it is repeatedly overridden by other statutes and law in specific cases. This deadline should be looked at as a deadline which is widely applicable to personal injury claims in Hawaii, but which may very well not be applicable in any particular situation due to the application of overriding legal principles.

Claims against the Counties of Hawaii, including the City and County of Honolulu

Claims for injuries based upon action or inaction of the Counties in Hawaii, including the City and County of Honolulu, were once thought to be required to be filed with the county involved within 6 months of the date of the accident. This deadline was recently addressed by the Hawaii Supreme Court - so that under many circumstances such claims can be brought within 2 years of the date of the accident. Frankly, it is unknown at this point if there are any remaining situations requiring the 6 month filing.

Claims against the State of Hawaii

Claims for injuries based upon action or inaction of the State of Hawaii must generally be filed in court no later than two years from the date of the accident - regardless of the type of accident involved. This deadline for the State apparently overrides other deadlines which may provide a longer time period.

Motor vehicle accidents - Hawaii

Claims for injuries arising out of a motor vehicle accident must generally be filed in court no later than two years from the date of the accident. For some claims (eg. claims against the other drivers) it appears that the statute of limitations may be longer and lasts until two years from the date of the last no fault, worker's compensation or public assistance benefit payment related to the accident, if such payments are made.

Severe falls from elevation, trip & fall and other landowner liability claims - Hawaii

Claims arising out of severe falls from elevation, trip & falls and other accidents resulting from dangerous conditions on property must generally be filed in court within two years of the date of the accident or they will probably be lost under the applicable statute of limitations.

Medical malpractice; professional negligence claims - Hawaii

The deadline for filing most professional negligence / medical malpractice claims in court in Hawaii is two (2) years from the date when the plaintiff knew or should have known of the negligence of the medical care provider and that injuries resulted therefrom. It is not necessary for an expert to advise the injured party that there was professional negligence which caused the injuries before the statute of limitations will start running. It is sufficient to start the running of the 2 year period, if the injured party has knowledge of the facts which establish an actionable claim. Buck v. Miles, Hawaii Sup. Ct. No. 20368 (Jan. 25, 1999). Some statutes appear to indicate that there is also a maximum limit of six (6) years from the date of the alleged negligence in which to file a medical malpractice claim.

Other claims

Other claims have deadlines which run from 30 days (to file certain unlawful suspension, discharge or discrimination claims) to 20 years (for certain real property actions). Individualized advice is required as to the Statute of Limitations applicable to most any given claim, since each may have special characteristics which control.

Contact Us

Our office charges on a contingency fee basis in accident cases which we accept. There is no charge for an initial consultation to evaluate your case. Contact Personal Injury Lawyer Hawaii now for a free evaluation of your case. Or you may call us at 1-808-528-2525, if you have any more questions.

LEGAL HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST