Personal Injury Lawsuits Against The State Of Hawaii

If the State of Hawaii or its employees are negligent and cause you a physical  injury, it is possible to bring a lawsuit against the State. However, there are different rules when a case is against the State, rather than a private party. For example, a lawsuit against the State is tried before a judge only, rather than a judge and jury. That means a judge will be deciding the issues of liability (legal responsibility) and damages (the value of the harm suffered). Generally, when a case against the State is settled, or a judgment paid by it after trial, it is not paid from funds on hand or by an insurance company, but directly from the State so the legislature must appropriate funds. In Hawaii that means settlements or judgments must be included in a bill passed during the legislative session which runs from January to April and the amounts are paid at the beginning of the fiscal year which starts on July 1. This process adds complexity and time to the resolution of any claim, so if you have been physically injured and the State is responsible, it is best not to delay in seeking to recover.