If you were injured in Honolulu — maybe in a car accident near Ala Moana, a slip-and-fall at a Waikiki resort, or a pedestrian collision in Kaka‘ako — you might be wondering: Do I actually have a personal injury case?
It’s a common question we hear at Potts & Potts Hawai‘i Trial Attorneys, and it’s an important one. Understanding whether your situation qualifies as a “personal injury case” can help you decide your next steps and protect your right to fair compensation.
Let’s break it down in plain English — no legal jargon, just clear guidance based on years of helping injured people here in Hawai‘i.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case arises when someone is harmed because another person, business, or organization acted carelessly or wrongfully. In Honolulu, that can mean anything from a distracted driver on H–1 to a grocery store that failed to clean up a spill.
You might have a valid claim if:
- You were injured (physically, emotionally, or financially),
- Another party’s negligence or recklessness caused your injury, and
- You experienced damages — such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Under Hawai‘i law (HRS §663), victims have the right to seek compensation for these losses through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Honolulu
Here on O‘ahu, the most frequent cases we see include:
- Car accidents — especially around busy areas like Nimitz Highway or the Pali Highway
- Pedestrian or bicycle collisions — often near tourist-heavy zones like Waikīkī or Ala Moana
- Slip-and-fall incidents — in shopping centers, hotels, or local businesses
- Workplace injuries — when negligence plays a role beyond workers’ compensation
- Medical malpractice — including surgical errors or misdiagnoses
Each case is unique, but they all share one thing: someone else’s carelessness led to your suffering.
Signs You Might Have a Personal Injury Case
If you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies, look for these signs:
1. Someone else was clearly at fault
Did another person or company fail to take reasonable care? Examples include a driver running a red light, a store not posting a “wet floor” sign, or a property owner ignoring safety hazards.
2. You were seriously injured
Minor scrapes and bruises may not justify a claim, but if you needed medical treatment, missed work, or have ongoing pain, your injury might qualify for compensation.
3. There’s evidence to support your claim
Photos, witness statements, police reports, and medical records can all help establish liability. Even if you don’t have everything yet, an attorney can investigate further.
4. Your life has been impacted
If your injury affects your ability to work, travel, or enjoy daily activities — you likely have a case worth pursuing.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
Under Hawai‘i’s statute of limitations (HRS §657-7), most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of injury.
That means even if you’re still recovering, it’s important to talk with a Honolulu personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later. Waiting too long could prevent you from getting any compensation at all.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Does for You
At Potts & Potts Hawai‘i Trial Attorneys, we help clients through every stage of the process — from investigation to negotiation and, when necessary, trial. Here’s how we typically help:
- Free consultation: We review your story and explain your options clearly.
- Case investigation: We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess liability.
- Medical coordination: We help document your injuries and connect you with trusted local providers.
- Negotiation and litigation: We fight for a fair settlement — or take your case to court if needed.
You focus on healing; we handle the rest.
Local Example: A Slip-and-Fall in Waikīkī
Take “Lani,” for example — a Honolulu resident who slipped on an unmarked wet tile at a Waikīkī hotel lobby. She fractured her wrist and missed six weeks of work.
After reaching out to our firm, our team investigated and found the hotel had no proper warning signs or maintenance logs. We helped Lani recover compensation for her medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering — allowing her to move forward without financial strain.
While every case is different, Lani’s story shows how negligence and documentation play a major role in proving liability under Hawai‘i law.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you think you may have a personal injury case in Honolulu:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor pain could signal a serious injury.
- Document everything. Take photos, save receipts, and record details while they’re fresh.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. They may try to minimize your claim.
- Contact a trusted local injury lawyer.
At Potts & Potts Hawai‘i Trial Attorneys, we’ve helped countless island residents navigate the complex personal injury process with care and integrity. We’re proud to stand up for those hurt by negligence — and we’re here to do the same for you.
Talk With a Honolulu Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured anywhere on O‘ahu — from Honolulu to Kapolei — you don’t have to face the legal system alone.
Let our experienced team at Potts & Potts Hawai‘i Trial Attorneys review your case and explain your rights under Hawai‘i law. Your initial consultation is always free and confidential.
Visit our home page to learn more about our firm, or call today to schedule your consultation.
Because when someone’s carelessness changes your life, you deserve justice — and we’re here to help you get it.