Hawaii Supreme Court News

Hawaii Supreme Court Rules Insurers Can’t Recoup Defense Costs from Insureds

An insurer cannot seek reimbursement from its insured for the cost of defending a lawsuit after learning that no coverage was owed unless the policy says it can, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled. “Hawaii’s stout duty to defend clashes with …

Hawaii High Court Revives Convict’s Malpractice Claim Against Brokerage

Charles Alan Pflueger was convicted of tax fraud nearly a decade ago, paid a fine and finished his prison term, but the lawsuit he filed against his insurance broker because of its alleged mishandling of those criminal charges lives on. …

Viewpoint: Hawaii Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Work Comp Subrogation

Workers’ compensation carriers doing business in Hawaii held their collective breathe for 2021 waiting on the Supreme Court to decide whether it would incorporate the common law Made Whole Doctrine to workers’ compensation liens. The case, Moranz v. Harbor Mall, …

Hawaii High Court Rules That Party Host Can Be Held Liable

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that a party host can be held liable for serving alcohol to a minor who dies from alcohol poisoning, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday. The unanimous ruling revives a lawsuit by the family of a …

Hawaii Supreme Court Rules on Wrongful Death Suit

Ala Moana Center had a duty to care for a woman who died after getting stuck in an exhaust duct, even though she was trespassing on the roof, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled. But the opinion filed Thursday also affirms …