Hawaii Traumatic Brain Injury Resources & Support Services

Hawaii residents living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) have access to a variety of state agencies and advocacy organizations that can help support recovery and long-term well-being. Resources such as Hawaii’s Protection & Advocacy Agency and the Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation assist individuals and families with accessing services, protecting their rights, and navigating the challenges that often accompany a brain injury. These programs can provide valuable guidance for individuals seeking support after a TBI.

In addition to advocacy and vocational services, Hawaii offers programs through the Adult Mental Health Division and the Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Division that may help individuals access care and community-based resources. Understanding the available support services and long-term care options can help Hawaii residents identify programs that may improve independence and quality of life following a brain injury. The resources below can help connect individuals and families with assistance available throughout the state.

Protection & Advocacy Agency

Dept. of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Adult Mental Health Division

Dept. of Human Resources – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Hawaii Dept. of Health – Developmental Disabilities Division – Developmental Disabilities Services Branch

Statute of Limitations and Repose

How to use this list of Hawaii Statutes of Limitations and Repose

• “General Tort” is the statute of limitations for most personal injury or negligence claims (e.g., car accidents, slip and fall, general liability).
• “Medical Malpractice is the statute of limitations for lawsuits against healthcare providers and hospitals for alleged negligence or errors in medical care.  The phrase “from act/omission” = Time starts from the date of the alleged malpractice. The phrase “from discovery” = Time starts from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. The medical malpractice statute of repose is an absolute deadline after the act of malpractice, regardless of when the injury is discovered. After this period, no claim can be brought, even if the injury was not discovered until later.
•  “Products Liability”is the statute of limitations for claims involving injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. The products liability statute of repose is the maximum time after the product was manufactured, sold, or delivered that a lawsuit may be filed, regardless of when the injury occurred or was discovered.
• “Workers’ Compensation” is statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim for work-related injuries or occupational diseases.  The following phrases apply: “from injury” = Time starts from the date of the injury; “from last payment” = Time starts from the date of the last payment; “from knowledge/discovery” = Time starts from when the injury or occupational disease was, or should have been, discovered; “from first symptom” = For occupational diseases, time starts from first manifestation of symptoms; and “from act/discovery” = Whichever is later, the date of the act or the date the injury was discovered.
• Each entry includes the relevant statute citation for your further research or verification. And “N/A” means that there is no statute of repose or not applicable for that claim type in that state.

Remember that statute of limitations and repose can change, so it is essential to:

• Confirm the current law as soon as possible.
• Remember that there is no substitute for consulting an experienced attorney on a potential legal matter as soon as possible.
• Remember that the facts of the case can alter or change the Statutes of Limitations.

General Tort: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 (2 years)

Medical Malpractice: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7.3 (2 years from discovery, 6 years repose)

Products Liability: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 (2 years)

Workers’ Comp: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 386-82 (2 years from manifestation of effects of injury/5years of incident)