Hawaii Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: Scope & Exceptions

Read ‘after accrual’ carefully

The statutory text uses accrual, not simply the date written on an accident report. Determining accrual requires the relevant legal rule and facts. This reference does not convert an incident date into a final day to file.

For an initial attorney conversation, write down the incident date, when an injury or problem became apparent, what information was received later and whether any notice or claim has already been sent. Keep documents supporting those dates. This is a preparation method, not a rule extending time.

The text expressly points to exceptions

Section 657-7 refers to section 657-13. That provision addresses specified disabilities present when the claim accrues, including minority, with conditions in the text. Its applicability and interaction with other laws require individual analysis.

Do not assume that every claim involving a child uses the same rule. Medical torts have a separate timing provision in section 657-7.3, and special causes of action can have different procedures. A general two-year label is not enough to resolve those questions.

Why medical-treatment claims need a separate check

Section 657-7.3 addresses listed healthcare-provider professional-negligence and related claims. It describes a discovery-related two-year period and a general six-year outer period, together with provisions involving concealment and minors.

Those details are presented to identify a separate statute, not to apply it to a particular patient. Claim classification, discovery, the relevant dates and exceptions must be reviewed together. The ordinary personal injury heading should not be copied onto a medical-treatment dispute.

Prepare a deadline-question packet

Keep questions about different processes separate. Reporting an insurance claim, sending notice and filing a lawsuit are different acts; ask which requirement is being discussed. Do not assume an open insurance conversation answers a filing question.

• Make a dated chronology and identify the people or organizations potentially involved.
• Bring correspondence, prior notices and any documents describing when a problem was discovered.
• Ask which statute and statutory version applies to each claim and defendant.
• Ask whether any notice, filing, service or other procedural requirement needs immediate attention.