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Although most people don’t realize that trees can pose a serious hazard to their safety, many California residents have been forced to learn about this phenomenon through personal experience, as injuries from falling trees and branches have continued to increase across the state. As an experienced premises liability lawyer, our attorney Ivan Puchalt recently authored an article on the subject for The Recorder section of Law.com.
Explaining that many California municipal entities chose to cut back on tree trimming and pruning programs after the 2008 economic crisis, Attorney Puchalt writes that these municipalities have seen up to 30% more “tree failures” due to drought, beetle infestations, and other threats. As a result, tree-related injuries have skyrocketed in certain parts of California – particularly in urban areas where untrained landowners may fail to identify tree hazards.
Although public entities can be held accountable for tree-related injuries, Puchalt notes that the government does have immunity to certain falling tree claims. That’s one reason why it’s so important to consult with an experienced attorney who is familiar with the laws in your area – and who can apply strong working knowledge of how to pursue a claim against the government.
In the case of private property owners, however, the main test will be whether management used reasonable care to discover and address potential tree hazards on the property. For instance, if a pedestrian was severely injured by a tree branch because the landowner failed to perform regular pruning and trimming, negligent maintenance could be a contributing factor in causing the harm.
Dedicated Representation for Falling Tree Claims
At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we have a long history of success in premises liability claims, including injuries caused by dangerous and falling trees. In 2012, we won $7.67 million in a jury verdict for a man permanently paralyzed by a city-owned palm tree in San Diego. By showing that the city failed to properly maintain this aspect of their landscaping, we were able to secure fair compensation for our client. Because we treat every case with the full measure of our respect, care, and dedication, you can rest assured that our Los Angeles attorneys will act as strong advocates on your behalf.
When you need to speak with a lawyer about serious falling tree injuries, call (866) 634-4525 or message us online to contact our team!