Injuries from Falling Trees in Los Angeles

California Attorneys Committed to Holding Property Owners Accountable

Although falling trees are often viewed as the unavoidable consequence of a storm or other weather event, the truth is that property owners are responsible to maintain the trees on their land and ensure that they do not pose a substantial hazard to others. While it may seem unusual, injuries from falling trees or branches are fairly common, especially in cities like Los Angeles that have cut funding for tree maintenance.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a falling tree, our skilled lawyers at Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP to learn how you can hold a city, public entity, or individual property owner accountable for failing to maintain trees. With over 100 years of experience in premises liability law and other areas of personal injury, our committed team will help you navigate the process of filing a claim for your losses.

For more information on our legal practice, call (866) 634-4525 or contact us online today. We can serve clients throughout Southern California and beyond. 

Proving a Premises Liability Claim for Falling Trees

In severe storms and weather events, it’s common for trees to become uprooted – and the property owner may not be able to prevent these kinds of accidents. However, property owners do need to maintain their trees and ensure that they are healthy, to reduce the risk of an injury from falling branches and debris.

If, for example, the owner of an apartment complex did not remove a tree it knew to be dead and a tree branch fell on someone, that owner could be held accountable for severe traumatic brain injuries under California law. Even some car accidents caused by falling tree branches can be linked back to property owner negligence.

When proving a premises liability claim, you will likely need to show the following to be true:

• There was a dangerous condition on the property (such as a dying tree) that presented an unreasonable risk of harm;
• The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition;
• The property owner did not take reasonable action to warn a guest of the dangerous condition; and
• The dangerous condition caused the plaintiff’s injury.

A Tradition of Success in Premises Liability Cases

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured by property owners’ negligence. While our previous success does not guarantee future results, we will fight hard to help you recover the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, loss of income, emotional damages and other damages caused by negligence.

At the end of 2012, a jury awarded $7.67 million to a man who was paralyzed when a city-owned palm tree in San Diego fell on his legs, causing paraplegia and a high risk of below-the-knee amputation. Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP partner Browne Greene was instrumental in showing that the city did not properly fund or maintain its property.

When you call us to discuss your case, the first thing we will do is evaluate your chances for recovery. We have the resources to investigate your accident and develop important evidence in your favor, including full-time on-staff investigators.

Whether you were injured by a falling tree in Los Angeles or a broken tree branch anywhere else in the state, we may be able to help. Call (866) 634-4525 or contact us online for a free consultation.