At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we have seen how quickly a quiet afternoon in Walnut Creek can turn into a life-altering event when a tree or large branch falls without warning. Whether it happens in a public park, along a city street, or on private property, these incidents can cause severe injuries and unexpected financial strain.
In California, property owners and public agencies have a duty to maintain trees on their land in a reasonably safe condition. When that duty is ignored, and someone is hurt as a result, the injured person may be entitled to compensation.
Common Injuries from Tree Accidents
Falling trees and branches can cause serious harm, even in everyday settings. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from heavy limbs striking the head
- Spinal cord injuries that may lead to partial or complete paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones, often requiring surgery
- Severe lacerations and deep cuts from impact or debris
- Internal injuries caused by the force of a falling object
Recovery can be long and costly, involving hospitalization, rehabilitation, and lasting physical or emotional effects.
When a Tree Incident Becomes a Legal Case
In California, tree-related injury claims often fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners and managers responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe. This includes maintaining trees in a condition that does not pose a foreseeable danger to visitors, neighbors, or passersby.
Liability depends on showing that the owner or responsible party knew or should have known the tree was dangerous and failed to take action.
On Private Property
- A homeowner may be liable if they fail to address signs of decay, disease, or instability.
- Tree service companies may be responsible if improper pruning or maintenance made the tree unsafe.
On Public Property
- Cities, counties, and state agencies are required to maintain trees on their land.
- California’s Government Claims Act requires injury claims against public entities to be filed within six months of the incident—a much shorter deadline than for most personal injury cases.
Examples of Tree Incident Scenarios
- A neighbor is injured when a rotting backyard tree collapses during calm weather.
- A pedestrian is struck by a large branch from a city-maintained street tree, even after multiple complaints about its poor condition.
- Families at a community event are hurt when a poorly braced park tree tips into a picnic area.
In each example, liability would depend on whether the property owner or agency was aware of or should have been aware of the hazard and failed to address it.
When You May Not Have a Case
Not every tree-related injury leads to a viable legal claim. In California, you may not have a case if:
- The tree appeared healthy and stable, with no visible signs of danger.
- A sudden, unforeseeable event, like a lightning strike or earthquake, caused the fall.
- You were trespassing or in a restricted area at the time of the injury.
For example, if a perfectly healthy tree is uprooted during an extreme windstorm, and there was no prior indication of instability, California law may not hold the property owner responsible.
Why Legal Help Matters in Tree Injury Cases
Tree injury cases are rarely straightforward. Proving fault takes more than showing the damage—it often means piecing together maintenance records, arborist reports, and prior complaints.
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we know how to uncover the evidence needed to build a strong claim. Our team has handled complex personal injury cases throughout California, including those involving dangerous conditions on public and private land. We understand the short deadlines for claims against government entities and the investigative steps required to demonstrate that a hazard should have been addressed before anyone was hurt.
When you work with us, we will:
- Identify all potentially responsible parties, from homeowners to municipalities
- Gather the documentation and witness statements needed to support your claim
- Work with medical and financial experts to determine the full impact of your injuries, both now and in the future.
- Handle all legal deadlines and negotiations so you can focus on recovery
The sooner we begin, the better our chances are of preserving key evidence and meeting strict filing requirements. Our goal is to help you secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and the pain and disruption the injury has caused in your life.
Contact Our Experienced Walnut Creek Tree Incident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured by a falling tree or branch in California, we can help you understand your rights and take action. Our team has decades of experience holding negligent property owners and public entities accountable.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. Contact Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook today and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.