Scenario
When a limb falls and causes serious injury, property owners may respond with, “It’s never happened before.” But what matters is whether it should have been prevented. Problems like improper planting, weak branch structure, or negligent pruning are often warning signs that were ignored—and those failures can establish liability.
Why Arborist Evidence Is Crucial
A certified arborist goes beyond what meets the eye: they test soil stability, inspect root systems, evaluate branch architecture, and determine whether trees adhered to ANSI standards. This technical detail is essential to establish negligence.
Our Methodology
- Tree Health Examination – Confirm whether it was native or planted, diseasefree or unstable.
- Maintenance Review – Check pruning history, decay, pest presence, or trunk defects.
- Expert Standards – Compare against industry benchmarks to see what should have been done.
- Illustrative Reporting – Arborists create reports and courtroom exhibits to clarify causation for juries.
Firm Verdict Spotlight
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we’ve seen what can happen when basic safety measures are overlooked. In a recent case, we obtained an $8.16 million recovery for two women injured by a falling tree at a farmers market. Our investigation revealed the tree had been improperly planted years earlier and later damaged during a beautification effort—yet no follow-up inspection was ever done to assess the risk.
Takeaway
You shouldn’t have to battle ignorant defenses alone. Our use of seasoned arborists ensures visibility into preventable tree risks—and provides compelling testimony to back your claim. Let’s set up a consultation to explore your situation.