Public spaces are meant to be safe. But when a neglected or unstable tree collapses, the injuries can be devastating—and the consequences, life-changing.
You may be wondering: could this have been prevented? Is anyone responsible?
The answer is often yes. In many cases, fallen tree injuries stem from poor planting, improper maintenance, or damage that went ignored. Cities and property owners have a duty to keep public spaces safe—and that includes trees. Here, we’ll walk through why trees fall, who may be at fault, and how a legal claim can help.
Why Trees Fall—and Why It Shouldn’t Happen
Tree failures in urban or public environments don’t usually happen out of the blue. Most of the time, they result from:
- Improper planting or root ball preparation
- Damage from nearby construction
- Decay, disease, or structural defects left unaddressed
- Lack of inspection by qualified arborists
In short: trees give warning signs. And it’s up to the owners of the property to pay attention. When they don’t, innocent people can get hurt.
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we’ve handled these cases—and we’ve seen what happens when safety of the public is not prioritized. In a recent case, we secured $8.16 million for two women who were seriously injured when a tree fell during a farmers market event. Our investigation revealed that the tree had been improperly planted and later damaged during a beautification project, with no follow-up inspection to assess the risk.
Can You File a Lawsuit After a Tree Injury? Yes—Here’s Why
Under California law, public entities and private landowners can be held responsible for injuries caused by a dangerous condition of property. That includes trees.
To bring a claim, you’ll need to show that:
- The property owner knew or should have known the tree was dangerous
- They failed to take reasonable action to prevent harm
- That failure led directly to your injuries
These are fact-intensive cases that require expert input from arborists, engineers, and sometimes construction specialists. Our team works with seasoned experts who can pinpoint what went wrong and help us prove it in court.
What to Do If You Were Hurt by a Falling Tree
If you or someone you love has been injured by a falling tree, take these steps as soon as possible:
- Seek immediate medical care
- Document the scene—photos, witness names, police reports
- Don’t talk to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer
- Note any visible decay or damage to the tree, if possible
- Contact an attorney experienced in tree injury cases
Time is critical. In cases involving public entities, you may only have six months to file a claim. Let us help you protect your rights from the start.
How Our Tree Injury Lawyers Can Help
Our firm has deep experience handling serious injury cases involving fallen trees. We know what to look for, who to hold accountable, and how to build a compelling case. In our $8 million tree injury verdict, we worked with arborists and other experts to prove that the fall wasn’t just a freak accident—it was the result of years of neglect.
We can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing care and rehabilitation
- Lost income or future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Contact Our Experienced East Bay Personal Injury Attorneys
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we fight for justice when safety is ignored. If a fallen tree has injured you or a loved one, let us help you get the answers—and the compensation—you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.