When a tree or large limb falls and causes serious injury, one of the first defenses raised is often that high winds were to blame. But trees don’t fall in moderate wind unless something is wrong—like improper planting, poor maintenance, or hidden damage. Our team regularly works with meteorologists to evaluate wind conditions and determine whether the incident was truly unavoidable—or preventable with reasonable care.
Why Wind Isn’t Always the Real Cause
Wind does stress trees—but a wellrooted, properly pruned tree should handle it within a region’s historical trends. That’s why our team partners with certified meteorologists to analyze wind speeds, gust patterns, and compare them to longterm climate data. If your tree’s collapse was outside the expected range—or seems preventable—wind alone isn’t a complete defense.
Our Approach in Action
In a recent trial, the defense argued that “heavy winds” were solely to blame. But once we commissioned a meteorologist’s report and found the winds that day were typical… it became clear something else failed. A subsequent arborist investigation uncovered improper planting and chronic lack of maintenance—the true root causes behind the accident.
How We Win These Cases
- Meteorology Report – We reconstruct wind conditions on the exact date and location.
- Historical Data Comparison – Was this a freak storm or a routine wind event?
- Tree Experts – Arborists assess soil, root health, pruning patterns—looking for preventable flaws.
- Integrating Disciplines – Combining weather science and tree forensics gives us a strong rebuttal to “act of nature” defenses.
Firm Verdict Spotlight
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we’ve seen firsthand the consequences when public safety takes a back seat. In one recent case, we recovered $8.16 million for two women who were seriously injured by a falling tree at a farmers market. Our investigation uncovered that the tree had been improperly planted years earlier and later damaged during a beautification project—with no inspection afterward to identify the danger
Takeaway
If you’ve been injured by a fallen tree, don’t be concerned if there are indications that wind may have been a factor. Our team digs deeper—backed by meteorologists and arborists—to prove who’s truly at fault. Schedule a free case review to get your losses examined by experts.