By John Fagan***

There are over 250 billion trees in America today. While pollution and deforestation are serious and valid environmental concerns, there are more trees in the US today than there were 100 years ago, despite rapid human population increases. America is home to 8% of all forests in the world. While it is true that trees are perfectly safe in the vast majority of cases, it is possible for trees to lose limbs or collapse, injuring or killing in the process.

Watch out for that tree! Common causes of tree injuries include the following:
Exposed roots
Falling branches
Improperly maintained trees
Rotting
Old trees Obstructed line of sight (motorist or pedestrian)
Storm damage (usually excessive wind or snow)
Overgrown trees
Falling Christmas trees

Some injuries that could be sustained from trees include traumatic head injuries (including concussion), paralysis, damage to internal organs, fractures, or death. Who is responsible for my injury? Tree injury accidents usually fall under the legal category of premises liability. This allows victims to hold property owners accountable for injuries on their property.

Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition which includes removing damaged, diseased, or decaying trees that pose a danger to others. If you are injured in a public park, you may hold the municipality liable for failure to maintain the property. Even if you are injured on a sidewalk by a falling tree, you could still have a valid case. Determining who may be liable in your case is crucial to recovering damages. Damages could include current and future medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

It is important to acquire an injury or accident lawyer when dealing with these kinds of cases due to the complexity of determining who is liable and to get the compensation you deserve. My practice is dedicated to helping accident and disability victims. Give me a call at 1-855 FAGAN LAW or email me at John@JohnFagan.com.