You may have a legal case if you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a fallen tree or broken branch. But you will need a California tree injury lawyer at Bisnar Chase to secure the compensation you deserve.
A tree accident might fall under a premises liability case or governmental claim, depending on how and where your injury occurred.
Our personal injury attorneys at Bisnar Chase handle all kinds of accident cases. Our team will identify whether the accident was caused by property owner negligence and hold the at-fault parties accountable.
- We have a 99% success rate.
- More than $1 billion won for our clients.
- Offering a free consultation and a no win, no fee promise.
- Award-winning attorneys with an outstanding track record in cases like yours.
Get the superior representation you deserve and contact our team at Bisnar Chase. Call (800) 561-4887, submit an online form, or use the 24/7 live chat on our website.
California Tree Accident and Injury Lawyers
Types of Tree Accidents in California
We handle all types of accidents involving trees that result in physical harm to unsuspecting injury victims. Some of the most common accidents we have seen include:
Falls from Trees
A tree fall can come in many forms. The victim may have climbed the tree and taken a wrong step, become tangled, or the branch they were on may have broken, sending them falling to the ground. People can also fall from ladders or mechanical lifts while working on a tree. The fall could be attributed to a slip or trip, equipment failure, or the poor condition of the tree itself.
Struck by a Branch
Tree branches can strike injury victims in any number of ways. It might occur during trimming work, when the branches are deliberately pruned. Or a weak or diseased branch could fall without warning at any time. Depending on the size and weight of the tree limb, the results can be severe.
Tree Trimming Equipment Injuries
Trimming a tree using a chainsaw, shears, pruner, or pole saw can be dangerous when you don’t know what you’re doing or have little experience. That kind of bladed gear can easily cause severe lacerations or even amputation, especially when the user is reaching into uncomfortable positions.
Tree Lighting: Installation and Electrocution
Many trees have light strings hanging around their branches or wrapped around the trunk. This isn’t only a risk at Christmas anymore. Now, many people have year-round lighting in their trees. Hanging lights or decorations in the first place can create a falling or entanglement hazard, while accidentally cutting a cord or touching a live wire can carry electrocution dangers.
Uprooted Trees
In rarer instances, trees can uproot and fall. This can be dangerous for anyone in the vicinity at the time and create a trip and fall hazard if the downed tree is not dealt with. Trees usually uproot due to natural factors, such as high winds and saturated soil. But it could also happen if the tree is not structurally healthy, or is hit by a car, for example.
Tree Trimmer Accidents
Tree trimming is a dangerous job. Statistics from the Tree Care Industry Association show that nearly 600 people died in tree trimming accidents across the U.S. from 2009 to 2015. In fact, grounds workers have a fatality rate of 3x the United States average.
The only safety standards for tree trimming, pruning, and maintenance are voluntary, making it one of the more dangerous professions. We have seen several serious accidents locally.
Tree Trimmer Died in Sherman Oaks, California
A tree trimmer was found hanging upside down in his harness, suspended 50 feet above the ground. Emergency services brought him down, but he was already beyond medical help. There were live wires in the area he was working on, and it is believed the victim may have been electrocuted.
Tree Trimmer Fatally Struck by Branches
A tree trimmer was struck by falling branches while working in Laguna Hills. A large falling branch hit him in the neck or head while working on the eucalyptus tree. A nearby resident noticed the victim hanging unconscious in his harness and contacted authorities, but the tree trimmer died from his injuries.
When Do You Have a Legal Case?
Here’s the key question: When does a tree accident or injury qualify for legal action?
Essentially, there may be a case if the accident was caused – at least in part – by negligence. If you injure yourself while trimming your own tree, there is no negligence on the part of others unless there was an equipment malfunction not caused by user error. Common examples of negligence include:
- A property owner failing to inspect a tree regularly.
- Failure to carry out or order/coordinate routine maintenance, such as pruning excess or dying branches.
- Ignoring known issues, such as signs of disease.
- Failing to remove a tree that poses an obvious danger, or failing to deal with a fallen tree.
- Planting a tree in a dangerous position, creating a hazard while it is standing, or causing dangers if it falls.
- Failing to act after they are notified of an issue with the tree.
- A lack of signage or warning of a known hazard.
When is there No Case?
You only have a legal case if we can prove negligence. In some cases, injuries occur due to accidents when no one did anything wrong. Examples of accidents without legal liability could include:
- Proper Maintenance: If the property owner is diligent in carrying out timely tree inspections and maintenance, it is hard to blame them for an accident.
- Act of God: Some accidents result from unforeseen weather conditions or natural disasters, such as heavy rains, flooding, and earthquakes.
- Trespassing: In some cases, legal liability might be impacted if the injured victim is trespassing at the time of the accident. However, that is not always the case. An injured trespasser can recover compensation in many cases.
You can maximize your compensation after an accident by working with the best tree accident lawyers in California. Our team is based in Orange County, but we have five offices across the state and handle injury cases throughout California. Contact us for the superior representation you deserve.
Who is Liable for a Tree Accident?
In determining legal liability, we identify the responsible parties, including anyone who can be named as a defendant in a legal action.
The defendant can be anyone whose negligence contributed in part to the accident. It will depend on the manner of the accident, as well as where it happened. One of the most important questions is whether it happened on public or private property, and who controls that property.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The property owner. Many tree accidents occur because a private property owner has not performed regular inspections and diligent maintenance.
- A government authority. If the tree is on public land, it might fall under the responsibility of a government entity, such as the county authority.
- Maintenance workers. Hired contractors often carry out tree trimming and other maintenance. But accidents can happen when they don’t know what they’re doing or do not do a thorough job.
- Equipment manufacturers. A product liability case may arise when an accident is caused by a dangerous or defective piece of equipment that malfunctions while being used as directed.
Proving Liability in a Tree Injury Claim
You need a skilled tree accident attorney on your side to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. The right attorney will identify where the injury took place, the cause of the accident, and whether negligence was involved, whether the tree was on public or private property, and who was responsible.
To prove a case, we need to show:
- The defendant was responsible for maintaining the property in question.
- The property controller knew or should have known about the danger.
- They breached their duty of care by failing to address or warn of a tree hazard.
- The property owner’s failures caused any injuries.
Our tree accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase are experts in premises liability and personal injury law. We will fight for your rights and maximize the compensation that you could recover.
Common Tree Accident Injuries
Injuries can hit anyone in or around a tree. Some accidents involve professional tree care workers because they spend so much time working in and around trees. However, they are also often prepared with safety equipment, such as helmets and harnesses.
They are well-versed on the power tools used to complete their work and typically know how to identify weak branches and dangerous-looking trees.
In other cases, injuries occur to amateurs who try to trim trees or carry out yard maintenance on their own property without the proper knowledge or safety precautions. People playing around, climbing, or even sitting under a tree could also be injured.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones.
- Cuts and heavy bleeding.
- Blunt force trauma.
- Head and neck injuries.
- Amputation.
- Severe back injuries.
- Spinal injuries.
Recent tree accidents causing death
In July 2025, a Google engineer, Angela Lin, tragically died at age 29 after being struck by a falling tree branch while hiking in Yosemite National Park, highlighting the unpredictable risks even on popular and seemingly safe trails.
Three family members lost their lives in March 2025 when a tree fell onto their vehicle, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
In Chicago, a dead tree fell on a man, causing a brain injury and leading to a $3.5M settlement for negligence. He spent two months in the hospital, and there were calls for the city to do more to reduce these injuries.
In December of 2024, one person died and 20 others were injured when a downed tree caused a train crash in New Jersey.
The dangers of dying and dead trees are a problem worldwide. Landowners or city and state officials often fail to properly remove trees that have died, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities.
At Bisnar Chase, we handle cases involving physical injuries of all levels. If you have been injured in an accident involving a tree in California, our law firm can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How the Right Injury Attorney Will Help
The best way to ensure your rights are protected after an injury is to contact the right tree accident lawyers in California. Our team at Bisnar Chase will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish. Our team will:
- Complete all paperwork and filing in accordance with court or insurance deadlines.
- Investigate your accident and identify all liable parties.
- Build your case supported by evidence.
- Conduct negotiations and secure a fair settlement when possible.
- Prepare for trial and represent you in court when necessary.
- Stay in regular contact, so you always know the current status of your case.
When you work with Bisnar Chase, you can relax and focus on your recovery, knowing that our experts are working tirelessly on your case.
Settlements and Litigation: The Legal Process
Many people are put off from taking legal action over an injury because they are not sure what to expect from the legal process. But there is nothing to fear.
Pre-litigation: If you are injured in an accident involving a tree, the first step is pre-litigation. This is when our team negotiates a settlement against the at-fault party’s insurance policy. Most cases are resolved in pre-litigation. This means your case is resolved before it gets anywhere near a court.
Litigation: Sometimes, the insurance company will undervalue your case or deny all liability. In such cases, we will file a lawsuit against the negligent party. We can continue negotiations over a settlement after filing a lawsuit. But in the meantime, we will prepare for trial and take your case to court if necessary.
There are pros and cons to both avenues. A settlement is the safer option, because you know exactly what is going to happen. Trials are riskier. Between hiring experts and allocating resources, preparing for trial is expensive. Juries are also unpredictable, even when you present a great case. However, they also carry the potential for greater compensation.
You can trust our team to assess your case carefully, initiate negotiations, and then do whatever is best for you, based on our decades of experience.
What is Your Tree Accident Case Worth?
The compensation you could recover will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries and the level of negligence from the at-fault party.
A fall from a tree, or being struck by falling branches or debris, can cause really serious damage. When you are injured in an accident involving a tree, we will fight to ensure you are compensated for:
- Medical expenses.
- Any lost wages if you are forced to miss work.
- Projected future medical costs when your injuries leave you with long-term issues.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
Taking legal action is not about a quick cash grab. Many people have their lives turned upside down when they sustain serious injuries and face mounting medical costs.
At Bisnar Chase, we take pride in maximizing the compensation that our clients can recover. We fight for complete recoveries of any expenses related to their injuries, as well as compensation for the pain and suffering that they have endured.
Trust us with your case and contact our team for a free consultation today.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Tree Accident?
The statute of limitations refers to the length of time you have to file a legal action.
In most cases, the clock starts running on the date of the accident. When the responsible party is a private property owner, the statute of limitations for an injury case in California is two years.
However, many tree accidents happen on public land controlled by a government authority. It is important to note that governmental claims have a much shorter statute of limitations. You typically only have six months to file an action against a government body.
No matter the circumstances of your accident, we recommend contacting us at Bisnar Chase as soon as you can. Don’t leave it too long and risk missing out.
Working With Expert Witnesses
We consult with outstanding experts who help to prove causation and liability, boosting our chances of a successful legal case. This is important in a tree accident case.
Tree experts are also known as arborists. They can help us identify:
- Tree species and health
- Structural integrity
- Environmental conditions
- Recent maintenance and damage
In conjunction with our investigation into tree maintenance practices, the information provided by a tree expert can help us identify whether a tree posed a foreseeable or preventable risk, and whether negligence contributed to an accident.
We collaborate with the best experts to build your case. If it progresses to trial, we also arrange for experts to appear in court and present their findings to a jury.
Tree Accident FAQs
Our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have. Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below. But if you have questions that are not answered on this page, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
What if you are injured climbing a tree on someone else’s property?
If you were injured while climbing a tree on someone else’s property, your ability to recover compensation will depend on the cause of your fall. If you simply slipped and fell, there will not be much of a legal case.
However, if the fall can be linked to negligence, you may be able to file a claim. One example would be an unhealthy or structurally unsound tree collapsing under the weight of the climber because it had not been regularly inspected.
What if you were injured on a farm or private woodland?
Owners of large areas of trees, such as farms, woodland, or commercial wooded areas, still have the responsibility to monitor and maintain their trees carefully. Just because it is a large area and difficult to oversee, does not let them off the hook. Private property such as farmland should also have fencing, signage, and warnings of potential hazards.
What if you are trespassing at the time of the accident?
Trespassing means you were on the land or property without permission or without the legal right to do so. Even if someone was trespassing, they may be able to recover compensation.
Property owners are required to keep their land free of hazards, and even trespassers have a right to safety. A tree accident lawyer may have to prove that the property owner did not take reasonable action to keep trespassers out, in addition to failing to remove or warn of any hazards.
Contact the Best California Tree Accident Lawyer Near You
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm that deals with all kinds of cases, including tree accidents. Our firm has been in business since 1978, with decades of experience.
The talented team of attorneys and paralegals at Bisnar Chase has a 99% success rate, with more than $1 billion won for our clients. But the numbers only tell part of the story. We focus on client care and support, treating everyone like family while we fight for their legal rights.
An accident involving a tree can leave victims with significant injuries, especially when they involve falling from great heights or being struck by heavy debris. When that happens, you can trust us to take care of everything while you recover, maximizing your compensation.
Contact an expert California tree accident and injury lawyer at Bisnar Chase today for a free consultation. Call (800) 561-4887, fill out our online form, or use our 24/7 website live chat. We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
