Beth Abrams (Full Name: Beth Louise Abrams) Died In San Francisco Accident After Being Hit By Falling Tree Branch In Golden Gate Park
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (January 19, 2022) – A 73-year-old woman identified as Beth Abrams was killed in Golden Gate Park after being hit by a falling tree branch.
San Francisco officials are saying that the accident took place on Saturday afternoon. Beth Abrams was walking in Golden Gate Park when she was hit by a tree branch from a 150-year-old Cypress Tree.
A passing jogger found the victim with major injuries. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help.
Despite life-saving measures, Beth Abrams died due to her injuries. The Cypress tree involved in the accident is owned by San Francisco’s Parks and Recreation Department.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For San Francisco Tree Branch Accidents
San Francisco has been inundated by rain and inclement weather in the past several weeks. This has led to flooding and significant damage to trees in the area. Damaged trees represent a real threat to the public. For example, a tree branch can weigh thousands of pounds and easily kill or seriously injure someone if it hits them. There are a number of steps property owners should take to protect against trees on their property.
- Trees that are diseased or unhealthy may need to be cut down.
- Tree branches may need to be cut if they show signs of damage.
- Warning signs may need to be placed around potentially dangerous trees.
Depending on the facts of any case, a city could be liable if someone is hit by a falling tree. Pursuant to California Government Code 835, a city could be liable for any accident caused by a dangerous condition on public property. A dangerous condition could exist if a tree is not being properly maintained and it falls and hits someone. Property owners must do periodic inspections of the trees on their property to determine if those trees pose a risk of falling over. This would typically be done by a certified arborist. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any accident with a tree.
- Records of the tree’s maintenance should be examined.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
If a city fails to take corrective action to remove a dangerous tree that injures or kills someone, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. The family of any person that is killed by a falling tree may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. However, it is extremely common for cities to deny all liability for any accident involving one of their trees that fell. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A San Francisco Tree Branch Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Beth Abrams. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that city officials will take the necessary steps to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a San Francisco tree branch accident? Our team of tree safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
