The family of a California woman has filed a wrongful death claim against the City of San Diego after she was killed when a tree fell and crushed her car. The accident happened on Sunday, January 31, 2016, at Ingraham Street in Pacific Beach. The 48-year-old woman was a professional drummer on her way to a performance when a tree fell across the road and crashed her car beneath it. According to police, the woman died at the scene.
In the wrongful death lawsuit against the city, her family claims there was a known defect in the tree that was hazardous but does not detail the alleged defect. The lawsuit also claims that the city did not take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the public and neglected to cut down hazardous branches that imposed harm.
The January storm that blew through San Diego County caused hundreds of downed trees and major flooding. According to officials, over 350 calls of damaged trees were placed to the emergency call center. The city has not released a statement concerning the lawsuit. Pictures taken at the scene of the accident show a massive tree complete covering a vehicle.
Are you uncertain if you have ground to file a wrongful death claim after the loss of a loved one due to an unfortunate but preventable incident? Contact the St. Louis law firm of Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, to schedule a free sit down appointment where an expert attorney can help you understand the best course of action for you and your family.