Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Florida is famous for its beautiful palm trees and green spaces. Many homes in Hollywood have trees growing nearby and many property owners enjoy having trees on their property. After all, these additions to a yard offer shade on hot summer days and can make a property more attractive and valuable. Trees also help clean the air.
While healthy trees are a great addition to a yard, they can become a problem. What happens inf a neighbor plants a tree which blocks your view? What happens when a tree is located at a property line? What happens if a palm tips over and causes damage on your property? These issues are quite common and lead to many disputes and claims.
Damages
Trees can cause a lot of damage to properties. If a neighbor plants a tree which obstructs an attractive view you had, it can actually cause the value of your property to decline. More seriously, if a tree falls on your property, it can fall on your roof or on your car. The resulting repair bills can be catastrophic. You may need to pay for a new car or a new roof. In addition, personal property inside the car or house may be damaged and may need to be replaced.
If a tree falls on your property but not on a structure, the costs can still be significant. You may need to pay to have the tree removed and there can still be significant damages. You may need to pay to replace personal property, such as bicycles, which were in your yard and were damaged by the fall. You may also need to pay for landscaping to deal with the damage.
If a tree falls on your car or house while you are inside of if a tree falls near you, you may suffer serious injuries, including:
- Head trauma
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
- Fractures
These types of injuries can also cause fatalities. In some cases, being in a house during one of these situations can lead to trauma.
The costs of personal injuries can be significant. There may be hospital bills to worry about as well as time away from work. You may need help around the house while you recover and you may not be able to return to regular activities for some time. You may need to pay for counseling, rehabilitation, medicine, taxis, medical devices, and other costs.
Who is Liable?
In Florida, laws dictate that the healthiness of the tree can help determine liability. If a healthy tree falls on your property during a storm, for example, you are responsible for damages and your insurance policy will likely cover it. If, however, your neighbor has a sick tree on their property and it falls on your property, they are liable.
However, a number of things can complicate the issue. For example, if a tree was on municipal property or at the edge of a sidewalk, it can be harder to seek a claim. In cases where a tree was not healthy but there is confusion about who knew, it can also be harder to secure compensation.
In cases involving trees, it is best to reach out to a Hollywood property liability attorney right away. Take photos of the tree and the damage it has caused and contact an attorney. A lawyer can negotiate with any insurance companies involved, can help you understand what you need to do to secure your claim, and can represent you as you seek fair compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured or have suffered property damage at your South Florida home or vacation property due to a neighbor’s recklessness, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood property liability attorney.