Park Picnic Ends in Tragedy
This weekend, a Bay Area picnic in the park ended tragically when one person was killed, and two other people sustained serious injuries when, without warning, a large tree branch crashed down onto them as they were enjoying the shade offered by the trees of a Burlingame park.
This horrific event took place on the afternoon of Saturday, September 26, 2020, in Washington Park, which is east of downtown Burlingame, off of Carolan and Burlingame Avenues. The tree limb was 60 feet in length. The deceased was a resident of San Mateo. The two others who suffered significant injuries were hospitalized.
Following the incident, police asked residents to avoid the area of Carolan Avenue while they conducted their investigation. Washington Park is near Burlingame High School and is known as a very popular spot for picnicking.
City Hall Expresses Condolences
The following day, on Facebook, a post was made under the account of Burlingame City Hall addressed to the Burlingame Community, referencing the tragedy. It reported the death and expressed sympathy from the Mayor, as well as the City Council toward the friends and family of the deceased victim. They also wished a speedy recovery to the two hospitalized people.
Northern California – Many Cities of Trees
Northern California is known for its vast array of beautiful trees. Valley Oaks, Giant Sequoias, and Coastal Redwoods flourish in our Mediterranean climate. Unfortunately, our area has also suffered years of dry winters and drought, which can weaken the majestic giants. In our law practice, we have seen a number of cases of injuries and even deaths caused by falling trees or tree limbs. Such events can cause devastating injuries.
The Trees of Burlingame
Burlingame is designated as a Tree City USA. When those trees are not properly maintained, tragedies such as the recent incident in Washington Park can occur.
The City of Burlingame’s Park Division oversees the Burlingame Tree Crew, which maintains more than 16,000 City street trees and more than 4,600 City park/open space trees. The Tree Crew is responsible for nearly 300 different tree species, covering approximately 274 acres, or 7.8% of the total land area of the city. With that many trees to maintain, it is easy to understand how certain individual trees may have to wait for maintenance. Most cities use a rotation chart for tree maintenance, and individual trees can go years between scheduled maintenance, due to the sheer number of them. This can result in trees left with precariously hanging limbs that need trimming, and which pose a danger to the public.
Watch the YouTube video on tree trimming safety.
Injured in a Bay Area Tree Accident? Seek Legal Help.
There are many challenges and complexities associated with a case against a private citizen or the state, county, or city for injuries suffered as a result of a falling tree or tree limb. Due to those complexities, it is crucial to retain skilled legal counsel. Experience in the area of tree injury cases is key.
Tree Injury Lawyer – San Francisco Bay Area
Hello, and thank you for reading. I’m Ed Smith, a San Francisco Tree Accident Injury Lawyer. If you or someone you love suffered injuries from a tree or branch crashing down, our firm may be able to help you obtain financial recovery. Do not hesitate to seek out my office for free and friendly advice at (415) 805-7284. If you will be calling from outside the 415 area code, dial (800) 404-5400.
For nearly 40 years, I have tirelessly advocated for the injured. Review some of our firm’s settlements and verdicts.
We appreciate our many past clients that have taken the time to review our legal services. They can be found at the following links:
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