Tree Fell On A Tent and Injured Sleeping Campers
Shortly after midnight in the early morning hours of June 12, 2020, a large tree fell on a tent that housed a sleeping mother and her young child. Los Angeles County firefighters and deputies from the Sheriff’s department rushed to the scene and found that both the mother and her child were injured. They were subsequently airlifted by helicopter to Northridge Hospital. Witnesses say the tree was approximately 40 feet tall.
The campground was located off of Soledad Canyon Road, which is northeast of Santa Clarita.
This is the second time this month that campground trees have fallen on a tent, injuring the occupants. Earlier in June, tragedy struck in Northern California when a tree fell on a tent in a campground within the Tahoe National Forest, killing a teenager and injuring his younger brother.
What Causes Trees to Fall?
While a falling tree always seems like a shocking and unpredictable event, trees are susceptible to numerous factors that cause them to be damaged and crash to the ground. Trees are susceptible to decay, disease, and aging, just like other living organisms. Some trees may have double or even triple the lifespan of a human being, but they still go through the aging and dying process.
Here are some reasons that trees may “suddenly” crash down:
- Advanced insect infestation
- Improper planting conditions
- Construction damage
- Poor soil conditions
- Malnutrition
- Old age
Predicting a Tree Fall
Predicting with accuracy when a tree will fall is nearly impossible, but there are warning signs to look out for. Below are some of those indicators:
Dead Branches That Fall Away Easily
Dead branches offer a clue to the tree’s condition. When a lot of dead branches start falling to the ground, it is an indication that something is wrong. The tree is essentially trying to make itself smaller, which is usually a sign that it is not getting enough nourishment. It could also be an indication of an advanced insect infestation.
Holes in the Tree Trunk
An open hole or wound from a broken tree branch can cause decay to develop inside the tree. This does not always mean a tree collapse is imminent. If the hole is isolated to one area with enough solid wood surrounding it, there is less risk of the tree falling.
Missing Bark or Deep Cracks on the Tree Trunk
Another sign of tree trouble are areas of missing bark or large cracks in the trunk. These defects are known as cankers and are a sign that the tree is dead or dying. Deep trunk cracks are of particular concern as they weaken the trunk and create a falling hazard.
Weak, Rotten Tree Roots
Because the tree’s root system is underground, the health of the roots can be difficult to spot. One indication of rotting roots is the presence of mushrooms and other fungi sprouting up near the base of the tree, or actually on the trunk. The presence of fungi is an indication that the wood is rotting.
While again, it is impossible to predict when a tree will fall, being aware of some of the visible signs of a weakened, dead, or dying tree is one way to avoid a dangerous condition.
Los Angeles Tree Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Tree Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles. If you or a family member were injured by a falling tree or tree limb, reach out to me free, friendly advice at (800) 404-5400 or (213) 992-4300. I have more than 38 years of experience working with injured California residents.
Some of our case successes are listed here: Settlements and Verdicts. Many of our wonderful clients have taken time to review our legal services:
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/tent-camp-night-star-camping-548022/
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