Property damage and a fall

[Barbara K.]

What is the name of your state? AL

Apparently our tree roots may have caused damage to a neighbor's property - the roots grew under part of their property. The neighbor slipped and fell and sustained an injury. What is our liability in this situation?

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state? AL

Apparently our tree roots may have caused damage to a neighbor's property - the roots grew under part of their property. The neighbor slipped and fell and sustained an injury. What is our liability in this situation?

Turn the matter over to your insurer. They can handle any claim filed against you.

That said, unless the roots were a known hazard reported to you by your neighbor prior to the slip and fall, you should not be held liable for tree roots that encroached from your tree onto your neighbor’s property. Your neighbor could have cut/trimmed back to the property line any encroaching roots and/or tree branches.

 

[adjusterjack]

What is our liability in this situation?

Agree with Quincy. Likely none.

Report the claim to your homeowners insurance company. They will handle it.

 

[Ohiogal]

Turn the matter over to your insurer. They can handle any claim filed against you.

That said, unless the roots were a known hazard reported to you by your neighbor prior to the slip and fall, you should not be held liable for tree roots that encroached from your tree onto your neighbor’s property. Your neighbor could have cut/trimmed back to the property line any encroaching roots and/or tree branches.

Agree but would add, "unless trimming said would have caused harm to the tree by killing it."

 

[quincy]

Agree but would add, "unless trimming said would have caused harm to the tree by killing it."

Good addition.