I am trying to collect stories about the dollar amounts paid out when a tree either kills someone, or injures someone, with related information. This information will be used to make the case for an increased budget for our tree operation. Proposals for this sort of thing are evaluated by a cold-eyed risk-assessment committee, which must compare tree safety with other worthy but difficult-to-quantify liabilities such as earthquake damage and trip hazards.
Most likely,responses will be in one of three categories:
1)awards in jury trials. These figures would be public.
2) Settlements in private cases. The figures are not public, but if you were involved in such a case, and are willing to provide information that does not violate client confidentiality, I would appreciate it (example:
"A child was injured by a falling branch, plaintiff was aware of hazard but had not abated it, the insurance company settled for $xxx,xxx."
3)Settlements in public cases (cities, school districts, etc) Settlement numbers are sometimes public. Sometimes, settlement numbers are not public, but are widely known.

Reply to post by Richard Trout, on May 21, 2001 at 17:45:13:

Richard,

As you probably know, well over 90% of such cases are settled before trial. I have been involved in over 50 personal injury (20 some-odd were fatalities) but although they were close, none went to trial.

My book does list some cases and the amounts of the judgements. You may find more info on the book at my web site, www.lewbloch.com

Feel free to contact me if yoy wish at 301 807 8150, or by e-mail.

Lew