St. Louis, MO — A local jury recently awarded Phillip Lacey over $1.5 million after he was injured by a falling tree branch while sitting at a bus stop in Lindenwood Park. However, this figure was later adjusted to just over half a million dollars due to Missouri’s legal caps on damages against public entities.
The incident, which occurred in June 2022, resulted in severe injuries for Lacey, including a fractured skull and neck, as well as fractured orbital bones and ankle. These injuries stemmed from a large branch breaking off a pin oak tree as Lacey sat nearby.
During the trial, which concluded in late February, the evidence highlighted that the city lacked a proactive management plan for tree maintenance, contrary to city ordinances. According to plaintiff’s attorney Alex Wolff, the city’s approach to tree management was categorized as reactive, with no formal plan for the regular inspection and inventory of trees in public spaces.
The city’s failure to implement prescribed measures for tree maintenance came under scrutiny during the trial. Wolff pointed out that the Division of Forestry was required to have a documented strategy for tree care, which it failed to produce.
On March 19, the Circuit Judge Timothy Hoyer officially reduced the jury’s initial $1.54 million award to $517,306, adhering to the state-imposed cap on liability for public entities.
The trial and subsequent verdict were held at the St. Louis City Court, with the case listed under number 2222-CC09675. The legal proceedings were notably overseen by Judge Hoyer, with attorneys including Christopher Saracino and Alexander Wolff representing the plaintiff. The city’s defense was led by Curtis Haynes.
Legal experts pointed to the significance of having a verified tree management plan. The lack of such a plan not only posed risks to public safety but also legal liabilities for the city. Christopher Larson, a master arborist from Robson Forensic, Chicago, testified on behalf of the plaintiff, highlighting the city’s negligence in tree management.
This case not only sheds light on the specific incident involving Phillip Lacey but also raises broader questions about the efficacy and enforcement of urban forestry policies in cities.
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