A woman sustained serious injuries in October of last year when a tree fell on her in Hamburg-Eimsbüttel’s “Am Weiher” park. The incident is now facing potential legal repercussions, as a recently commissioned expert assessment concludes the event could have been prevented.
Expert Assessment Finds Preventative Measures Were Possible
According to the assessment, commissioned by the woman’s family, the swamp cypress tree was excessively exposed to wind due to a process called “freestellung” – the removal of surrounding trees. In 2023, the swamp cypress’s twin tree had broken and was subsequently pruned, and a neighboring oak tree was also felled. The expert report states that tree inspection professionals should have recognized the increased risk.
Conflicting Findings from Official Investigation
However, a separate assessment conducted by the local authorities reached a different conclusion, stating that the trunk fracture was not foreseeable. The Hamburg Public Prosecutor’s Office is also investigating the incident on suspicion of negligent bodily harm.
The woman was walking in the park when the tree unexpectedly fell, narrowly missing her with the trunk but burying her under heavy branches. She sustained life-threatening injuries, as reported in October.
The woman’s family is currently considering legal action against the responsible district office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the park in October?
A woman was seriously injured when a tree fell on her while she was walking in the “Am Weiher” park in Hamburg-Eimsbüttel.
What does the family’s expert assessment claim?
The assessment claims that the incident could have been prevented, as the swamp cypress tree was excessively exposed to wind following the removal of surrounding trees.
Is there an ongoing investigation?
Yes, the Hamburg Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the incident on suspicion of negligent bodily harm against an unknown person.
As the legal review progresses, it remains to be seen whether the family will pursue a claim against the district office, and what impact the differing expert opinions will have on the outcome.
