Arizona Tree Damage Lawyer

Types of Property Damage Fallen Trees Can Cause

Fallen trees can be destructive in numerous ways. Here are some of the most common types of damage they cause:

1. Structural Damage: Trees that fall on homes or other structures can impose significant repair costs and safety concerns.
2. Vehicle Damage: Parked cars frequently fall victim to downed trees, resulting in costly repairs or total loss.
3. Blocked Driveways or Roads: A fallen tree can impede access to roadways and cause inconvenience and potential safety hazards.
4. Damage to Power Lines: When power lines are compromised, it can cause power outages and pose serious safety risks.
5. Landscape Damage: Fallen trees can destroy gardens, lawns, and other landscaping elements, necessitating expensive restoration.
6. Underground Utility Damage: Errant tree roots can disrupt underground utilities, creating a need for complex and costly repairs.

Any of these forms of damage can be problematic. To make matters worse, they often occur in combination.

Who Is Responsible for Tree Property Damage in Arizona?

In Arizona, the responsibility for property damage from fallen trees depends on the tree's location and the circumstances leading to the incident.

Generally, if a tree on your neighbor's side of the property line damages your property, they can be held liable. However, this might not be the case if natural events like storms or high winds cause the damage. Understanding these nuances is crucial for property owners in Arizona.

Will I Get Paid If Another Property Owner Is at Fault?

Insurance recovery for tree damage in Arizona is also a potentially complicated matter. If a property owner is deemed at fault, typically due to negligence or failure to maintain the tree, your or their insurance may cover the damages. That said, specific policy terms and state laws play a major role in determining the outcome.

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of tree-related property damage claims.

How Can an Attorney Help Me?

An attorney can be indispensable when you’re dealing with tree damage. Here are just a few of the ways they can help.

Will My Homeowners’ Insurance Policy Cover the Damage?

While not all homeowners’ insurance policies are the same, most cover tree damage to some extent. This coverage typically applies to the following conditions.

1. Damage to Your House: If a fallen tree damages your home, homeowners’ insurance will typically cover repairs to the structure. This includes fixing roofs, walls, and any other affected part of the dwelling. Coverage may also extend to attached structures like garages.
2. Damage to Surrounding Property: Beyond structural damage, homeowners’ insurance may also cover personal property that's been damaged or destroyed, such as furniture, electronics, and other belongings inside the home.
3. Removal Costs: Many policies provide for the costs associated with removing the fallen tree from your property, especially if it blocks a driveway or other commonly used area.
4. Damage to Your Neighbor's Property: If a tree falls and damages your neighbor's property, your policy might cover these damages under liability coverage. You’ll want to confirm this to maintain good neighborly relations and avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

It's equally important to understand what your policy doesn’t cover. Common exclusions include damage from trees that have fallen due to neglect or certain natural disasters. Knowing these exclusions will help you assess your need for additional coverage.

What If My Insurance Claim Is Denied?

Just because your tree damage insurance claim has been denied doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. An attorney can review the denial, negotiate with the insurance company, and, if necessary, initiate legal action to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.