Protect From Dead Tree Liability Lawsuits

If you think that a neighbor’s tree is neglected, or not properly maintained, so that it could topple onto your property – then talk to your neighbor about this issue, ask him to remove the bad tree or at least, trim and limb it, and if she or he does not listen to you write a letter to him, have it signed and dated, or email it to your neighbors suggesting to fix that bad tree problem once and for all. Also take pictures of any visible problems on that tree such as cankers, pine beetle holes, fungi, lichens, rot, cracks, dead limbs, die-backs, and these pictures will help you prove your case when claiming damages in the Small Claims Court or with your insurer. File your letter, pictures propely so that you could use them later after the disaster happens.

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Tips How to Choose a Tree Service and Avoid Possible Scams

Tree service scammers frequently prey on the victims of sudden weather incidents (storms, tornados, hurricanes, ice storms, snow conditions, strong winds and heavy rains ) that weaken the tree roots and topple trees and limbs by charging triple rates for simple emergency tree removal. Make sure to get at least three cost estimates from reputable tree removal services, even if you’re faced with an emergency like a tree limb lying on your house rooftop, atop of your car, or across your driveway.

Make sure the tree service company is accredited with the Georgia Better Business Bureau. Only a handful of local tree services receive GA BBB accreditation.

Check reviews and ask for references. Go online to find out what kind of reputation the tree service has with the local community, and don’t be afraid to ask the company for references.

When considering different estimates, be just as wary of bids that seem too low as those that seem too high. If the tree service is giving you a very low price, it might be because they have little or no experience or do not have the proper insurances – liability, or workers comp. Or simply have no equipment other than a walmart bought chain-saw.

Never deal with drive-by, out-of-state companies. They might be plain crooks and after your money. Never pay up-front. Pay only when the treejob is done to your specifications and according to the estimate and treejob agreement. Make sure each tree service you are considering has enough liability and workers compensation insurance to cover any emergency or accident incurred on the tree-job. Otherwise, you could be liable for any injuries sustained by workers removing trees or limbs as well as any damage they cause to your and your neighbor’s property. Remember if the tree was dead to begin with then it’s always your fault, and the insurer will not cover your damages.

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Disaster Training

Tomorrow is our disaster training session. We’ll be working with heavy equipment. In the meantime…

Do-it-yourselfer offers his helping hand to a neighbor across the street, a chunk of wood hits him and injured his back… ouch! Then a utility crew digs down under his favorite tree, cuts off the tree roots and kills it. The guy is planning to sue them, but they’re not cooperative.

If you want to earn property management’s business you need to make sure that Compliance Depot approves you and shows to the management that your outfit is in a good standing, that is, having enough liability insurance, workers comp, and plenty years in business. That’s good, but local people don’t like it, they want just a guy with a chain saw willing to take down a tree and haul it away for a hundred dollars apiece. That sure is not enough to cover his insurance costs et cet.

 

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