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Civil Litigation

Jul. 22, 2025

Ventura, contractor settle tree branch death suit for $19M

Ventura and its tree contractor settled for $19 million with the family of a man killed by a falling tree branch, in one of Ventura County's largest wrongful death payouts.

Ventura, contractor settle tree branch death suit for $19M
Ivan Puchalt of Greene Broillet & Wheeler LLP in El Segundo

The City of San Buenaventura and its main tree maintenance contractor have reached a $19 million settlement with the family of a man who was killed by a falling tree branch in what the plaintiffs' attorneys say is one of the largest wrongful death settlements in Ventura County history.

The case alleged serious negligence by the city and West Coast Arborists Inc. in failing to address clear warning signs of the tree's hazardous condition.

Ivan Puchalt of Greene Bro...

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