$550K Settlement for Client Struck by Falling Tree Limb at a Shopping Center in San Juan Capistrano

Managing Partner Samer Habbas and Managing Attorney Adam Kocaj secured a $550,000 settlement on behalf of a client who sustained serious injuries when a large tree limb suddenly fell and struck her on the head at a shopping center in San Juan Capistrano.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred at a shopping center in San Juan Capistrano, where our client had just picked up food and was walkng back to her car. Without any warning, a large tree limb broke off and fell directly on her, knocking her unconscious.

Injuries Sustained

As a result of the impact, our client experienced an aggravation and exacerbation of existing physical and psychological conditions, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic nerve pain in the neck and back
• Ongoing knee and ankle pain
• Emotional trauma and prolonged psychological recovery

Premises Liability Claim

Our legal team filed a premises liability claim against the shopping center’s property owner, its management company, and the third-party tree maintenance contractor. Although liability was initially disputed, Samer and Adam conducted a thorough investigation to uncover evidence of negligence in tree maintenance and inspection protocols.

Maintenance logs, photographic evidence, and industry standards were used to demonstrate that the tree posed a foreseeable hazard—one that should have been identified and addressed before anyone got hurt.

Settlement Result

The case was ultimately resolved for $550,000. With thoughtful collaboration between Managing Partner Samer Habbas and Managing Attorney Adam Kocaj, our legal team ensured the client received compensation that reflected both the severity of her injuries and the negligence that caused them.

This recovery reflects our firm’s dedication to helping injury victims secure justice and financial relief after preventable accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe property conditions, don’t wait to take action.

Get Samer On Your Side.