Woman Sues After Large Tree Falls Onto Her SUV In Cerritos

CERRITOS, CA – A woman who was injured when a tall eucalyptus tree fell on her SUV while she was driving on a Cerritos street in 2017 is suing the city, alleging the tree was negligently maintained.

Maelyn Chain, 41, of Tustin, alleges dangerous condition of a public property and seeks unspecified damages.

City Attorney Mark Steres did not immediately reply to request for comment.

"Plaintiff ... believes ... that the tree, given its giant size and large branches, was a dangerous trap for people on South Street and created a foreseeable risk of it becoming uprooted and landing on people and property...," according to the suit.

The suit includes two photos of the tree straddling the top of Chain's SUV after its Feb. 17, 2017, collapse at about 3:30 p.m. in the median while she was driving on South Street near Alfred Avenue, trapping her in the vehicle.

Chain incurred emotional and physical pain, including abrasions and a concussion, according to her lawsuit. She also suffered lost wages, the suit states.

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock