A young East Dallas mother who was left paralyzed from the neck down when a tree collapsed onto her SUV is now suing the property owner for more than $1 million in damages.
The lawsuit, filed this week in Dallas County, claims the property owner — who also serves as the chair of the Texas Trees Foundation — ignored repeated warnings that the tree was visibly decayed and at risk of falling.
A life forever changed
The crash happened earlier this year when the woman was driving through her neighborhood. Without warning, the massive tree gave way, crashing onto her vehicle and leaving her trapped inside. Emergency crews pulled her from the wreckage, but the injuries were catastrophic. Doctors say she is now permanently paralyzed from the neck down and requires full-time medical care.
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Allegations against the property owner
According to court filings, neighbors and experts had cautioned the property owner about the condition of the tree long before it fell. The lawsuit argues that the failure to remove or properly maintain it directly led to the accident.
The plaintiff is seeking more than $1 million to cover lifelong medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Broader implications
The case is raising questions about liability when it comes to aging trees on private property, especially in densely populated neighborhoods. Attorneys representing the family argue it shows how dangerous neglected trees can be — not just to homeowners, but to anyone passing by.
A verified GoFundMe has been launched to assist with Evans’ medical and rehabilitation costs.
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