A woman walking her kids through the park last month was left in critical condition after a devastating falling tree accident in New York. Anne Monoky Goldman, a 39-year-old fashion editor, was strolling through Central Park with her three young children when tragedy struck. As she pushed a stroller with her two toddlers inside (and carried her 41-day old infant in a pack on her chest), a massive tree toppled onto the pathway. Anne and her children were crushed under the giant elm.
Witnesses to the terrifying falling tree accident in New York say they heard a tremendous cracking noise but were helpless to do anything as the elm crashed down on the helpless mother. Emergency service responded quickly and Mrs. Goldman was pulled from under the tree as were all three of her children.
The brave mother suffered a broken neck shielding her children from the tree and was listed in critical but stable condition. One of her toddlers was hospitalized with a fractured skull. The remaining two children were pulled free with minor scrapes and bruising.
At least one expert commented on the terrifying tree accident in Central Park, saying that the tree had clearly suffered root failure and the trunk was completely rotten.
The City of New York is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and removing problem trees inside Central Park. Whether or not this particular tree was on a watch list is as yet unknown. However, The Parks Department could be held liable for Mrs. Goldman’s injuries.
If you’ve been injured by unsafe trees or toppling limbs anywhere in NYC, contact an experienced tree accident lawyer in New York City immediately.