California Woman Faces Big Bill After Neighbor’s Tree Damages Her Home
Understanding the Risks of Tree Damage
ABC7 News Bay Area reporter Stephanie Sierra highlights a scenario that many homeowners might not consider until it’s too late: a tree falling on their property, even if it’s not their own. This issue becomes especially relevant as the Bay Area prepares for an incoming atmospheric river.
In her 7 On Your Side report, Sierra explores the situation faced by Castro Valley homeowner Angela Bereola. She learned the hard way that “not your tree” doesn’t mean “not your bill.” During a storm last year, a massive oak tree fell from a neighboring property and caused significant damage to her home.
The Impact of the Storm
Bereola described being jolted out of bed by a loud crash during heavy rain and strong winds. She feared the tree would come through her house, creating a moment of intense fear and uncertainty. The damage was severe, with the entire back of her home going dark and the backyard obscured by the tree’s leaves.
Sierra reports that the damage was estimated at over $70,000, specifically $70,600.83, based on a third-party estimate. However, this figure didn’t include additional damage from the removal process. The cost of removing a large tree from a roof can cause its own collateral damage, adding to the financial burden.
Insurance Challenges
After the incident, Bereola contacted her insurance adjuster, who offered to cover only about a quarter of the cost—around $19,200.86. This left her with a remaining bill of more than $51,399.97. For homeowners, this amount represents a significant financial strain, potentially impacting retirement savings and other critical funds.
Bereola expressed frustration, stating, “This isn’t fair.” Her argument was simple: she didn’t do anything to cause the tree to fall. However, the situation became more complicated when it was revealed that the tree was on property connected to the Hayward Unified School District.
Legal and Institutional Responses
Sierra reports that Bereola spent months dealing with the school district’s insurance authority. While the district’s representative expressed sympathy, the official response stated that the tree fall was an “act of nature,” absolving the district of liability. This legal defense is common among institutions, as they often stick to strict definitions of liability to avoid responsibility.
The district claimed there were no signs of disease or structural weakness in the tree, and no prior complaints about the risk. This defense suggests that the incident was unforeseeable, making the district unwilling to take responsibility.
Insurance Expertise and Recommendations
Sierra also consulted Janet Ruiz from the Insurance Information Institute, who advised homeowners to contact their insurance providers first if a tree falls on their property. According to Ruiz, insurance should generally cover the damage. However, the real-life experience of Bereola showed that this isn’t always the case.
Bereola reported that after providing the necessary documentation, she received no response for months. This bureaucratic delay added to the stress and uncertainty of the situation.
The Role of Media and Advocacy
When Bereola felt stuck, she reached out to 7 On Your Side, ABC7’s consumer help team. After the station got involved, Assurant Insurance provided a supplemental payment, resolving the issue. Bereola described the relief as a “huge weight” lifted off her shoulders.
Lessons Learned
Sierra concludes with a warning that this could happen to anyone. Even if the hazard isn’t on your property, it can still become your problem. This lesson applies beyond trees, including issues like water leaks, fence collapses, and runoff.
One important detail Sierra notes is that even after the roof was fixed, Bereola’s fence remained partially repaired, highlighting the lingering effects of such incidents.
Preparing for Future Weather Events
Sierra’s story underscores that the physical disaster isn’t always the worst part. The paperwork wave can be just as brutal, affecting time, sanity, and savings. It also highlights the power imbalance when dealing with large institutions, which may have systems designed to say “no” unless proven otherwise.
For those watching the weather this winter and living near large trees, Sierra’s advice is worth heeding. Document everything, keep estimates in writing, and don’t assume “common sense” will determine who pays. As Bereola found out, common sense and claims processes don’t always align.
Final Thoughts
As the next storm season approaches, the lessons from Bereola’s experience serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and understanding one’s responsibilities. Whether it’s a tree on your property or someone else’s, the potential for unexpected damage and financial strain remains a reality for many homeowners.
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