HONOLULU — The Honolulu City Council has approved a $1 million settlement with a woman who sued the city for injuries she sustained when a coconut tree struck her in 2012.
HONOLULU — The Honolulu City Council has approved a $1 million settlement with a woman who sued the city for injuries she sustained when a coconut tree struck her in 2012.
Ana Krogh-Doyle was a competitive surfer before being struck by the tree at Kuhio Beach Park, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Thursday.
The then-44-year-old received fractures to her spine, ribs and face and sustained a head injury. Surgeons inserted metal rods in her back to stabilize her spine.
Because of her injuries, she could not return to work as an American Airlines passenger service representative, which involves lifting heavy luggage.
Krogh-Doyle’s attorney, Wayne Kekina, said the tree fell and hit the roof of a restroom, then rolled off the roof and crushed his client.
Krogh-Doyle’s lawsuit said the tree was malnourished and showed signs of declining health for several years, “which should have been known to any qualified tree professional.”
Parks and Recreation Director Michele Nekotas said the city hires certified arborists to perform inspections and inform the city if there’s an issue with a tree.
The city’s corporation counsel recommended settling with Krogh-Doyle.
Which was she an AA Service person or Professional Surfer? Is there a Senior Professional Surfing Tour….if so I am in! Shaka Bra!
Who can I sue for making me lazy and fat??
I do a pretty good job on my own! 😉
An ‘act of God’ or the neglect of an arborist? It seems, these days, ‘somebody else’ is always to blame. If it was God, was he punishing her? Can an arborist be responsible for predicting when a tree will fall over? Was it very windy that day? Maybe the county could employ a psychic to predict such an event? Or…….. cut down all the trees at public parks? The more we sue, the more restrictions will be placed on our lives. Shirt happens, there is no guarantee that life is going to be easy. The minute you walk out of your door there is a risk of something, and if something happens, it’s your fault for not leaving five minutes earlier. Get insurance if you are worried about this…just don’t blame everyone else when it happens to you. ” A million dollars please, I was just standing here, it’s your fault”…..And remember… the attorney is getting a large wedge of that million!!
So by trying to save money, the city spends more money. Great logic. This happens in private organizations too but those are my taxpayer money that’s being wasted.