Pleasant Hill, CA - Multiple People Hurt After Tree Falls at Diablo Valley College

Pleasant Hill, CA (May 26, 2025) – A tree fell on a group of people who were watching a college commencement ceremony in California, leaving a dozen injured, officials said.

The incident occurred on May 23 at Diablo Valley College in the city of Pleasant Hill, the college said. Two people were taken to the hospital with injuries, and ten others were treated at the scene, college officials said, adding the incident is under investigation.

Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families at this time. We wish them a swift recovery.

Falling Tree Accidents in California

Towering palms, sycamores, and eucalyptus trees line California’s campuses, shopping promenades, and parks, providing welcome shade—but when neglected, these same trees can become serious hazards. High winds, root decay, soil erosion, or improper pruning can cause sizeable limbs—or entire trunks—to crash down without warning, injuring passers-by, concertgoers, or diners seated on an outdoor patio. Victims of falling-tree incidents often suffer concussions, spinal trauma, compound fractures, and deep lacerations—all injuries that can require extensive surgery, rehabilitation, and months away from work.

Under California premises liability law, property owners and those who control the land must take reasonable steps to inspect, maintain, and remove dangerous conditions, including unstable vegetation. Liability may extend beyond the landowner to include landscaping contractors, utility companies that trimmed branches too aggressively, or municipal entities that ignored clear warning signs of disease or rot. Because the state’s comparative-negligence rules apportion fault among multiple parties, a careful investigation is critical to identifying every source of recovery.

Prompt evidence preservation strengthens any claim. Photographs of the fallen tree, visible fungus on the stump, cracked sidewalks indicating root upheaval, and eyewitness video can disappear quickly after cleanup crews arrive. Maintenance logs, arborist reports, and prior complaints also help demonstrate whether responsible parties knew—or should have known—about the danger. While California generally provides a two-year window to file a personal injury lawsuit, cases against public agencies require much shorter notice, making swift legal action essential.

If you've been hurt in such an accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance from our team at Countrywide Trial Lawyers. Our experienced attorneys can help you physically, emotionally, and financially.

Don’t wait to reach out to our premises liability lawyers at Countrywide Trial Lawyers if you’ve been hurt in an accident on another person's property through no fault of your own. Call us right away at 844-844-9119 to learn more about your legal options in the aftermath of an accident causing injuries and other damages.