Tree trimmers sued by insurance company after limb falls on power line, starts fire in home

GRETNA –  A St. Charles Parish based tree trimming service is being sued by a homeowner's insurance company for damages they are alleged to have caused to a home when a tree limb fell on a nearby power line.

State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance Company filed suit against R&J Tree Service, Louisiana Tree Company, Robert Meyer and Michael McCory in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 13. State Farm  claims that R&J Tree service was trimming trees in the proximity of the houses that had a homeowner's insurance policy with the company The plaintiffs claim that due to the defendants work a severed tree limb fell on a nearby power line pulling the power pole away from the homeowner's residence and resulting in power surges and small fires inside the home.

The defendant is accused of not having the appropriate experience related to tree trimming work, not being thoroughly qualified or trained to perform tree trimming services, performing unsafe work that is inappropriate for the conditions, utilizing tree trimming equipment in an unsafe manner and failing to perform services in a safe and reasonable manner.

Damages in the amount of $87,415.46 are sought for fire damages to the home.

State Farm is represented by attorney Derrick M. Shelton of Baton Rouge.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 722-056.