When trees grow up near electrical power lines, injury or death can result. Many electrical injury cases happen because trees were allowed to grow too close to power lines. An issue in such a case is whether the electric power utility complied with the safety rules. Each state has safety rules about keeping the trees cut away from the high voltage lines.
Recently, John Sevier, a tree expert and Certified Arborist in California, graciously provided this site with a citation to the minimum distance rules in California. Those California rules provided by Mr. Sevier are cited in the tree growth and electric power lines page. Mr. Sevier has testified in court and in the legislative process about tree safety issues. His information is appreciated.
In an electrical injury case involving the specific tree clearance standard of care, the attorney will usually retain an expert. The expert will advise the attorney about which standards the state officials would expect the power company to have followed, how the state officials interpret their policies (the states vary on how strict they are) and whether the documents show that the power company was in compliance with the standards.
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