Adela Magaña Suffered Arm Amputation After Being Hit by Falling Tree at Golf N’ Stuff in Ventura
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA (November 17, 2025) – A mother identified as Adela Magaña was injured in Ventura after a tree fell on top of her during a birthday party at Golf N’ Stuff.
Ventura County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:30 PM on August 6. Adela Magaña was celebrating her son’s 13th birthday when a palm tree fell over and hit her as she was sitting on a bench.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Adela Magaña was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Unfortunately, surgeons had to amputate her right arm below the shoulder. Family members described her as a strong woman and noted that she will have a long recovery ahead of her.
A full investigation into the accident at Golf N’ Stuff remains ongoing.
Liability for Accidents at Mini Golf Courses
Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 1714, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.” There are several measures that property owners should take to protect their guests from falling trees.
- Inspections: Property owners should conduct routine inspections on all of the trees on their premises. They should look for dead branches, decay, fungus, and other signs that a tree may have serious health issues.
- Hazards: Property owners must act quickly if they identify any hazardous trees on their premises. These trees should either be pruned, braced, or potentially removed.
- Design: Property owners should consider what type of trees they place on their premises. Certain types of trees are more prone to tipping over. This includes palm trees, pines, elms, and willows. Certain types of trees should not be placed in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Weather: Property owners should take into consideration weather conditions. Trees are much more vulnerable during high winds and storms.
Depending on the facts of any case, a property owner could be liable if a person is hit by a falling tree. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their premises, they must take action. Failing to take action could form the basis of a negligence claim. For example, a property owner may have failed to inspect the trees on their property. A proper inspection may have revealed that the tree was in a dangerous condition and likely to tip over.
Steps to Take After Ventura Tree Accidents
Many people are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents involving falling trees. According to one study in WILEY, “Out of 13 884 admissions, 37 (0.26%) were attributed to trees. 21 (0.15%) of those were injuries due to accidental tree failures and were included in the analysis. 38% were considered to be severely injured based on an injury severity score of greater than 15. 23.8% were polytrauma patients.” Certain actions should be taken after any accident involving a falling tree.
- Medical Evaluation: Victims should undergo a thorough medical evaluation as early as possible and treat any injuries that they have.
- Evidence: Victims should take time to preserve evidence related to the accident. This should include taking photos of the accident site.
- Legal Support: Victims should seek the guidance of an experienced premises liability attorney. An attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
The vast majority of accidents involving falling trees are preventable. They tend to be the results of clear safety lapses. For example, a property owner may fail to remove a tree that was dying and likely to tip over. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have legal options. Any person injured by a fallen tree may be entitled to substantial financial compensation to help with their lost wages and medical bills.
Investigating Ventura Falling Tree Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our best wishes to Adela Magaña and her family as she continues to recover. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. When was the last time the trees at Golf N’ Stuff were inspected? Is this the first time that a tree has fallen over at this location? Did this tree that fell over show signs of weakness or decay?
Have you or someone you care about been injured in an accident involving a falling tree in Ventura County? You may have legal recourse. Our team of highly experienced premises liability attorneys is here to assist you. We care deeply that accident victims get all of the medical and financial support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You are welcome to reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
