ORANGE, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — One of the three survivors of a tree fall incident that took place in August at an Orange residence is expected to announce their lawsuit against the neighboring homeowner today at the Boston law offices of Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers. The survivors’ lawyer, John McCarthy, said in a statement that the “extreme negligence” of the neighbor in regards to the tree is responsible for the “unimaginable suffering and pain” the plaintiffs have experienced.
From SEAN MARTIN | senior VP at Regan Communications Group, Inc.
After Treefall Event Gruesomely Injures Three in Orange, Survivors Sue Homeowner
Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers demands trial by jury on behalf of survivors
ORANGE, MA (November 12, 2024) – Boston-based Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers and the three survivors of a gruesome treefall event in Orange, MA, announce today they have filed a complaint and jury demand against the homeowner they allege is responsible for the near-fatal incident.
On August 9, 2024, at approximately 4:00pm, Danyelle Bushee (Orange, MA), Brittany Bushee (Athol, MA) and Melissa Chiasson (Athol, MA) were standing outside of D. Bushee’s home when a tree plummeted and crashed into their driveway inflicting catastrophic injuries to the three women. Orange Fire & Rescue, as well as Massachusetts State Police’s Investigative Unit, responded to the scene where two of the three women were unresponsive requiring lifesaving measures. When an attempt to med-flight the victims was unsuccessful, they were rushed to Athol Hospital with two suffering life-threatening injuries.
It is alleged the tree collapsed from a property (92 Mechanic Street) owned by D. Bushee’s neighbor, Peter Rocklin (Jersey City, NJ). It further asserts it is the responsibility of Mr. Rocklin to properly maintain his property, including remedying any defective conditions on the premises such as this badly decaying tree. Following the incident, authorities reportedly stated the tree was “planned to be taken down” given its state of rot. This was the second treefall incident at the property’s address in the last six months. Family and friends had been in communication with the tenants living at 92 Mechanical Street prior to the incident due to concern of the potential danger of the decaying trees and the need for tree removal.
As a result of the horrific event, Danyelle Bushee required intubation having suffered a traumatic brain injury in addition to broken vertebrae, fractured ribs and a broken femur. Ms. Bushee – who was gainfully employed as a nurse at the time of the incident – remained in in-patient hospital care for two months before being released to her family where she now requires 24/7 at-home care and assistance in addition to extensive therapy and medical appointments. Her sister, Brittany Bushee, spent three harrowing nights at UMASS Memorial with a fractured right skull and brain bleeding; she continues to suffer memory and hearing loss rendering her unable to work for the foreseeable future. Melissa Chiasson suffered abrasions across her head and body in addition to shoulder and neck injuries that require ongoing physical therapy.
“The Plaintiffs have experienced unimaginable suffering and pain due to the extreme negligence of Mr. Rocklin,” said John McCarthy, trial attorney for Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers. These injuries were caused by Mr. Rocklin’s careless and reckless disregard for this danger presented. With basic maintenance and attention to the property, this was entirely preventable.”
The lawsuit seeks to recover damages related to indefinite medical expenses, serious bodily injuries causing physical pain, disfigurement and impairment, mental anguish, emotional distress, as well as loss or earnings now and in the future.