A woman has filed a lawsuit against a local swim club and township, alleging severe injuries from a falling tree branch. The complaint was filed by Judy Harwood in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County on July 18, 2024, naming Tinicum Township Swim Club and the Township of Tinicum as defendants.
According to the complaint, Judy Harwood was lawfully on the premises of Tinicum Township Swim Club on July 23, 2022, when she was struck by a large tree branch that fell due to alleged negligence in maintaining the property. The lawsuit claims that the defendants failed to properly inspect and maintain the trees on their property, leading to hazardous conditions. "The defective and irregular condition of the trees, shrubbery, landscaping, grounds, foliage, and topography upon the Premises was known to Defendant herein for a significant period of time prior to the time of Plaintiff's fall," states the complaint.
Harwood alleges that both the swim club and township had actual notice or should have known about the dangerous condition but failed to take necessary measures to protect against it. The plaintiff describes her injuries as severe and permanent, affecting her back, hip, and torso. She claims these injuries have resulted in significant pain and suffering, impairment of bodily functions, loss of earnings, and ongoing medical expenses.
The lawsuit details multiple instances of alleged negligence including failure to prune dangerous limbs from trees, lack of regular inspection programs for tree maintenance, inadequate training for landscaping staff, and failure to warn visitors about potential hazards. Harwood is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 along with interest and costs associated with the suit.
Representing Judy Harwood is Alan F. Galerman from Galerman Law Group. The case has been assigned Case ID No: TERM 2024 in front of judges at Delaware County's Court of Common Pleas.