Mother sues for $5 million after tree causes son’s death

PORTLAND – The mother of an 11-year-old boy who died after a tree struck the car they were riding in is seeking $5 million for her physical and psychological injuries.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Susan Graham filed a lawsuit Wednesday against two Portland property owners, alleging they failed to recognize that a large cedar tree on one or both properties was dead and a risk to public safety.

Graham and her son, Thomas, had been heading toward Lake Oswego in December 2014 when the tree fell on their vehicle, which continued for about 50 feet before crashing into another tree. The boy died at the scene.

Graham suffered serious injuries that required multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation.

A $2.5 million lawsuit filed by Graham’s husband against the same property owners on behalf of their son’s estate is pending.