Idaho Family Sues Forest After Tree Falls on Son

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho family has sued the U.S. Forest Service for more than $1 million after a tree at a campsite struck their son. Richard and Melinda Armstrong of Caldwell say their family was camping in the Boise National Forest in September 2010 when a gust of wind blew over a dead tree.

The tree fell on their son, resulting in a large laceration, a compound fracture and a puncture wound in his back that impaired his breathing. The boy was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Boise and has undergone multiple surgeries on his leg.

Now, the couple says the Forest Service was negligent because it didn't adequately assess or address the hazard. They're suing for more than $1 million in damages and emotional stress in U.S. District Court.