Woman hurt by falling Central Park tree to sue

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Anne Monoky her three young children were taking a stroll in Central Park on August 15, 2017, when an elm tree suddenly fell on them.

"Anne was the tragic victim, we believe, of the neglect of the park, the neglect of the city to make this area safe for her to travel," said Tom Kline, her family's lawyer. "She is a hero in the sense she saved these children's lives… Her first instinct was to protect her children and not herself."

Her 2-month-old baby was strapped to her chest in a baby carrier. Her two other children were in a double-wide stroller. The 2-year-old suffered a head injury and a concussion.

Anne suffered a spinal cord injury that left her immobilized in a neck brace. Doctors say she can't move her neck or head and needs to lie in this position for two to three months.

"She literally needs two people to walk her to the bathroom, to walk her to a shower," Kline said.

Monoky's lawyers filed a $200 million notice of claim against New York City and the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that manages the park.

"We are hopeful that the city will recognize that they have a very serious problem," Kline said. "Enough is enough."

As expected, this past month has been an emotional roller-coaster for the family. Her lawyers said the worst is she is unable to nurse her infant.

"Mostly down rather than up. Every function of life performed by a vibrant mother is replaced by someone else doing a chore," Kline said.

The Central Park Conservancy said it does not comment on pending litigation.

A city official said the notice of claim will be reviewed.