【法律】Injured by a Third Party on Private Property? How California Law Protects Victims | BECKER LAW GROUP

Becker Law Group, with offices in Pasadena and Alhambra, is a leader in representing injury victims harmed by third parties while on private property—such as stores, apartment complexes, hotels, or workplaces. The firm provides bilingual, survivor-centered counsel to those facing medical bills, lost wages, and trauma after assaults, accidents, or criminal acts on another’s premises.

Legal Framework in California
When someone is injured by a third party (e.g., another customer, tenant, visitor, or criminal) on private property, California law often allows victims to pursue compensation not only from the wrongdoer, but also from the property owner, manager, or occupier.
Key legal concepts:

• Premises Liability: Property owners/occupiers have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions and to take steps to prevent foreseeable harm to lawful visitors. This includes adequate security, lighting, warnings, and screening where risks are known.

• Negligent Security: If injury results from criminal acts (assault, robbery, etc.) that were foreseeable, owners may be liable for failing to take reasonable precautions (e.g., security cameras, locks, guards).

Who Can Bring a Claim?

• Any person lawfully on the property (customers, guests, tenants, contractors, or even trespassers in some cases)

• Claims may also be brought by family members of fatal injury victims (wrongful death)

What Must Be Proven?

• The property owner or manager knew or should have known about potential dangers (including previous incidents, unsafe conditions, or high-crime history)

• They failed to take reasonable steps to prevent or warn about harm

• This negligence directly contributed to the injury by a third party

Types of Compensation Available

• Economic damages: Medical costs, lost wages, future care, property damage

• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life

• Punitive damages: Sometimes available in cases of egregious misconduct or reckless indifference

Practical Steps for Victims

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and ensure injuries are documented.

2. Report the Incident: Notify property management, file a police report, and request incident records.

3. Gather Evidence: Take photos, preserve surveillance footage if possible, collect witness information, and keep all correspondence.

4. Consult an Attorney: Legal professionals can evaluate property owner liability, handle negotiations, and file lawsuits if needed.

Special Considerations

• Comparative Fault: Even if the victim was partially at fault, California law allows recovery, with compensation reduced by the victim’s percentage of responsibility.

• Immigrant and non-English-speaking victims: All persons have legal rights, regardless of immigration status. Becker Law Group offers Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish support.

• Insurance Issues: Homeowners, renters, and commercial general liability policies may provide coverage for these claims.

Time Limits (Statute of Limitations)

• Most claims must be filed within two years of the incident.

• Claims involving government-owned property or entities may have shorter deadlines.

Conclusion
If you’ve been injured by a third party while on private property, California law gives you powerful tools to hold property owners accountable and seek compensation. Becker Law Group’s trauma-informed, bilingual approach ensures victims and their families are protected and empowered at every stage.

Sources:

• California Civil Code and Civil Procedure Code (premises liability)

• Judicial Council of California: Injury and negligent security resources

• Becker Law Group premises liability resource center

• [LA Times, Reuters: Major premises liability and security cases]