Setareh Law
April 7, 2026
You pull into a parking garage after a long day of errands, trusting that the structure is safe and well-maintained. But what happens when the lights flicker out, security cameras go dark, and warning signs are nowhere to be found? Parking garages may feel like mundane, everyday spaces, but when property owners fail to uphold basic safety standards, the consequences for visitors can be devastating. Injuries ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries can stem directly from preventable security lapses in these structures.
If you were hurt in a parking garage due to poor lighting, faulty equipment, or inadequate safety measures, you may have a valid premises liability claim under California law. At Setareh Law, our team brings over 60 years of combined experience fighting for injury victims across California, and we have recovered over $250 million on behalf of our clients. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
What Makes Parking Garages Dangerous
Parking garages present a unique combination of hazards that other commercial properties do not. Structures that span multiple levels, feature tight corners, and serve large volumes of foot and vehicle traffic require diligent upkeep and active safety management. When property owners cut corners, the risk of harm rises sharply.
According to a parking facility safety fact sheet published by the Texas Department of Insurance, parking facilities rank as the third most likely location for crimes against persons, with over 130,000 reported crimes in parking lots, drop lots, and garages recorded by the FBI in 2021 alone. Poor lighting, the absence of security cameras, and a lack of regular maintenance are among the most commonly cited contributing factors in these incidents. When property owners are aware of these risks and fail to act, California law may hold them accountable.
Common Security Failures That Lead to Injuries
Not all parking garage injuries are the result of car accidents. Many stem from the negligent security practices of the property owner or management company. The following are some of the most frequent security-related failures that lead to personal injury claims:
- Broken or insufficient lighting that leaves stairwells, ramps, and pedestrian walkways in darkness
- Non-functioning or unmonitored security cameras that fail to deter criminal activity or document incidents
- Absence of security personnel in high-traffic or high-crime areas
- Defective elevators, gates, or access points that trap or injure users
- Failure to repair uneven pavement, potholes, or slippery ramp surfaces
Each of these failures can create conditions in which assaults, slip and fall accidents, and serious crashes become foreseeable outcomes. Under California premises liability law, property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for all lawful visitors.
Establishing Liability in a Parking Garage Injury Case
To bring a successful personal injury claim after a parking garage incident, injured parties must demonstrate that the property owner or operator was negligent. This generally requires showing that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner knew or should have known about it, and that the failure to address it directly caused the injury.
Documentation is critical. Surveillance footage, maintenance logs, prior incident reports, and witness statements can all be used to establish that the owner had notice of a hazard and failed to act. In cases involving spinal cord injuries or brain injuries from a fall or assault, the long-term medical and financial consequences can be severe, making it even more essential to pursue full compensation. California’s comparative fault rules may also come into play, which is why having a skilled legal team in your corner matters.
Why California Victims Should Act Quickly
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. Waiting too long to take action can result in losing the right to seek compensation altogether. Evidence deteriorates, security footage gets overwritten, and witnesses become harder to locate with each passing day. If a parking garage injury resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may also have grounds for a wrongful death claim, which carries its own filing deadlines.
Building a strong case requires moving promptly, gathering evidence early, and working with attorneys who know how to investigate premises liability claims thoroughly.
Contact Setareh Law After a Parking Garage Injury
Setareh Law is a California personal injury firm with a proven record of standing up for injury victims when negligent property owners put them in harm’s way. With eight office locations throughout the state, over 400 five-star Google reviews, and a team that speaks Spanish, we make it easy for California residents to access experienced legal representation no matter where they are.
If you or someone you know was injured due to a parking garage security failure, do not wait to get help. Contact us today through our contact form to schedule a free consultation and let us evaluate your case at no cost to you.
