California § 13972 - If a private citizen incurs personal injury or death or damage to his or her prop

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 13972 — If a private citizen incurs personal injury or death or damage to his or her prop, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13972. If a private citizen incurs personal injury or death or damage to his or her prop

(a) If a private citizen incurs personal injury or death or damage to his or her property in preventing the commission of a crime against the person or property of another, in apprehending a criminal, or in materially assisting a peace officer in prevention of a crime or apprehension of a criminal, or rescuing a person in immediate danger of injury or death as a result of fire, drowning, or other catastrophe, the private citizen, his or her surviving spouse, his or her surviving children, a person dependent upon the citizen for his or her principal support, any person legally liable for the citizen’s pecuniary losses, or a public safety or law enforcement agency acting on behalf of any of the above may file a claim with the California Victim Compensation Board for indemnification to the extent that the claimant is not compensated from any other source for the injury, death, or damage. The claim shall generally show all of the following: (1) The date, place, and other circumstances of the occurrence or events that gave rise to the claim. (2) A general description of the activities of the private citizen in prevention of a crime, apprehension of a criminal, or rescuing a person in immediate danger of injury or death as a result of fire, drowning, or other catastrophe. (3) The amount or estimated amount of the injury, death, or damage sustained for which the claimant is not compensated from any other source, insofar as it may be known at the time of the presentation of the claim. (4) Any other information that the California Victim Compensation Board may require. (b) A claim filed under subdivision (a) shall be accompanied by a corroborating statement and recommendation from the appropriate state or local public safety or law enforcement agency.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 13972

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 13972 cover?

Section 13972 ("If a private citizen incurs personal injury or death or damage to his or her prop") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite California § 13972?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 13972" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of California law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.

How does California § 13972 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.