united-states california
Car parked at my residence was made dirty by neighbouring building construction: can I get compensated?
<p>My car parked at my residence was made dirty by some neighbouring building construction. Can I get compensated in some way (e.g., paying for car wash)? I live in California, USA.</p>

<h1>Yes.</h1>

<p>The tort of trespass addresses this situation.</p>

<p>In California, the plaintiff in a trespass suit must prove five things:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Plaintiff occupied the property; </p></li>
<li><p>Defendant negligently entered plaintiff's property (this can include an entry by the defendant, or by tangible objects that the defendant caused to enter the property, <em>Newhall Land &amp; Farming Co. v. Superior Court</em> 19 Cal.App.4th 334, 345 (1993)); </p></li>
<li><p>Plaintiff did not authrize that entry; </p></li>
<li><p>Plaintiff was harmed; and</p></li>
<li><p>Defendant's entry caused that harm.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Obviously, the time and expense associated with pursuing this lawsuit would quickly outstrip the value of any damages likely to be recovered. But a person who just really wanted to stick it to the construction company should have a viable case.</p>
