Premises liability law states that premises owners can be held responsible for accidents that occur on their property due to the careless condition of their property. People injured on the property of a negligent premise owner are often entitled to compensation for any physical injuries or emotional trauma they suffer as result of the injury. Eligibility and amount of compensation available to the victim can depend on what type of property visitor they are.
Types of Visitors in a Premises Liability Case
Eligibility for compensation for injuries in a premises liability law suit will depend on the intention of a guest on another party’s property. The classification of a visitor will fall into one of the three following categories:
Trespasser – People who are hurt on a property where they were not invited may have a more difficult time receiving compensation for their injuries. However, people who are “trespassing” for business purposes, such as a door-to-door salesman, may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Licensee – A licensee is a visitor to a property where there is no business or commercial purpose. For instance, a guest at a house party counts as a licensee. A licensee who is injured may be entitled to compensation if the owner knew of poor maintenance or other risks that they did not address.
Invitee – Injured invitees are generally entitled to the most compensation. An invitee is someone who comes to a premise intending to purchase a product or discuss business. Commercial premises owners are under the strictest regulations for keeping their property safe.
Negligent owners can be held responsible for the injuries they cause. If you were sustained injuries due to unsafe property conditions, call now to speak to an experienced premises liability attorney.
