Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail in this duty and someone gets hurt, they may be held liable through a premises liability claim.

Duty of Care

The level of care owed depends on the visitor status: invitees (customers, guests) receive the highest duty of care, licensees (social guests) receive a moderate duty, and trespassers generally receive minimal duty.

Common Hazards

Slip and fall accidents from wet floors, inadequate lighting, broken stairs, potholes in parking lots, or lack of warning signs are common premises liability issues.