Types of Visitors for Premises Liability
Premises liability is the body of law concerning a property owner’s duties to his or her guests. The extent of these duties depends on the legal classification of certain guests. South Carolina recognizes four basic kinds of visitors: business licensees, invitees, children, and trespassers.
If you are interested in filing a premises liability claim against a negligent property owner, the first step will be determining what kind of legal responsibilities that party has towards you. For knowledgeable legal assistance, call a Charleston premises liability lawyer at the Steinberg Law Firm by calling 843-720-2800.
THE FOUR CATEGORIES OF VISITORS
In South Carolina premises liability law, the legally recognized types of visitors are:
- Business invitee: When a business opens its doors to the public, it is effectively inviting everyone onto its property during business hours. Because of this standing invitation, companies have a duty to prevent foreseeable and avoidable injuries to all of their guests.
- Licensee: A licensee is a private guest to an individual’s or family’s home. Property owners have a duty to repair any hazards they know of on their property or warn their guests about these hazards. It is more difficult to file a personal injury claim as a licensee than a business invitee.
- Children: The law recognizes that children cannot take the same responsibility for their own safety that adults can. Property owners must take reasonable precautions to protect child guests and trespassers from harm. When determining how much blame a child trespasser deserves for an injury, the court will consider his or her age, maturity, and experiences.
- Trespasser: A trespasser enters private property without permission from its owner. Property owners have very little responsibility for adult trespassers. They only need to avoid deliberately hurting trespassers more than is necessary to protect themselves.
If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities as a guest, a Charleston premises liability attorney can help.
Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Charleston & nearby areas of South Carolina
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Constructing a successful premises liability claim is not always easy. For legal advice and assistance, contact the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 to speak with a Charleston premises liability lawyer.
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