Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property. This area of law is grounded in the principle that property owners owe a duty of care to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. The extent of this duty can vary based on the legal status of the visitor, typically categorized as invitees, licensees, or trespassers. Invitees, such as customers in a store, are owed the highest duty of care because they are on the property for the mutual benefit of both parties. Property owners must regularly inspect and maintain their premises to prevent hazards that could harm invitees. Licensees, such as social guests, are owed a moderate duty of care, requiring the property owner to warn them of known dangers that may not be obvious. Trespassers, who enter the property without permission, are generally owed the least duty of care, though property owners cannot willfully or wantonly cause them harm.

Premises liability encompasses a wide range of accidents, including slip and fall incidents, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, and injuries due to inadequate security. Slip and fall cases are among the most common premises liability claims. These incidents often occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstacles left in walkways. In such cases, the injured party must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action to remedy it. Dog bite cases involve the owner’s responsibility to control their pet and prevent it from harming others. Swimming pool accidents often relate to inadequate fencing, lack of supervision, or failure to maintain the pool in a safe condition. Premises liability also extends to security issues, such as assaults or robberies occurring due to insufficient lighting, broken locks, or lack of security personnel.