Can a Property Owner Be Sued by a Trespasser?
It sounds surprising, but under certain circumstances, a property owner can be held responsible for someone’s injury, even when the individual was trespassing. While the general rule is that property owners aren’t liable for accidents involving uninvited guests, there are exceptions that could leave one legally vulnerable.
While property owners do not have a duty to warn trespassers about safety hazards, if a property is one where people frequently cut through - say, for example, as a shortcut to a public park - the owner is then likely aware of that traffic and would be responsible for posting warnings about potential hazards. Failing to do so could result in liability if an injury occurs.
Pets are another instance where an owner can face legal trouble. If a property owner has a dog with known aggressive tendencies and fails to secure it, the owner could be responsible for any injuries it causes—even to trespassers.
Understanding these exceptions is crucial for those who have been injured by reckless or harmful actions, even when the injured party was not invited.
If you or a loved one has been injured on a property where you believe the owner was negligent to their required duty of care, consider speaking with someone at a top Philadelphia premises liability law firm. Contact us to set a time to meet and discuss the unique details of your situation.