Is a Property Owner Liable if a Trespasser Gets Hurt?
If someone not invited on a property is hurt, is the owner still liable? In some situations, the answer is yes.
There are three types of visitors on a property:
- An “invitee” is an individual that was asked onto the property, such as a contractor
- A “licensee” is a social guest, such as a friend or family member invited to visit
- A “trespasser” is any individual who did not receive permission to be on the property
While property owners are required to take reasonable care to protect invitees and licensees, there are instances where the owner can also be liable for any injury that even a trespasser might sustain while on the property. This includes the following:
- If the owner neglected to post signs indicating “private property” or “no trespassing,” and the visitor unknowingly entered the property
- If the owner purposefully set traps on the property
- If there were hazards or dangerous conditions existing on the property known by the owner
- If an owner purposefully inflicts harm or uses force on the visitor
If you or someone you love was hurt while trespassing on another person’s property, don’t assume that you have no recourse. Talk to an experienced premises liability attorney in Philadelphia. Contact us anytime to set up an appointment.