Occupiers' Liability

What is Occupiers' Liability in Tort Law?

Quick Definition

Occupiers' liability refers to the legal responsibility of those who control premises to ensure the safety of visitors. This duty requires occupiers to take reasonable care to prevent harm to those entering their property, whether they are invited guests, licensees, or even trespassers.

In Context

Occupiers' liability is crucial in situations where someone is injured on another's property. For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor in a supermarket, the store may be liable if it failed to display warning signs. A landmark case in this area is Wheat v E Lacon & Co Ltd (1966), which clarified that more than one party can be considered an occupier and thus share liability. This concept often appears in exams to test understanding of how liability is determined and shared.

See Also

• Duty of Care

• Negligence

• Vicarious Liability

Learn More

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