To whom does a homeowner owe the greatest duty of care?

Prepare for the Indiana Independent Adjuster Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Sharpen your skills and knowledge for exam day!

A homeowner owes the greatest duty of care to an invitee. An invitee is someone who is invited onto the property for a specific purpose, often related to business or mutual benefit. Because the homeowner benefits from the invitee's presence—such as customers in a retail setting or guests at a social gathering—the law requires the homeowner to take reasonable steps to ensure that the property is safe. This can include maintaining the property, warning of hazards, and making repairs when necessary.

In contrast, the duty owed to a licensee (such as a social guest) is less onerous, as the homeowner must only warn the licensee of known dangers that aren't obvious. A trespasser receives the least protection, where the homeowner has a much lower duty of care, primarily not to willfully injure the trespasser. While an employee may require certain safety protocols and employer liabilities, their status can vary based on employment laws and the nature of their visit. Overall, the legal expectation is that homeowners must prioritize the safety of invitees more than any other type of visitor.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy