Which type of person is considered an 'invitee' under common law?

An 'invitee' under common law refers to individuals who enter a property for business purposes or with the express permission of the property owner. This designation includes customers at a store or business, as they are on the property for the mutual benefit of both parties—where the owner seeks customers and the invitees seek goods or services.

This classification holds significance in premises liability, as property owners owe a higher duty of care to invitees than to other types of entrants, like licensees or trespassers. Owners must maintain the safety of their premises and take reasonable measures to prevent injuries.

While individuals entering for their own benefit may seem they could be categorized as invitees, that’s not accurate unless they have the specific invitation or are on the property for business reasons. Similarly, those who enter with no purpose or merely for social visits typically fall under different classifications—licensees or social guests—who are afforded a different level of responsibility in terms of premises liability.