In the world of home-based business, there are kinds of people who may be able to enter your home or place of business. They are Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers. Invitees are those who enter with your permission and for the purposes of your business or otherwise for your benefit. For examples are people who making deliveries, pickups, garbage collections, and providing service or maintenance. You need to make a reasonable effort to be on the lookout for dangerous conditions and post warnings about them. Second is Licensees. They are those who enter with your permission but for their own purposes. For example, licensees include a government inspector, a member of the police or fire department, or a utility worker permitted to gain access because of an easement. In general, your duty to a licensee is to make them aware of any dangerous conditions. The last is Trespassers. They are those who enter without your permission. In general, you do not have any legal responsibility to a trespasser, although there are situations, including those called attractive nuisances, where you may have some liability even to those who break into your property or otherwise enter without your consent.
You have to be sure to consult with your insurance agent and attorney about any state or local laws or regulations that would affect your area, and ask about any particular liabilities associated with your type of business. Your homeowner’s or business insurance should protect against personal injuries. Your attorney can advise you in setting up a form of business that shields your personal assets from most lawsuits and liability, shifting responsibility to your business.
