Legal Definitions - business invitee

A business invitee is an individual who enters or remains on a property at the express or implied invitation of a business, for a purpose related to the business's commercial activities. This relationship is typically for the mutual benefit of both parties, or primarily for the benefit of the business.

In legal terms, specifically within tort law (the area of law dealing with civil wrongs that cause harm), the classification of someone as a business invitee is crucial because it establishes a higher standard of care that the property owner or business owes to that individual. Businesses are generally required to exercise reasonable care to ensure the safety of their invitees, which includes inspecting the premises for potential hazards, fixing dangerous conditions, and warning invitees about any non-obvious dangers that cannot be immediately remedied. This duty exists because businesses are considered to be in the best position to identify and mitigate risks on their property, and invitees have a reasonable expectation of safety when engaging in commercial activities.

• Example 1: A client visits a financial advisor's office for a scheduled meeting to discuss investment strategies.

Explanation: The client is a business invitee because they were invited onto the financial advisor's property (the office) for a commercial purpose (receiving financial advice, which is the core service of the business). The financial advisor's firm owes a duty to ensure the office premises, including the waiting area and meeting rooms, are reasonably safe and free from hazards for the client.

• Example 2: A patron attends a concert at a privately owned music venue after purchasing a ticket.

Explanation: The concert patron is a business invitee. They are on the music venue's property at the invitation of the business (implied by the purchase of a ticket) for a commercial purpose (attending a paid event). The venue has a legal obligation to maintain the premises, including seating areas, walkways, and restrooms, in a reasonably safe condition and to warn patrons of any known dangers.

• Example 3: A car owner brings their vehicle to an auto repair shop for diagnostic work and service.

Explanation: The car owner is a business invitee. They are on the auto repair shop's property at the invitation of the business for a commercial purpose (having their car serviced, which generates revenue for the shop). The repair shop must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the customer while they are on the premises, such as keeping the customer waiting area clear of tools or spills, or providing clear signage for safe movement within the facility.