Legal Definitions - invitor

An invitor is a person or entity who invites another individual onto their property, typically for a purpose that benefits both parties, or for a purpose connected to the invitor's business or operations. In legal terms, particularly concerning premises liability, an invitor owes the highest duty of care to ensure the safety of those they invite onto their property.

This duty requires the invitor to:

• Inspect the premises for potential hazards.
• Warn invitees of any known dangers.
• Actively make the premises safe from dangers that are known or reasonably discoverable.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of an invitor:

• Example 1: A Grocery Store Owner

  A grocery store owner who opens their doors to the public is an invitor. They invite customers into their store to purchase goods, which benefits both the customer (who gets groceries) and the owner (who makes a sale). Because of this invitation, the owner has a legal duty to ensure the store aisles are clear of spills, that shelves are properly stocked to prevent items from falling, and that entryways are free of hazards like ice or debris. If a customer slips on a puddle of spilled milk that the store staff knew about but failed to clean up, the store owner, as the invitor, could be held responsible for the customer's injuries due to breaching their duty of care.

• Example 2: A Public Library

  A public library, funded by the city, is an invitor when it opens its doors to community members for reading, research, or attending events. The library invites the public for educational and recreational purposes, which benefits the community. Consequently, the library has a duty to maintain a safe environment, such as ensuring stairwells are well-lit, carpets are not torn, and emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed. If a visitor trips over a loose floor tile that the library staff had been aware of for weeks but failed to repair, the library, as the invitor, might be liable for any resulting injury.

• Example 3: A Restaurant Owner

  The owner of a restaurant is an invitor to patrons who come to dine. The invitation is for a business purpose—the patron pays for food and service, and the owner profits. This relationship places a duty on the restaurant owner to maintain a safe dining environment. This includes ensuring that kitchen floors are not excessively greasy, that tables and chairs are stable, and that restrooms are clean and free of slip hazards. If a diner is injured because a ceiling tile fell due to a known leak that the restaurant owner neglected to address, the owner, as the invitor, could be found negligent for failing to uphold their duty to provide a safe premises.