What kind of duty do possessors of land owe to entrants?

Possessors of land have a duty to protect entrants from both artificial and natural conditions, as well as from conduct that creates risks. This duty recognizes that landowners owe a different standard of care based on the status of the entrant (invitee, licensee, or trespasser).

For invitees, landowners must maintain their property and ensure it is reasonably safe from both natural and artificial hazards. This includes actively inspecting the property for dangers that could harm visitors. For licensees, the duty is to warn of known dangers and refrain from willful or wanton harm. Trespassers generally have the least protection, but landowners still have an obligation to refrain from willfully or wantonly injuring them.

This comprehensive duty aligns with the legal principles governing premises liability, where the focus is not solely on known hazards but also on the broader responsibility of ensuring that conditions are safe for entrants. This approach helps protect various individuals who enter the premises, regardless of their purpose for doing so.