Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | July 30, 2025 | Premises Liability
If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, understanding the difference between an invitee and a licensee in a premises liability case is an important part of determining liability. Maryland law places different responsibilities on property owners depending on why the visitor was present. These legal terms can affect whether the owner is responsible for your injury and what compensation you may be entitled to.
Understanding the Term “Invitee”
An invitee enters a property for the property owner’s benefit, typically in a business or public context. This includes customers at a store, clients visiting an office, or people attending a public event. Because invitees are there for the owner’s benefit, the owner owes them the highest duty of care.
That means they must:
- Regularly inspect the property for hazards
- Fix any dangerous conditions promptly
- Warn invitees of risks that aren’t obvious
- Maintain the property in reasonably safe condition
For example, if a grocery store employee knows there’s a spill in an aisle and doesn’t clean it up or put out a warning sign, they could be liable if a shopper slips and falls.
What Is a Licensee?
A licensee is someone who is invited onto the property for social reasons or personal purposes, not for business. Friends visiting a home, neighbors dropping by, or people attending a casual social event are licensees. The duty of care owed to a licensee is lower than that owed to an invitee.
The property owner is only responsible for:
- Fixing known dangers that they are aware of
- Warning the licensee about those hazards
Unlike invitees, owners are not required to inspect the property or fix unknown problems. If a hazard wasn’t obvious and the owner didn’t know about it, they may not be liable.
Why the Difference Matters
The distinction between invitee and licensee can make or break a premises liability claim. Courts use these categories to determine whether a property owner breached their duty of care.
You may have a stronger claim if you’re an invitee and the property owner failed to inspect or maintain the premises. If you’re a licensee, your claim may be limited unless you can prove the owner knew about the danger and failed to warn you.
There are a few key differences between the two:
- Invitee: Someone who is on the property for the benefit of the owner (like a customer)
- Licensee: Someone on the property for personal reasons (like a social guest)
- Duty of care: Owners must inspect and maintain property for invitees; for licensees, they must only warn of known dangers
Invitees typically have a higher chance of recovery due to greater protections.
Can You Be Both an Invitee and a Licensee?
Not at the same time, but your status can change. For example, if you visit a store (making you an invitee) and then go into an employee-only area without permission, you might become a licensee or even a trespasser. Each classification affects your legal protection and the owner’s responsibility.
Business Invitees and Property Owners
A business invitee is someone who visits a property specifically to conduct business. This includes not only shoppers but also delivery drivers or maintenance workers hired by the owner. Businesses must take active steps to keep their premises safe for these visitors.
Some examples of failures that can lead to lawsuits involving business invitees include:
- Wet floors with no signage
- Broken steps or uneven walkways
- Exposed wiring or construction hazards
- Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
Owners who ignore these risks may be liable if someone gets injured.
What Is Not Covered?
Maryland courts may reduce or eliminate damages in certain situations, including:
- If the injured person ignored clear warnings
- If they ventured into off-limits areas
- If they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Maryland also follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if you were even slightly at fault for your injury, you may be barred from recovering damages entirely.
Contact the Premises Liability Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
Knowing what is the difference between an invitee and a licensee in a premises liability case is crucial after an injury on someone else’s property. Property owners owe varying levels of care depending on why you were there.
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George’s County, and its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Find us also with our Geo Coordinates: 38.6183504,-76.9009741
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7
Find us also with our Geo Coordinates: 38.9526172,-76.8360973