Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) One Practice Exam

Which type of entrant is owed a duty to warn of known hazards?

1. Invitee

2. Licensee

3. Trespasser

4. Children

The correct answer is: Licensee

The correct choice relates to the category of entrants known as licensees. Licensees are individuals who enter someone's property for their own purposes, with the property owner’s permission but without any commercial benefit to the owner. This category includes social guests, for instance. A fundamental principle in premises liability is that property owners owe a duty to warn licensees of known hazards. Since licensees are expected to have some degree of awareness and responsibility about their own safety, the property owner must provide adequate warning about dangers that are known to them but may not be readily apparent to the licensees. In contrast, invitees are owed a higher duty of care, which includes not only warning of known hazards but also actively inspecting the property for potential dangers and making sure the premises are safe. Trespassers, on the other hand, generally have fewer rights and the property owner has limited obligations toward them, with the primary duty being to refrain from willfully causing injury. Finally, children are afforded special consideration under premises liability law, which typically requires property owners to take steps to protect children from hazards, especially if they are attractive nuisances. However, this category does not align with the specific duty required for licensees. Therefore, when considering the established duty owed