Business Insurance
Premises Liability
Premises liability holds property owners and occupiers responsible for keeping their premises safe and covers injury claims arising from hazardous conditions.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
Premises liability is the legal obligation of a business owner or property occupier to maintain reasonably safe conditions, and premises liability insurance pays for claims when someone is injured due to a hazard on the property. Slip-and-fall accidents are the most common premises liability claim and are covered under the general liability policy's premises and operations coverage. Restaurants, retail stores, and gyms face significant premises exposure — a grocery chain might settle a slip-and-fall claim for $50,000–$300,000 depending on severity and jurisdiction. The duty of care owed varies by the visitor's legal status: invitees (customers) receive the highest duty, licensees (social guests) a moderate duty, and trespassers generally a minimal duty under most state laws, though exceptions exist for child trespassers under the attractive nuisance doctrine. Property owners who lease space to tenants remain co-liable for common areas, making landlord premises liability an important consideration alongside tenant GL. Snow and ice removal obligations in northern states are a frequent source of premises liability claims during winter months.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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