Occupiers liability (AO1) Flashcards
What does occupiers liability allow?
People who are injured on premises or within properties can claim damages from the occupier of these premises
What are the two statutes in occupiers liability?
-The Occupiers Liability Act 1957
-The Occupiers Liability Act 1984
What is the main difference between OLA 1957 and 1984?
In 1957 the care is owed to a lawful visitor, in 1984 the care is owed to a trespasser
Whilst there is no statutory definition as to who is a legal occupier, what is the definition developed by judges and common law?
The occupier is the person or persons who have sufficient control of the premises at the time that the damage was caused
Which case establishes that it can be possible for there to be more than one occupier of premises?
Wheat v E.Lacon & Co Ltd (1966)
What is the principle in Wheat v E.Lacon & Co Ltd (1966)?
The court held that it is possible to have more than one occupier as it is not necessary for 1 person to control the entire premises they just need some control
Which case establishes that there can be no occupier in some instances?
Bailey v Armes (1999)
What was the principle in Bailey v Armes (1999)?
Neither the flat owner nor the supermarket had sufficient control so they weren’t liable as the occupier
Where is the statutory definition or premises found?
Section 1(3)(a) of the Occupiers Liability Act 1957
What is the statutory definition of premises under S1(3)(a) OLA 1957?
Premises are where a person has occupation or control of any fixed or moveable structure, including any vessel, vehicle and aircraft
The courts expanded the definition of premises to include what four premises?
-A ship in a dry dock
-A vehicle
-A lift
-A ladder
What does S2(1) of the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 state?
An occupier will owe a general common duty to all lawful visitors
Under definition and duty, lawful visitors will be classed as…
-An invitee
-A licensee
-Anybody with a contractual or legal right to enter
What does S2(2) of the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 state?
Duty of care requires the occupier to take such care in all circumstances and see that the visitor will be reasonably safe in the premises for the purpose in which he is invited to be there
What does S2(2) of the OLA act mean?
That courts have imposed a duty of care on occupiers to keep visitors reasonably safe and not to necessarily maintain completely safe premises
What was the principle in Laverton v Kiapasha Takeaway (2002)?
The CofA decided that the shop owners had taken reasonable care to ensure that their customers were safe, they didn’t have to make the shop completely safe or guarantee safety
When does duty of care arise in OLA 1957?
In respect of adult visitors, common DoC does not extend to prevent everyday slips and trips, the duty only arises when there is present a risk which creates a “real source of danger”.
What is the principle in Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral v Debell (2016)?
Occupiers will not be liable for every day trips or falls they will only be liable if a risk creates a “real source of danger”.
Under the 1957 act, what duty of care is owed to children specifically?
Occupiers owe a general duty to all lawful visitors but if the lawful visitor is a child then the occupier will owe a special duty.
What does Section2(3) of the OLA 1957 state about children?
The occupier must be prepared for children to be less careful than adults and, as a result, the premises must be reasonable safe for a child of that age.
What does OLA 1957 state about allurements?
The occupier should be aware of and guard against the risk of allurements
What is an allurement?
Something that a child would be attracted to but they wouldn’t appreciate the risk like an adult