Premises Liability Injuries While Trespassing

Answer:

We’re asked about trespassers. The law, generally, is that a trespasser, if they know they’re a trespasser, doesn’t have any protection in Wyoming. They’re responsible for their own safety. It’s oftentimes the kind of case that, especially in a business, for instance, invites people in – that’s not trespassing. There are situations where there’s a sidewalk in front of your house, and, of course, that sidewalk is a public sidewalk – that’s not trespassing. Maybe they invite you to come to the door. There’s no ‘No Trespassing’ sign on the way to the door. Under those circumstances, you’re really not a trespasser.

Every case has to be evaluated. Were you notified that you weren’t supposed to be on that property? Were you notified that there was a danger? Were you notified that there was some kind of a guard, such as a fence or a warning of a dog inside? Were you warned of those things? Those kinds of things that provide notice to you are important in every trespass case, and you may not have been a trespasser; it depends on the circumstances. We have to look at every case.