In assessing negligence, what duty of care is owed by common carriers and innkeepers?

Common carriers, such as bus, train, or airline companies, and innkeepers, like hotel owners, are required to follow a very high standard of care when dealing with their passengers or guests. This means they must go above and beyond what would typically be expected in most other situations. These businesses handle the safety and comfort of many people, and the law recognizes the special trust that passengers and guests place in them.

Because of this, even the smallest oversight or mistake, known as slight negligence, can make them liable if something goes wrong. For instance, if a hotel doesn’t properly secure a loose handrail in a stairwell and a guest is injured, the hotel can be held responsible even though the mistake may seem minor. Similarly, if a bus driver slightly fails to follow a safety rule and an accident happens, the bus company could be liable for any injuries.

This rule is important because passengers and guests often have little control over their safety in these settings. When you board a train or check into a hotel, you trust that the operators will take all the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. The law ensures that these businesses take that responsibility very seriously.