Agent: A property inspection report for one of my clients reported that the front door to a vacant building was open on the day of inspection, and the company required the insured to go close the door. Why did they inconvenience the client with such a simple task?
The reason is likely due to prior court decisions. When a door is left open, it can be deemed to be an “attractive nuisance” where young children or vagrants can be enticed into entering the building. Other courts have ruled that a trespasser has been “invited” onto the property when a door is open. If someone gets hurt on the property when they went in through an open door, the insured can be held liable. By having the door closed, the insured has a much better defense against a lawsuit.
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